King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 24:15 Mean?

2 Kings 24:15 in the King James Version says “And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 24:15 · KJV

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.

Read 2 Kings 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 24: Judgment unfolds progressively. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite.

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 24 takes place during the final collapse of Judah and Babylonian exile, early 6th century BCE, 605-586 BCE. The chapter's theme (Beginning of Babylonian Captivity) reflects the historical reality of the final collapse of Judah, destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and exile to Babylon as covenant curses are fully realized. 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 24 regarding judgment unfolds progressively?
  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 · 19 words
וַיֶּ֥גֶל1 of 19

“And he carried away”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

אֶת2 of 19
H853

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

יְהֽוֹיָכִ֖ין3 of 19

“Jehoiachin”

H3078

jehojakin, a jewish king

בָּבֶֽלָה׃4 of 19

“to Babylon”

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

וְאֶת5 of 19
H853

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

אֵ֣ם6 of 19

“mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ7 of 19

“and the king's”

H4428

a king

וְאֶת8 of 19
H853

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

נְשֵׁ֨י9 of 19

“wives”

H802

a woman

הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ10 of 19

“and the king's”

H4428

a king

וְאֶת11 of 19
H853

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

סָֽרִיסָ֗יו12 of 19

“and his officers”

H5631

a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state

וְאֵת֙13 of 19
H853

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

אֵולֵ֣י14 of 19
H193

the body (as being rolled together); also powerful

הָאָ֔רֶץ15 of 19

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הוֹלִ֛יךְ16 of 19
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

גּוֹלָ֥ה17 of 19

“he into captivity”

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

מִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם18 of 19

“from Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

בָּבֶֽלָה׃19 of 19

“to Babylon”

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

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 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

Verses related to 2 Kings 24:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 36:10Jeremiah 22:24-28Esther 2:62 Kings 24:8Ezekiel 17:12

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Kings 24 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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