King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 24:15 Mean?

And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, those carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. officers: or, eunuchs

Context

13

And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said.

14

And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.

15

And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, those carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. officers: or, eunuchs

16

And all the men of might, even seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.

17

And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **And he carried away.**—The form of the verb is different from that in 2Kings 24:14. We might render: “*Yea,* he carried away;” for 2Kings 24:15-16 simply give the *particulars* of what was stated generally in 2Kings 24:14. In the present verse the “princes” are defined. **He carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king’s mother.**—Fulfilment of Jeremiah 22:24-27. **The mighty of the land.**—So the Targum, “the magnates of the land.” All who could do so, must have taken refuge in Jerusalem at the approach of the Chaldæan army.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 24:15 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

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