King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 16:8 Mean?

2 Kings 16:8 in the King James Version says “And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.”

2 Kings 16:8 · KJV

Context

6

At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria , and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day. from Elath: Heb. from Eloth

7

So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

8

And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.

9

And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin. Damascus: Heb. Dammesek

10

And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof. Damascus: Heb. Dammesek

Read 2 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 16 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Ahaz's Apostasy) reflects the historical reality of desperate political alliances and religious syncretism as Judah faced external threats. 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 16 regarding desperate alliances and religious compromise?
  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 · 16 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 16

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אָחָ֜ז2 of 16

“And Ahaz”

H271

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

אֶת3 of 16
H853

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

הַכֶּ֣סֶף4 of 16

“the silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְאֶת5 of 16
H853

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

הַזָּהָ֗ב6 of 16

“and gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

הַנִּמְצָא֙7 of 16

“that was found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בֵּ֣ית8 of 16

“house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֔ה9 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וּבְאֹֽצְר֖וֹת10 of 16

“and in the treasures”

H214

a depository

בֵּ֣ית11 of 16

“house”

H1004

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

לְמֶֽלֶךְ12 of 16

“of the king's”

H4428

a king

וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח13 of 16

“and sent”

H7971

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

לְמֶֽלֶךְ14 of 16

“of the king's”

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֖וּר15 of 16

“of Assyria”

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

שֹֽׁחַד׃16 of 16

“it for a present”

H7810

a donation (venal or redemptive)

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 16:8 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 16:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 12:17-182 Kings 18:15-162 Chronicles 16:22 Chronicles 28:20-212 Kings 16:17-18Isaiah 7:17

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
View all places in 2 Kings 16 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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