King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:4 Mean?

2 Kings 17:4 in the King James Version says “And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no prese... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison . present: or, tribute

2 Kings 17:4 · KJV


Context

2

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him.

3

Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents. gave: Heb. rendered presents: or, tribute

4

And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison . present: or, tribute

5

Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years.

6

In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison.

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

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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 · 25 words
וַיִּמְצָא֩1 of 25

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

מֶ֣לֶךְ2 of 25

And the king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֔וּר3 of 25

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

בְּהוֹשֵׁ֜עַ4 of 25

in Hoshea

H1954

hoshea, the name of five israelites

קֶ֗שֶׁר5 of 25

conspiracy

H7195

an (unlawful) alliance

אֲשֶׁ֨ר6 of 25
H834

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

שָׁלַ֤ח7 of 25

for he had sent

H7971

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

מַלְאָכִים֙8 of 25

messengers

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אֶל9 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

ס֣וֹא10 of 25

to So

H5471

so, an egyptian king

מֶ֣לֶךְ11 of 25

And the king

H4428

a king

מִצְרַ֔יִם12 of 25

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְלֹֽא13 of 25
H3808

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

הֶעֱלָ֥ה14 of 25

and brought

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִנְחָ֛ה15 of 25

no present

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

מֶ֣לֶךְ16 of 25

And the king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֔וּר17 of 25

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

בְשָׁנָ֑ה18 of 25

as he had done year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בְשָׁנָ֑ה19 of 25

as he had done year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַֽיַּעַצְרֵ֙הוּ֙20 of 25

shut him up

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

מֶ֣לֶךְ21 of 25

And the king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֔וּר22 of 25

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

וַיַּֽאַסְרֵ֖הוּ23 of 25

and bound

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

בֵּ֥ית24 of 25

him in prison

H1004

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

כֶּֽלֶא׃25 of 25
H3608

a prison


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 17:4 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 17:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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