King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:8 Mean?

2 Kings 25:8 in the King James Version says “And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Bab...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 25:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.

Read 2 Kings 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzar-adan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem:

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
לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ1 of 21

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַֽחֲמִישִׁי֙2 of 21

“And in the fifth”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

בְּשִׁבְעָ֣ה3 of 21

“on the seventh”

H7651

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

לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ4 of 21

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הִ֗יא5 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שָׁנָ֔ה6 of 21

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תְּשַֽׁע7 of 21

“which is the nineteenth”

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה8 of 21
H6240

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

שָׁנָ֔ה9 of 21

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מֶֽלֶךְ10 of 21

“king”

H4428

a king

נְבֻֽכַדְנֶאצַּ֣ר11 of 21

“Nebuchadnezzar”

H5019

nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon

מֶֽלֶךְ12 of 21

“king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֖ל13 of 21

“of Babylon”

H894

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

בָּ֞א14 of 21

“came”

H935

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

נְבֽוּזַרְאֲדָ֧ן15 of 21

“Nebuzaradan”

H5018

nebuzaradan, a babylonian general

רַב16 of 21

“captain”

H7227

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

טַבָּחִ֛ים17 of 21

“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)

עֶ֥בֶד18 of 21

“a servant”

H5650

a servant

מֶֽלֶךְ19 of 21

“king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֖ל20 of 21

“of Babylon”

H894

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

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃21 of 21

“unto Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 25:8 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 25:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 52:12-16Lamentations 4:12Jeremiah 39:8-142 Kings 24:12Jeremiah 40:1-42 Kings 25:27

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 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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