King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:20 Mean?

2 Kings 25:20 in the King James Version says “And Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 25:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And as for the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.

Read 2 Kings 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:

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 · 11 words
וַיִּקַּ֣ח1 of 11

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֹתָ֔ם2 of 11
H853

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

נְבֽוּזַרְאֲדָ֖ן3 of 11

“And Nebuzaradan”

H5018

nebuzaradan, a babylonian general

רַב4 of 11

“captain”

H7227

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

טַבָּחִ֑ים5 of 11

“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)

וַיֹּ֧לֶךְ6 of 11
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֹתָ֛ם7 of 11
H853

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

עַל8 of 11
H5921

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

מֶ֥לֶךְ9 of 11

“them to the king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֖ל10 of 11

“of Babylon”

H894

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

רִבְלָֽתָה׃11 of 11

“to Riblah”

H7247

riblah, a place in syria

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 25:20 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 25:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Lamentations 4:162 Kings 23:33Jeremiah 52:26-27

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
Riblah 1Settlement · Modern: Rableh · 34.46°N, 36.57°E11 verses across 3 books
View all places in 2 Kings 25 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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