King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 10:5 Mean?

2 Kings 10:5 in the King James Version says “And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sen... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.

2 Kings 10:5 · KJV


Context

3

Look even out the best and meetest of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house.

4

But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?

5

And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.

6

Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye be mine, and if ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time. Now the king's sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, which brought them up. mine: Heb. for me

7

And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 · 25 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח1 of 25

of the children sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֲשֶׁר2 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל3 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַבַּ֣יִת4 of 25

And he that was over the house

H1004

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

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֪ר5 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל6 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָעִ֟יר7 of 25

and he that was over the city

H5892

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

וְהַזְּקֵנִים֩8 of 25

the elders

H2205

old

וְהָאֹֽמְנִ֨ים9 of 25

also and the bringers up

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

אֶל10 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יֵה֤וּא׀11 of 25

to Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

תֹּאמַ֥ר12 of 25

all that thou shalt bid

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עֲבָדֶ֣יךָ13 of 25

We are thy servants

H5650

a servant

אֲנַ֔חְנוּ14 of 25
H587

we

וְכֹ֛ל15 of 25
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר16 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תֹּאמַ֥ר17 of 25

all that thou shalt bid

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֵ֖ינוּ18 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲשֵֽׂה׃19 of 25

and will do

H6213

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

לֹֽא20 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נַמְלִ֣ךְ21 of 25

king

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אִ֔ישׁ22 of 25

us we will not make any

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)

הַטּ֥וֹב23 of 25

thou that which is good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ24 of 25

in thine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

עֲשֵֽׂה׃25 of 25

and will do

H6213

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


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 10:5 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 10:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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