King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 21:13 Mean?

2 Kings 21:13 in the King James Version says “And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem a... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down. wiping: Heb. he wipeth and turneth it upon the face thereof

2 Kings 21:13 · KJV


Context

11

Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:

12

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.

13

And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down. wiping: Heb. he wipeth and turneth it upon the face thereof

14

And I will forsake the remnant of mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies;

15

Because they have done that which was evil in my sight, and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came forth out of Egypt, even unto this day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 21: Unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 21 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Manasseh and Amon's Evil Reigns) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. 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 21 regarding unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment?
  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 · 21 words
וְנָטִ֣יתִי1 of 21

And I will stretch

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

עַל2 of 21
H5921

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

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם3 of 21

Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אֵ֚ת4 of 21
H853

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

קָ֣ו5 of 21

the line

H6957

a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord

שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן6 of 21

of Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וְאֶת7 of 21
H853

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

מִשְׁקֹ֖לֶת8 of 21

and the plummet

H4949

a weight, i.e., a plummet (with line attached)

בֵּ֣ית9 of 21

of the house

H1004

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

אַחְאָ֑ב10 of 21

of Ahab

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

מָחָ֔ה11 of 21

and I will wipe

H4229

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

אֶת12 of 21
H853

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

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם13 of 21

Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר14 of 21
H834

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

מָחָ֔ה15 of 21

and I will wipe

H4229

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

אֶת16 of 21
H853

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

הַצַּלַּ֙חַת֙17 of 21

a dish

H6747

something advanced or deep, i.e., a bowl; figuratively, the bosom

מָחָ֔ה18 of 21

and I will wipe

H4229

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

וְהָפַ֖ךְ19 of 21

it and turning

H2015

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

עַל20 of 21
H5921

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

פָּנֶֽיהָ׃21 of 21

it upside down

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi


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 21:13 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 21:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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