King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 11:5 Mean?

2 Kings 11:5 in the King James Version says “And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shal...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

2 Kings 11:5 · KJV

Context

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

7

And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the LORD about the king. parts: or, companies: Heb. hands

Read 2 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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 · 14 words
וַיְצַוֵּ֣ם1 of 14

“And he commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לֵאמֹ֔ר2 of 14

“them saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

זֶ֥ה3 of 14
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הַדָּבָ֖ר4 of 14

“This is the thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תַּֽעֲשׂ֑וּן6 of 14

“that ye shall do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַשְּׁלִשִׁ֤ית7 of 14

“A third part”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

מִכֶּם֙8 of 14
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

בָּאֵ֣י9 of 14

“of you that enter in”

H935

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

הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת10 of 14

“on the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וְשֹׁ֣מְרֵ֔י11 of 14

“shall even be keepers”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת12 of 14

“of the watch”

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

בֵּ֥ית13 of 14

“house”

H1004

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃14 of 14

“of 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 11:5 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 11:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 9:251 Kings 10:5Ezekiel 46:2-3Jeremiah 26:10Ezekiel 44:2-3Luke 1:8-9

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