King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:19 Mean?

2 Kings 25:19 in the King James Version says “And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's pr... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city: officer: or, eunuch were in: Heb. saw the king's face principal: or, scribe of the captain of the host

2 Kings 25:19 · KJV


Context

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

19

And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city: officer: or, eunuch were in: Heb. saw the king's face principal: or, scribe of the captain of the host

20

And Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:

21

And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city:

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 · 33 words
וּמִן1 of 33
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

בָּעִֽיר׃2 of 33

And out of the city

H5892

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

לָקַח֩3 of 33

he took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

סָרִ֨יס4 of 33

officer

H5631

a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state

אֶחָ֜ד5 of 33

an

H259

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

אֲֽשֶׁר6 of 33
H834

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

ה֥וּא7 of 33
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

פָקִ֣יד׀8 of 33

that was set

H6496

a superintendent (civil, military or religious)

עַל9 of 33
H5921

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

אֲנָשִׁ֜ים10 of 33

men

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הַמִּלְחָמָ֗ה11 of 33

of war

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֨ה12 of 33

and five

H2568

five

אֲנָשִׁ֜ים13 of 33

men

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

מֵֽרֹאֵ֤י14 of 33

of them that were

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

פְנֵֽי15 of 33

presence

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙16 of 33

in the king's

H4428

a king

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 33
H834

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

הַֽנִּמְצְאִ֖ים18 of 33

that were found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בָּעִֽיר׃19 of 33

And out of the city

H5892

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

וְאֵ֗ת20 of 33
H853

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

הַסֹּפֵר֙21 of 33

scribe

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

שַׂ֣ר22 of 33

and the principal

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַצָּבָ֔א23 of 33

of the host

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הַמַּצְבִּ֖א24 of 33

which mustered

H6633

to mass (an army or servants)

אֶת25 of 33
H853

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

מֵעַ֣ם26 of 33

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ27 of 33

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְשִׁשִּׁ֥ים28 of 33

and threescore

H8346

sixty

אִישׁ֙29 of 33

men

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מֵעַ֣ם30 of 33

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ31 of 33

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַֽנִּמְצְאִ֖ים32 of 33

that were found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בָּעִֽיר׃33 of 33

And out of the city

H5892

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


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 25:19 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 25:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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