King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:7 Mean?

2 Kings 25:7 in the King James Version says “And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of bras...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon. put: Heb. made blind”

2 Kings 25:7 · KJV

Context

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

7

And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon. put: Heb. made blind

8

And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem: captain: or, chief marshal

9

And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire.

Read 2 Kings 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. 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 · 13 words
וְאֶת1 of 13
H853

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

בְּנֵי֙2 of 13

“the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צִדְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙3 of 13

“of Zedekiah”

H6667

tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

שָֽׁחֲט֖וּ4 of 13

“And they slew”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

עֵינֵ֤י5 of 13

“before his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְאֶת6 of 13
H853

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

עֵינֵ֤י7 of 13

“before his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

צִדְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙8 of 13

“of Zedekiah”

H6667

tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

עִוֵּ֔ר9 of 13

“and put out”

H5786

to blind

וַיַּֽאַסְרֵ֙הוּ֙10 of 13

“and bound”

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

בַֽנְחֻשְׁתַּ֔יִם11 of 13

“him with fetters”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וַיְבִאֵ֖הוּ12 of 13

“and carried”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בָּבֶֽל׃13 of 13

“him to Babylon”

H894

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

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 25:7 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 25:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 32:4-5Ezekiel 17:16-20Psalms 149:8Judges 16:21Jeremiah 52:10-11Deuteronomy 28:34

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

Read 2 Kings 25 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes