King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 24:7 Mean?

2 Kings 24:7 in the King James Version says “And the king of Egypt came not again any more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Egypt... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the king of Egypt came not again any more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Egypt unto the river Euphrates all that pertained to the king of Egypt.

2 Kings 24:7 · KJV


Context

5

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

6

So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.

7

And the king of Egypt came not again any more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Egypt unto the river Euphrates all that pertained to the king of Egypt.

8

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother's name was Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.

9

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father had done.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king of Egypt came not again any more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Egypt unto the river Euphrates all that pertained to the king of Egypt.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 21 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֹסִ֥יף2 of 21

not again

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

עוֹד֙3 of 21
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לְמֶ֥לֶךְ4 of 21

And the king

H4428

a king

מִצְרָֽיִם׃5 of 21

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לָצֵ֖את6 of 21

came

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֵֽאַרְצ֑וֹ7 of 21

any more out of his land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּֽי8 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לָקַ֞ח9 of 21

had taken

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לְמֶ֥לֶךְ10 of 21

And the king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֗ל11 of 21

of Babylon

H894

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

מִנַּ֤חַל12 of 21

from the river

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

מִצְרָֽיִם׃13 of 21

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

עַד14 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

נְהַר15 of 21

unto the river

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

פְּרָ֔ת16 of 21

Euphrates

H6578

perath (i.e., euphrates), a river of the east

כֹּ֛ל17 of 21
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 21
H834

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

הָֽיְתָ֖ה19 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְמֶ֥לֶךְ20 of 21

And the king

H4428

a king

מִצְרָֽיִם׃21 of 21

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt


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 24:7 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 24:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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