King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:11 Mean?

2 Kings 25:11 in the King James Version says “Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away. fugitives: Heb. fallen away

2 Kings 25:11 · KJV


Context

9

And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire.

10

And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.

11

Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away. fugitives: Heb. fallen away

12

But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen .

13

And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard carry away.

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.

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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 · 19 words
וְאֵת֩1 of 19
H853

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

יֶ֣תֶר2 of 19

Now the rest

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

הָעָ֜ם3 of 19

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַנִּשְׁאָרִ֣ים4 of 19

that were left

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

בָּעִ֗יר5 of 19

in the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְאֶת6 of 19
H853

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

נָֽפְלוּ֙7 of 19

and the fugitives

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר8 of 19
H834

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

נָֽפְלוּ֙9 of 19

and the fugitives

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עַל10 of 19
H5921

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

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ11 of 19

to the king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֔ל12 of 19

of Babylon

H894

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

וְאֵ֖ת13 of 19
H853

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

יֶ֣תֶר14 of 19

Now the rest

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

הֶֽהָמ֑וֹן15 of 19

of the multitude

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

הֶגְלָ֕ה16 of 19

carry away

H1540

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

נְבֽוּזַרְאֲדָ֖ן17 of 19

did Nebuzaradan

H5018

nebuzaradan, a babylonian general

רַב18 of 19

the captain

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

טַבָּחִֽים׃19 of 19

of the guard

H2876

properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)


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 25:11 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 25:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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