King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:25 Mean?

2 Kings 9:25 in the King James Version says “Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain, Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite: for re... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain, Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite: for remember how that, when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, the LORD laid this burden upon him;

2 Kings 9:25 · KJV


Context

23

And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, O Ahaziah.

24

And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot. drew: Heb. filled his hand with a bow sunk: Heb. bowed

25

Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain, Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite: for remember how that, when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, the LORD laid this burden upon him;

26

Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take and cast him into the plat of ground, according to the word of the LORD. blood: Heb. bloods plat: or, portion

27

But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain, Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite: for remember how that, when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, the LORD laid this burden upon him;

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 9: Divine judgment executed on Ahab's house. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

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 9 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Violent Revolution) reflects the historical reality of violent political revolution motivated by zeal for Yahweh but lacking genuine heart transformation. 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 9 regarding divine judgment executed on ahab's house?
  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 · 26 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 26

Then said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל2 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בִּדְקַר֙3 of 26

Jehu to Bidkar

H920

bidkar, an israelite

שָׁלִשֹׁ֔ה4 of 26

his captain

H7991

a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)

נָשָׂ֣א5 of 26

Take up

H5375

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

הַשְׁלִכֵ֔הוּ6 of 26

and cast

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

בְּחֶלְקַ֕ת7 of 26

him in the portion

H2513

properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery

שְׂדֵ֖ה8 of 26

of the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

נָב֣וֹת9 of 26

of Naboth

H5022

naboth, an israelite

הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִ֑י10 of 26

the Jezreelite

H3158

a jizreelite or native of jizreel

כִּֽי11 of 26
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

זְכֹ֞ר12 of 26

for remember

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֲנִ֣י13 of 26
H589

i

וָאַ֗תָּה14 of 26
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֵ֣ת15 of 26
H853

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

רֹֽכְבִ֤ים16 of 26

how that when I and thou rode

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

צְמָדִים֙17 of 26

together

H6776

a yoke or team (i.e., pair); hence, an acre (i.e., day's task for a yoke of cattle to plough)

אַֽחֲרֵי֙18 of 26

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אַחְאָ֣ב19 of 26

Ahab

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

אָבִ֔יו20 of 26

his father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַֽיהוָה֙21 of 26

the LORD

H3068

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

נָשָׂ֣א22 of 26

Take up

H5375

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

עָלָ֔יו23 of 26
H5921

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

אֶת24 of 26
H853

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

הַמַּשָּׂ֖א25 of 26

this burden

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

הַזֶּֽה׃26 of 26
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


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 9:25 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 9:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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