King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:16 Mean?

2 Kings 15:16 in the King James Version says “Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to hi...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.”

2 Kings 15:16 · KJV

Context

14

For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.

15

And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

16

Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.

17

In the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah king of Judah began Menahem the son of Gadi to reign over Israel, and reigned ten years in Samaria.

18

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

Read 2 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. 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 15 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Rapid Succession and Instability) 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 15 regarding political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy?
  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 · 20 words
אָ֣ז1 of 20
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

וַיַּ֑ךְ2 of 20

“not to him therefore he smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

מְ֠נַחֵם3 of 20

“Then Menahem”

H4505

menachem, an israelite

אֶת4 of 20
H853

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

תִּפְסַ֨ח5 of 20

“Tiphsah”

H8607

tiphsach, a place in mesopotamia

וְאֶת6 of 20
H853

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

כָּל7 of 20
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר8 of 20
H834

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

בָּ֤הּ9 of 20
H0
וְאֶת10 of 20
H853

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

גְּבוּלֶ֙יהָ֙11 of 20

“and all that were therein and the coasts”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

מִתִּרְצָ֔ה12 of 20

“thereof from Tirzah”

H8656

tirtsah, a place in palestine; also an israelitess

כִּ֛י13 of 20
H3588

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

לֹ֥א14 of 20
H3808

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

פָתַ֖ח15 of 20

“because they opened”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

וַיַּ֑ךְ16 of 20

“not to him therefore he smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֵ֛ת17 of 20
H853

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

כָּל18 of 20
H3605

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

הֶהָ֥רוֹתֶ֖יהָ19 of 20

“it and all the women therein that were with child”

H2030

pregnant

בִּקֵּֽעַ׃20 of 20

“he ripped up”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

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 15:16 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 15:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 8:121 Kings 4:24Hosea 13:16Amos 1:13

Places in This Verse

Tiphsah 2Settlement · Modern: Tell Abu Zarad · 32.10°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
TirzahSettlement · Modern: Tell el Farah · 32.29°N, 35.34°E13 verses across 4 books
View all places in 2 Kings 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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