King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:1 Mean?

2 Kings 25:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezz... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.

2 Kings 25:1 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.

2

And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.

3

And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. 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 25 takes place during the final collapse of Judah and Babylonian exile, early 6th century BCE, 605-586 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction) 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 25 regarding covenant curses fulfilled completely?
  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 · 23 words
וַיְהִי֩1 of 23
H1961

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

בִשְׁנַ֨ת2 of 23

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַתְּשִׁיעִ֜ית3 of 23

And it came to pass in the ninth

H8671

ninth

לְמָלְכ֗וֹ4 of 23

of his reign

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

לַחֹדֶשׁ֒5 of 23

day of the month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הָֽעֲשִׂירִי֮6 of 23

in the tenth

H6224

tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part

בֶּֽעָשׂ֣וֹר7 of 23

in the tenth

H6218

ten; by abbreviated form ten strings, and so a decachord

לַחֹדֶשׁ֒8 of 23

day of the month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

בָּ֠א9 of 23

came

H935

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

נְבֻֽכַדְנֶאצַּ֨ר10 of 23

that Nebuchadnezzar

H5019

nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon

מֶֽלֶךְ11 of 23

king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֜ל12 of 23

of Babylon

H894

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

ה֧וּא13 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְכָל14 of 23
H3605

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

חֵיל֛וֹ15 of 23

he and all his host

H2428

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

עַל16 of 23
H5921

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

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם17 of 23

against Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וַיִּ֣חַן18 of 23

and pitched

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

עָלֶ֑יהָ19 of 23
H5921

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

וַיִּבְנ֥וּ20 of 23

against it and they built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

עָלֶ֖יהָ21 of 23
H5921

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

דָּיֵ֥ק22 of 23

forts

H1785

a battering-tower

סָבִֽיב׃23 of 23

against it round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around


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 25:1 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 25:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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