King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 11:6 Mean?

2 Kings 11:6 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 11:6 · KJV


Context

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

8

And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 11: Preservation of Davidic line and covenant faithfulness. 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 · 12 words
וְהַשְּׁלִשִׁ֥ית1 of 12

And a third part

H7992

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

בַּשַּׁ֖עַר2 of 12

at the gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

ס֔וּר3 of 12

of Sur

H5495

sur, a gate of the temple

וְהַשְּׁלִשִׁ֥ית4 of 12

And a third part

H7992

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

בַּשַּׁ֖עַר5 of 12

at the gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

אַחַ֣ר6 of 12

behind

H310

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

הָֽרָצִ֑ים7 of 12

the guard

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֛ם8 of 12

so shall ye keep

H8104

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

אֶת9 of 12
H853

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

מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת10 of 12

the watch

H4931

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

הַבַּ֖יִת11 of 12

of the house

H1004

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

מַסָּֽח׃12 of 12

that it be not broken down

H4535

a cordon, (adverbially) or (as a) military barrier


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 11:6 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 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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