King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:25 Mean?

2 Kings 17:25 in the King James Version says “And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions amo...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them.”

2 Kings 17:25 · KJV

Context

23

Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.

24

And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.

25

And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them.

26

Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.

27

Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land.

Read 2 Kings 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 17: Covenant judgment and exile. 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.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 17 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of the Northern Kingdom) reflects the historical reality of the fulfillment of prophetic warnings as the northern kingdom fell to Assyria due to persistent covenant unfaithfulness. 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 17 regarding covenant judgment and exile?
  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
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בִּתְחִלַּת֙2 of 16

“And so it was at the beginning”

H8462

a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)

שִׁבְתָּ֣ם3 of 16

“of their dwelling”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֔ם4 of 16
H8033

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

לֹ֥א5 of 16
H3808

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

יָֽרְא֖וּ6 of 16

“there that they feared”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֶת7 of 16
H853

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

יְהוָ֤ה8 of 16

“not the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיְשַׁלַּ֨ח9 of 16

“sent”

H7971

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

יְהוָ֤ה10 of 16

“not the LORD”

H3068

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

בָּהֶם֙11 of 16
H0
אֶת12 of 16
H853

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

הָ֣אֲרָי֔וֹת13 of 16

“lions”

H738

a lion

וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ14 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הֹֽרְגִ֖ים15 of 16

“among them which slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

בָּהֶֽם׃16 of 16
H0

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 17:25 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 17:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 17:342 Kings 17:322 Kings 17:41Ezekiel 14:21Jeremiah 10:7Joshua 22:25

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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