King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 14:6 Mean?

2 Kings 14:6 in the King James Version says “But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, whe...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.”

2 Kings 14:6 · KJV

Context

4

Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.

5

And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.

6

But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

7

He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day. Selah: or, the rock

8

Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.

Read 2 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 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 · 28 words
וְאֶת1 of 28
H853

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

וּבָנִים֙2 of 28

“But the children”

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

הַמַּכִּ֖ים3 of 28

“of the murderers”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

לֹ֣א4 of 28
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

ימּוָֽת׃5 of 28

“be put to death”

H4191

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

כַּכָּת֣וּב6 of 28

“not according unto that which is written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בְּסֵֽפֶר7 of 28

“in the book”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

תּֽוֹרַת8 of 28

“of the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

מֹ֠שֶׁה9 of 28

“of Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֲשֶׁר10 of 28
H834

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

צִוָּ֨ה11 of 28

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֜ה12 of 28

“wherein the LORD”

H3068

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

לֵאמֹ֗ר13 of 28

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא14 of 28
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

ימּוָֽת׃15 of 28

“be put to death”

H4191

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

אָב֔וֹת16 of 28

“The fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

עַל17 of 28
H5921

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

וּבָנִים֙18 of 28

“But the children”

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

וּבָנִים֙19 of 28

“But the children”

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

לֹֽא20 of 28
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

ימּוָֽת׃21 of 28

“be put to death”

H4191

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

עַל22 of 28
H5921

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

אָב֔וֹת23 of 28

“The fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

כִּ֛י24 of 28
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם25 of 28
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אִ֥ישׁ26 of 28

“but 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)

בְּחֶטְא֖וֹ27 of 28

“for his own sin”

H2399

a crime or its penalty

ימּוָֽת׃28 of 28

“be put to death”

H4191

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

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 14:6 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 14:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 24:16Ezekiel 18:20Ezekiel 18:4Jeremiah 31:30

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