King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 11:12 Mean?

2 Kings 11:12 in the King James Version says “And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king. God: Heb. Let the king live”

2 Kings 11:12 · KJV

Salvation

Context

10

And to the captains over hundreds did the priest give king David's spears and shields, that were in the temple of the LORD.

11

And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple. corner: Heb. shoulder

12

And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king. God: Heb. Let the king live

13

And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the LORD.

14

And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason.

Read 2 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 11: Preservation of Davidic line and covenant faithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

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

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 11 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Athaliah's Usurpation and Downfall) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. 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 11 regarding preservation of davidic line and covenant faithfulness?
  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 · 18 words
וַיּוֹצִ֣א1 of 18

“And he brought forth”

H3318

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

אֶת2 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֶּן3 of 18

“son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃4 of 18

“the king”

H4428

a king

וַיִּתֵּ֤ן5 of 18

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עָלָיו֙6 of 18
H5921

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

אֶת7 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַנֵּ֙זֶר֙8 of 18

“the crown”

H5145

properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl

וְאֶת9 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָ֣עֵד֔וּת10 of 18

“upon him and gave him the testimony”

H5715

testimony

וַיַּמְלִ֥כוּ11 of 18

“and they made him king”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֹת֖וֹ12 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וַיִּמְשָׁחֻ֑הוּ13 of 18

“and anointed”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

וַיַּכּוּ14 of 18

“him and they clapped”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

כָ֔ף15 of 18

“their hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

וַיֹּֽאמְר֖וּ16 of 18

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְחִ֥י17 of 18

“God save”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃18 of 18

“the king”

H4428

a king

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 11:12 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 11:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 10:24Exodus 25:162 Samuel 1:101 Kings 1:39Exodus 31:182 Kings 11:2

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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