King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:4 Mean?

2 Kings 25:4 in the King James Version says “And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by t... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain.

2 Kings 25:4 · KJV


Context

2

And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.

3

And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land.

4

And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain.

5

And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.

6

So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him. gave: Heb. spake judgment with him


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain.

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 · 21 words
וַתִּבָּקַ֣ע1 of 21

was broken up

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

הָעִ֖יר2 of 21

And the city

H5892

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

וְכָל3 of 21
H3605

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

אַנְשֵׁ֨י4 of 21
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)

הַמִּלְחָמָ֤ה׀5 of 21

of war

H4421

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

הַלַּ֙יְלָה֙6 of 21

fled by night

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

דֶּ֥רֶךְ7 of 21

by the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

שַׁ֣עַר׀8 of 21

of the gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

בֵּ֣ין9 of 21
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַחֹֽמֹתַ֗יִם10 of 21

between two walls

H2346

a wall of protection

אֲשֶׁר֙11 of 21
H834

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

עַל12 of 21
H5921

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

גַּ֣ן13 of 21

garden

H1588

a garden (as fenced)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ14 of 21

which is by the king's

H4428

a king

וְכַשְׂדִּ֥ים15 of 21

now 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

עַל16 of 21
H5921

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

הָעִ֖יר17 of 21

And the city

H5892

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

סָבִ֑יב18 of 21

round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ19 of 21
H1980

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

דֶּ֥רֶךְ20 of 21

by the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הָֽעֲרָבָֽה׃21 of 21

toward the plain

H6160

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea


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 25:4 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 25:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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