King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 11:9 Mean?

2 Kings 11:9 in the King James Version says “And the captains over the hundreds did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and they took every m... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the captains over the hundreds did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and they took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that should go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.

2 Kings 11:9 · KJV


Context

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.

9

And the captains over the hundreds did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and they took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that should go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.

10

And to the captains over hundreds did the priest give king David's spears and shields, that were in the temple of the LORD.

11

And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple. corner: Heb. shoulder


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the captains over the hundreds did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and they took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that should go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.

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.

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 · 21 words
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֞וּ1 of 21

did

H6213

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

שָׂרֵ֣י2 of 21

And the captains

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַמֵּא֗יוֹת3 of 21

over the hundreds

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

כְּכֹ֣ל4 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר5 of 21
H834

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

צִוָּה֮6 of 21

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֥ע7 of 21

according to all things that Jehoiada

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃8 of 21

the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וַיִּקְחוּ֙9 of 21

and they took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֲנָשָׁ֔יו10 of 21

every man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶת11 of 21
H853

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

אֲנָשָׁ֔יו12 of 21

every man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ13 of 21

and came

H935

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

הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת14 of 21

on the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

עִ֖ם15 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יֹֽצְאֵ֣י16 of 21

with them that should go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת17 of 21

on the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ18 of 21

and came

H935

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

אֶל19 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֥ע20 of 21

according to all things that Jehoiada

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃21 of 21

the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)


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 11:9 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 11:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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