King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 11:15 Mean?

2 Kings 11:15 in the King James Version says “But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her f...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 11:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people.

Read 2 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. 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 · 26 words
וַיְצַו֩1 of 26

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֨ע2 of 26

“But Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן3 of 26

“For the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֶת4 of 26
H853

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

שָׂרֵ֥י5 of 26

“the captains”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַמֵּא֣יוֹת׀6 of 26

“of the hundreds”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

פְּקֻדֵ֣י7 of 26

“the officers”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

הַחַ֗יִל8 of 26

“of the host”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

אָמַ֣ר9 of 26

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶם֙10 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הוֹצִ֤יאוּ11 of 26

“unto them Have her forth”

H3318

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

אֹתָהּ֙12 of 26
H853

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

אֶל13 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּ֥ית14 of 26

“in the house”

H1004

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

לַשְּׂדֵרֹ֔ת15 of 26

“the ranges”

H7713

a row, i.e., rank (of soldiers), story (of rooms)

וְהַבָּ֥א16 of 26

“and him that followeth”

H935

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

אַֽחֲרֶ֖יהָ17 of 26
H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

תּוּמַ֖ת18 of 26

“Let her not be slain”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בֶּחָ֑רֶב19 of 26

“with the sword”

H2719

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

כִּ֚י20 of 26
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָמַ֣ר21 of 26

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן22 of 26

“For the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אַל23 of 26
H408

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

תּוּמַ֖ת24 of 26

“Let her not be slain”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בֵּ֥ית25 of 26

“in the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃26 of 26

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 11:15 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 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 11:42 Chronicles 23:9Ezekiel 9:72 Kings 11:9-102 Chronicles 23:14Ezekiel 21:14

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