King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 11:4 Mean?

2 Kings 11:4 in the King James Version says “And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought th... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 11:4 · KJV


Context

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;

6

And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down. that: or, from breaking up


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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 · 27 words
וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה1 of 27

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַ֠שְּׁבִיעִית2 of 27

And the seventh

H7637

seventh

שָׁלַ֨ח3 of 27

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֜ע4 of 27

Jehoiada

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

וַיִּקַּ֣ח׀5 of 27

and fetched

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת6 of 27
H853

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

שָׂרֵ֣י7 of 27

the rulers

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַמֵּא֗יוֹת8 of 27

over hundreds

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

לַכָּרִי֙9 of 27

with the captains

H3746

a life-guardsman

וְלָ֣רָצִ֔ים10 of 27

and the guard

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

וַיָּבֵ֥א11 of 27

and brought

H935

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

אֹתָ֛ם12 of 27
H853

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

אֵלָ֖יו13 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּבֵ֣ית14 of 27

of them in the house

H1004

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

יְהוָ֔ה15 of 27

of the LORD

H3068

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

וַיִּכְרֹת֩16 of 27

and made

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לָהֶ֨ם17 of 27
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בְּרִ֜ית18 of 27

a covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וַיַּשְׁבַּ֤ע19 of 27

with them and took an oath

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

אֹתָם֙20 of 27
H854

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

בְּבֵ֣ית21 of 27

of them in the house

H1004

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

יְהוָ֔ה22 of 27

of the LORD

H3068

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

וַיַּ֥רְא23 of 27

and shewed

H7200

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

אֹתָ֖ם24 of 27
H853

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

אֶת25 of 27
H853

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

בֶּן26 of 27

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׃27 of 27

them the king's

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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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