King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:25 Mean?

2 Kings 15:25 in the King James Version says “But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the k... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites : and he killed him, and reigned in his room.

2 Kings 15:25 · King James Version


Context

23

In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

24

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

25

But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites : and he killed him, and reigned in his room.

26

And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.

27

In the two and fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned twenty years.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, and reigned in his room.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיִּקְשֹׁ֣ר1 of 23

of his conspired

H7194

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

עָלָיו֩2 of 23
H5921

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

פֶּ֨קַח3 of 23

But Pekah

H6492

pekach, an israelite king

מִבְּנֵ֣י4 of 23

of the Gileadites

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

רְמַלְיָ֜הוּ5 of 23

of Remaliah

H7425

remaljah, an israelite

שָֽׁלִישׁ֗וֹ6 of 23

a captain

H7991

a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)

וַיַּכֵּ֨הוּ7 of 23

against him and smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בְשֹֽׁמְר֜וֹן8 of 23

him in Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

בְּאַרְמ֤וֹן9 of 23

in the palace

H759

a citadel (from its height)

בֵּית10 of 23

house

H1004

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

מֶּ֙לֶךְ֙11 of 23

of the king's

H4428

a king

אֶת12 of 23
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אַרְגֹּ֣ב13 of 23

with Argob

H709

argob, a district of palestine

וְאֶת14 of 23
H853

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

הָֽאַרְיֵ֔ה15 of 23

and Arieh

H745

arjeh, an israelite

וְעִמּ֛וֹ16 of 23
H5973

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

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים17 of 23

and with him fifty

H2572

fifty

אִ֖ישׁ18 of 23

men

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)

מִבְּנֵ֣י19 of 23

of the Gileadites

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

גִלְעָדִ֑ים20 of 23
H1569

a giladite or descendant of gilad

וַיְמִתֵ֖הוּ21 of 23

and he killed

H4191

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

וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ22 of 23

him and reigned

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃23 of 23
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc


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 15:25 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 15:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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