King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 14:19 Mean?

2 Kings 14:19 in the King James Version says “Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and sle...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.”

2 Kings 14:19 · KJV

Context

17

And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.

18

And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

19

Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.

20

And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.

21

And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.

Read 2 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. 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 14 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Amaziah of Judah and Jeroboam II) 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 14 regarding pride leads to downfall; god's mercy continues?
  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
וַיִּקְשְׁר֨וּ1 of 11

“Now they made”

H7194

to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)

עָלָ֥יו2 of 11
H5921

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

קֶ֛שֶׁר3 of 11

“a conspiracy”

H7195

an (unlawful) alliance

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם4 of 11

“against him in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וַיָּ֣נָס5 of 11

“and he fled”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

לָכִ֔ישָׁה6 of 11

“him to Lachish”

H3923

lakish, a place in palestine

וַיִּשְׁלְח֤וּ7 of 11

“but they sent”

H7971

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

אַֽחֲרָיו֙8 of 11

“after”

H310

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

לָכִ֔ישָׁה9 of 11

“him to Lachish”

H3923

lakish, a place in palestine

וַיְמִתֻ֖הוּ10 of 11

“and slew”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

שָֽׁם׃11 of 11
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 14:19 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 14:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 10:312 Kings 21:23Joshua 10:32 Kings 15:102 Kings 15:252 Chronicles 25:27-28

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
LachishSettlement · Modern: Tell ed Duweir · 31.57°N, 34.85°E22 verses across 7 books
View all places in 2 Kings 14 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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