King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 25:9 Mean?

2 Kings 25:9 in the King James Version says “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 b... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 25:9 · KJV


Context

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.

11

Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away. fugitives: Heb. fallen away


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 · 17 words
שָׂרַ֥ף1 of 17

And he burnt

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

אֶת2 of 17
H853

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

בֵּ֥ית3 of 17

and all the houses

H1004

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

יְהוָ֖ה4 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְאֶת5 of 17
H853

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

בֵּ֥ית6 of 17

and all the houses

H1004

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

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ7 of 17

and the king's

H4428

a king

וְאֵ֨ת8 of 17
H853

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

כָּל9 of 17
H3605

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

בֵּ֥ית10 of 17

and all the houses

H1004

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

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֛ם11 of 17

of Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְאֶת12 of 17
H853

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

כָּל13 of 17
H3605

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

בֵּ֥ית14 of 17

and all the houses

H1004

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

גָּד֖וֹל15 of 17

and every great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

שָׂרַ֥ף16 of 17

And he burnt

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָּאֵֽשׁ׃17 of 17

he with fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)


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 25:9 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 25:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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