King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 11:14 Mean?

2 Kings 11:14 in the King James Version says “And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the ki...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 11:14 · KJV

Context

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.

15

But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD.

16

And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain.

Read 2 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 11: Preservation of Davidic line and covenant faithfulness. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 24 words
וַתֵּ֡רֶא1 of 24

“And when she looked”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְהִנֵּ֣ה2 of 24
H2009

lo!

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ3 of 24

“behold the king”

H4428

a king

עֹמֵ֨ד4 of 24

“stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַֽל5 of 24
H5921

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

הָעַמּ֜וּד6 of 24

“by a pillar”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֗ט7 of 24

“as the manner”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וְהַשָּׂרִ֤ים8 of 24

“was and the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

בַּחֲצֹֽצְר֑וֹת9 of 24

“and the trumpeters”

H2689

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

אֶל10 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ11 of 24

“behold the king”

H4428

a king

וְכָל12 of 24
H3605

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

עַ֤ם13 of 24

“and all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙14 of 24

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שָׂמֵ֔חַ15 of 24

“rejoiced”

H8056

blithe or gleeful

וְתֹקֵ֖עַ16 of 24

“and blew”

H8628

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

בַּחֲצֹֽצְר֑וֹת17 of 24

“and the trumpeters”

H2689

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

וַתִּקְרַ֤ע18 of 24

“rent”

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

עֲתַלְיָה֙19 of 24

“and Athaliah”

H6271

athaljah, the name of an israelitess and two israelites

אֶת20 of 24
H853

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

בְּגָדֶ֔יהָ21 of 24

“her clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וַתִּקְרָ֖א22 of 24

“and cried”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

קָֽשֶׁר׃23 of 24

“Treason”

H7195

an (unlawful) alliance

קָֽשֶׁר׃24 of 24

“Treason”

H7195

an (unlawful) alliance

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 11:14 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 11:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 34:312 Kings 23:32 Kings 9:23Luke 19:37Revelation 19:1-71 Kings 1:39-40

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 11 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes