King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 11:16 Mean?

2 Kings 11:16 in the King James Version says “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 sh...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 11:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD. officers: Heb. offices

Read 2 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 11 words
וַיָּשִׂ֤מוּ1 of 11

“And they laid”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

לָהּ֙2 of 11
H0
יָדַ֔יִם3 of 11

“hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַתָּב֛וֹא4 of 11

“on her and she went”

H935

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

דֶּֽרֶךְ5 of 11

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

מְב֥וֹא6 of 11

“came”

H3996

an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with preposition) towards

הַסּוּסִ֖ים7 of 11

“by the which the horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

בֵּ֣ית8 of 11

“house”

H1004

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

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ9 of 11

“into the king's”

H4428

a king

וַתּוּמַ֖ת10 of 11

“and there was she slain”

H4191

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

שָֽׁם׃11 of 11
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 11:16 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 11:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 9:6Judges 1:7Revelation 16:5-72 Chronicles 23:15James 2:13Matthew 7:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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