King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:16 Mean?

2 Kings 25:16 in the King James Version says “The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight. one: Heb. the one sea

2 Kings 25:16 · KJV


Context

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.

16

The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight. one: Heb. the one sea

17

The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.

18

And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door: door: Heb. threshold


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

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.

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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 · 17 words
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֣ים׀1 of 17

pillars

H5982

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

שְׁנַ֗יִם2 of 17

The two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַיָּ֤ם3 of 17

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

הָֽאֶחָד֙4 of 17

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְהַמְּכֹנ֔וֹת5 of 17

and the bases

H4350

a pedestal, also a spot

אֲשֶׁר6 of 17
H834

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

עָשָׂ֥ה7 of 17

had made

H6213

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

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה8 of 17

which Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לְבֵ֣ית9 of 17

for the house

H1004

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

יְהוָ֑ה10 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

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

לֹֽא11 of 17

was without

H3808

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

הָיָ֣ה12 of 17
H1961

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

מִשְׁקָ֔ל13 of 17

weight

H4948

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

לִנְחֹ֖שֶׁת14 of 17

the brass

H5178

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

כָּל15 of 17
H3605

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

הַכֵּלִ֥ים16 of 17

of all these vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃17 of 17
H428

these or those


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 25:16 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 25:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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