King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 24:16 Mean?

2 Kings 24:16 in the King James Version says “And all the men of might, even seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 24:16 · KJV


Context

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.

18

Zedekiah was twenty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 18 words
וְאֵת֩1 of 18
H853

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

כָּל2 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַנְשֵׁ֨י3 of 18

And all the men

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הַחַ֜יִל4 of 18

of might

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

שִׁבְעַ֣ת5 of 18

even seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

אֶ֔לֶף6 of 18

a thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְהֶֽחָרָ֤שׁ7 of 18

and craftsmen

H2796

a fabricator or any material

וְהַמַּסְגֵּר֙8 of 18

and smiths

H4525

a fastener, i.e., (of a person) a smith, (of a thing) a prison

אֶ֔לֶף9 of 18

a thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

הַכֹּ֕ל10 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גִּבּוֹרִ֖ים11 of 18

all that were strong

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

עֹשֵׂ֣י12 of 18

and apt

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִלְחָמָ֑ה13 of 18

for war

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וַיְבִיאֵ֧ם14 of 18

brought

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מֶֽלֶךְ15 of 18

even them the king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶֽלָה׃16 of 18

of Babylon

H894

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

גּוֹלָ֖ה17 of 18

captive

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

בָּבֶֽלָה׃18 of 18

of 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 24:16 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 24:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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