King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:27 Mean?

2 Kings 25:27 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison ;”

2 Kings 25:27 · KJV

Context

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.

27

And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison ;

28

And he spake kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon; kindly: Heb. good things with him

29

And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.

Read 2 Kings 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;

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 · 28 words
וַיְהִי֩1 of 28
H1961

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

בִשְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים2 of 28

“and thirtieth”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וְשִׁבְעָ֖ה3 of 28

“And it came to pass in the seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

בִּשְׁנַ֣ת4 of 28

“in the year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְגָלוּת֙5 of 28

“of the captivity”

H1546

captivity; concretely, exiles (collectively)

יְהֽוֹיָכִ֥ין6 of 28

“of Jehoiachin”

H3078

jehojakin, a jewish king

מֶֽלֶךְ7 of 28

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֖ה8 of 28

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

בִּשְׁנֵ֤ים9 of 28

“in the twelfth”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עָשָׂר֙10 of 28
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ11 of 28

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

בְּעֶשְׂרִ֥ים12 of 28

“and twentieth”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְשִׁבְעָ֖ה13 of 28

“And it came to pass in the seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ14 of 28

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

נָשָׂ֡א15 of 28

“did lift up”

H5375

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

אֱוִ֣יל16 of 28
H0
מְרֹדַךְ֩17 of 28

“that Evilmerodach”

H192

evil-merodak, a babylonian king

מֶֽלֶךְ18 of 28

“king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֜ל19 of 28

“of Babylon”

H894

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

בִּשְׁנַ֣ת20 of 28

“in the year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מָלְכ֗וֹ21 of 28

“that he began to reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֶת22 of 28
H853

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

רֹ֛אשׁ23 of 28

“the head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

יְהֽוֹיָכִ֥ין24 of 28

“of Jehoiachin”

H3078

jehojakin, a jewish king

מֶֽלֶךְ25 of 28

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֖ה26 of 28

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

מִבֵּ֥ית27 of 28

“out of prison”

H1004

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

כֶּֽלֶא׃28 of 28
H3608

a prison

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 25:27 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 25:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 40:20Jeremiah 52:31-34Genesis 40:132 Kings 24:12Proverbs 21:12 Kings 24:15

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 →

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

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