King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 11:3 Mean?

2 Kings 11:3 in the King James Version says “And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.”

2 Kings 11:3 · KJV

Context

1

And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. seed: Heb. seed of the kingdom

2

But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

3

And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.

4

And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son.

5

And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king's house;

Read 2 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.

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.

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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
וַיְהִ֤י1 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אִתָּהּ֙2 of 11
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בֵּ֣ית3 of 11

“in the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

מִתְחַבֵּ֖א5 of 11

“And he was with her hid”

H2244

to secrete

שֵׁ֣שׁ6 of 11

“six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

שָׁנִ֑ים7 of 11

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַֽעֲתַלְיָ֖ה8 of 11

“And Athaliah”

H6271

athaljah, the name of an israelitess and two israelites

מֹלֶ֥כֶת9 of 11

“did reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

עַל10 of 11
H5921

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃11 of 11

“over the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 11:3 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 11:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 12:8Malachi 3:152 Chronicles 22:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

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