King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:13 Mean?

2 Kings 25:13 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 25:13 · KJV


Context

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.

14

And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.

15

And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 · 20 words
וְאֶת1 of 20
H853

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

עַמּוּדֵ֨י2 of 20

And the pillars

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

נְחֻשְׁתָּ֖ם3 of 20

and the brasen

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 20
H834

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

בְּבֵית5 of 20

that was in the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 20

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְֽאֶת7 of 20
H853

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

הַמְּכֹנ֞וֹת8 of 20

and the bases

H4350

a pedestal, also a spot

וְאֶת9 of 20
H853

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

יָ֧ם10 of 20

sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

נְחֻשְׁתָּ֖ם11 of 20

and the brasen

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 20
H834

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

בְּבֵית13 of 20

that was in the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 20

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שִׁבְּר֣וּ15 of 20

break in pieces

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

כַשְׂדִּ֑ים16 of 20

did the Chaldees

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ17 of 20

and carried

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת18 of 20
H853

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

נְחֻשְׁתָּ֖ם19 of 20

and the brasen

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

בָּבֶֽלָה׃20 of 20

of them 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 25:13 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 25:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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