King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:24 Mean?

2 Kings 25:24 in the King James Version says “And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.”

2 Kings 25:24 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

23

And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.

24

And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.

25

But it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at Mizpah. royal: Heb. of the kingdom

26

And all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the armies, arose, and came to Egypt: for they were afraid of the Chaldees.

Read 2 Kings 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.

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 · 18 words
וַיִּשָּׁבַ֨ע1 of 18

“sware”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לָהֶ֤ם2 of 18
H0
גְּדַלְיָ֙הוּ֙3 of 18

“And Gedaliah”

H1436

gedaljah, the name of five israelites

וּלְאַנְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם4 of 18
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)

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר5 of 18

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶ֔ם6 of 18
H0
אַל7 of 18
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּֽירְא֖וּ8 of 18

“unto them Fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֵֽעַבְדֵ֣י9 of 18

“not to be the servants”

H5650

a servant

הַכַּשְׂדִּ֑ים10 of 18

“of 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

שְׁב֣וּ11 of 18

“dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָאָ֗רֶץ12 of 18

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְעִבְד֛וּ13 of 18

“and serve”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֶת14 of 18
H853

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

מֶ֥לֶךְ15 of 18

“the king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֖ל16 of 18

“of Babylon”

H894

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

וְיִטַ֥ב17 of 18

“and it shall be well”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

לָכֶֽם׃18 of 18
H0

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 25:24 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 25:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 19:232 Samuel 14:11Jeremiah 40:9-10Ezekiel 33:24-29Jeremiah 43:6

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 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

Continue Your Study

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