King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 10:25 Mean?

2 Kings 10:25 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to th...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. the edge: Heb. the mouth”

2 Kings 10:25 · KJV

Context

23

And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.

24

And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him.

25

And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. the edge: Heb. the mouth

26

And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them. images: Heb. statues

27

And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 10 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Purge Continues) reflects the historical reality of violent political revolution motivated by zeal for Yahweh but lacking genuine heart transformation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 10 regarding zeal for god without heart transformation?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַיְהִ֞י1 of 24
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּכַלֹּת֣וֹ׀2 of 24

“And it came to pass as soon as he had made an end”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת3 of 24

“of offering”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הָֽעֹלָ֗ה4 of 24

“the burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר5 of 24

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יֵ֠הוּא6 of 24

“that Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

הָֽרָצִים֙7 of 24

“and the guard”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

וְהַשָּׁ֣לִשִׁ֔ים8 of 24

“and the captains”

H7991

a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)

בֹּ֤אוּ9 of 24

“Go in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַיַּכּ֖וּם10 of 24

“And they smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אִ֣ישׁ11 of 24

“them let none”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אַל12 of 24
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יֵצֵ֔א13 of 24

“come forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וַיַּכּ֖וּם14 of 24

“And they smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

לְפִי15 of 24

“them with the edge”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

חָ֑רֶב16 of 24

“of the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וַיַּשְׁלִ֗כוּ17 of 24

“cast them out”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

הָֽרָצִים֙18 of 24

“and the guard”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

וְהַשָּׁ֣לִשִׁ֔ים19 of 24

“and the captains”

H7991

a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)

וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ20 of 24
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

עַד21 of 24
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עִ֥יר22 of 24

“to the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בֵּית23 of 24

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַבָּֽעַל׃24 of 24

“of Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 10:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 10:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 16:6-71 Kings 18:40Ezekiel 22:21-22Ezekiel 9:5-7Exodus 32:27Deuteronomy 13:6-11

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