King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:10 Mean?

2 Kings 18:10 in the King James Version says “And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken.”

2 Kings 18:10 · KJV

Context

8

He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city. Gaza: Heb. Azzah

9

And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.

10

And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken.

11

And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes:

12

Because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD their God, but transgressed his covenant, and all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and would not hear them, nor do them.

Read 2 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

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 18 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Reforms and Assyrian Threat) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from 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 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
  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 · 15 words
נִלְכְּדָ֖ה1 of 15

“they took”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

מִקְצֵה֙2 of 15

“And at the end”

H7097

an extremity

שָׁלֹ֣שׁ3 of 15

“of three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

שְׁנַת4 of 15

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁנַת5 of 15

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שֵׁ֖שׁ6 of 15

“it even in the sixth”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

לְחִזְקִיָּ֑ה7 of 15

“of Hezekiah”

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

הִ֣יא8 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שְׁנַת9 of 15

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תֵּ֗שַׁע10 of 15

“that is the ninth”

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

לְהוֹשֵׁ֙עַ֙11 of 15

“of Hoshea”

H1954

hoshea, the name of five israelites

מֶ֣לֶךְ12 of 15

“king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל13 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

נִלְכְּדָ֖ה14 of 15

“they took”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃15 of 15

“Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

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 18:10 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 18:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 1:6-9Micah 6:16Amos 9:1-4Amos 3:11-4:3Micah 7:13Amos 6:7

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 18 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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