2 Kings 10:14
2 Kings 10:14 in Multiple Translations
Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” So his men took them alive, then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. He spared none of them.
And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them.
And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing-house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them.
And he said, Take them living. So they took them living, and put them to death in the water-hole of Beth-eked; of the forty-two men he put every one to death;
“Take them alive!” Jehu ordered. So they took them alive, then killed them at the well of Beth-eked. There were forty-two men. He didn't allow any of them to live.
And he sayde, Take them aliue. And they tooke them aliue, and slew them at the well beside the house where the sheepe are shorne, euen two and fourtie men, and he left not one of them.
And he saith, 'Catch them alive;' and they catch them alive, and slaughter them at the pit of the shearing-house, forty and two men, and he hath not left a man of them.
He said, “Take them alive!” They took them alive, and killed them at the pit of the shearing house, even forty-two men. He didn’t leave any of them.
And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing-house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them.
And he said: Take them alive. And they took them alive, and killed them at the pit by the cabin, two and forty men, and he left not any of them.
Jehu said to his men, “Seize them!” So they seized them and killed all of them at the pit named Beth-Eked. There were 42 people whom they killed; they did not allow any of them to remain alive.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 10:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 10:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
תִּפְשׂ֣וּ/ם
חַיִּ֔ים
וַֽ/יִּתְפְּשׂ֖וּ/ם
חַיִּ֑ים
וַֽ/יִּשְׁחָט֞וּ/ם
אֶל
בּ֣וֹר
בֵּֽית
עֵ֗קֶד
אַרְבָּעִ֤ים
וּ/שְׁנַ֨יִם֙
אִ֔ישׁ
וְ/לֹֽא
הִשְׁאִ֥יר
אִ֖ישׁ
מֵ/הֶֽם
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
תִּפְשׂ֣וּ/ם
tâphas
H8610
to capture
V-Qal-Impv-2mp | Suff
חַיִּ֔ים
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
וַֽ/יִּתְפְּשׂ֖וּ/ם
tâphas
H8610
to capture
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
וַֽ/יִּשְׁחָט֞וּ/ם
shâchaṭ
H7819
to slaughter
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בּ֣וֹר
bôwr
H953
pit
N-ms
בֵּֽית
Bêyth ʻÊqed
H1044
Beth-eked
N-proper
עֵ֗קֶד
Bêyth ʻÊqed
H1044
Beth-eked
N-proper
אַרְבָּעִ֤ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
forty
Adj
וּ/שְׁנַ֨יִם֙
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הִשְׁאִ֥יר
shâʼar
H7604
to remain
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מֵ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 10:14
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
תִּפְשׂ֣וּ/ם
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp | Suff
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
חַיִּ֔ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וַֽ/יִּתְפְּשׂ֖וּ/ם
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וַֽ/יִּשְׁחָט֞וּ/ם
shâchaṭ
H7819
"to slaughter"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to slaughter, often used in the context of sacrifice or massacre, as seen in the KJV translations of kill, offer, or slay.
Definition: v 1) to kill, slaughter, beat 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter 1a1a) beast for food 1a1b) sacrifice 1a1c) person in human sacrifice 1a1d) beaten, hammered (of shekels) 1b) (Niphal) to be slaughtered, be slain (of food or sacrifice) Also means: sha.chat (שָׁחוּט "beaten" H7820)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, shoot out, slay, slaughter. See also: Genesis 22:10; Leviticus 16:15; Isaiah 22:13.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בּ֣וֹר
bôwr
H953
"pit"
N-ms
This word refers to a cistern or pit, often used to hold water or as a prison. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of confinement, like a dungeon or well. It is a physical hole in the ground.
Definition: pit, well, cistern, dungeon, pit of the grave
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well. See also: Genesis 37:20; Proverbs 5:15; Psalms 7:16.
בֵּֽית
Bêyth ʻÊqed
H1044
"Beth-eked"
N-proper
Beth-eked means house of binding, also known as a shearing house, a place in the northern kingdom. The name refers to a place where sheep were sheared, an important activity in ancient Israel.
Definition: § Beth-eged = "house of binding" i.e. "shearing house" a place in the northern kingdom
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: shearing house. See also: 2 Kings 10:12; 2 Kings 10:14.
עֵ֗קֶד
Bêyth ʻÊqed
H1044
"Beth-eked"
N-proper
Beth-eked means house of binding, also known as a shearing house, a place in the northern kingdom. The name refers to a place where sheep were sheared, an important activity in ancient Israel.
Definition: § Beth-eged = "house of binding" i.e. "shearing house" a place in the northern kingdom
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: shearing house. See also: 2 Kings 10:12; 2 Kings 10:14.
אַרְבָּעִ֤ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
"forty"
Adj
The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.
Definition: forty
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.
וּ/שְׁנַ֨יִם֙
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הִשְׁאִ֥יר
shâʼar
H7604
"to remain"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To remain or be left over, as in Joshua 10:20. It can also mean to spare or reserve something, like God sparing Noah in Genesis 7:23. This word is used to describe the remnant of Israel.
Definition: 1) to remain, be left over, be left behind 1a) (Qal) to remain 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be left over, be left alive, survive 1b1a) remainder, remnant (participle) 1b2) to be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, spare 1c2) to leave or keep over 1c3) to have left 1c4) to leave (as a gift)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: leave, (be) left, let, remain, remnant, reserve, the rest. See also: Genesis 7:23; 1 Kings 22:47; Isaiah 4:3.
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מֵ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 2 Kings 10:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 10:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 10:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 10:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:14
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 10:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:14
- Sermons on 2 Kings 10:14
Context — Ahab’s Seventy Sons Killed
12Then Jehu set out toward Samaria. At Beth-eked of the Shepherds,
13Jehu met some relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah and asked, “Who are you?” “We are relatives of Ahaziah,” they answered, “and we have come down to greet the sons of the king and of the queen mother.”
14Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” So his men took them alive, then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. He spared none of them.
15When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot, 16saying, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!” So he had him ride in his chariot.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 22:10 | When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs of the house of Judah. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 10:6 | Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, then bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the sons of the king, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 10:10–11 | Know, then, that not a word the LORD has spoken against the house of Ahab will fail, for the LORD has done what He promised through His servant Elijah.” So Jehu killed everyone in Jezreel who remained of the house of Ahab, as well as all his great men and close friends and priests, leaving him without a single survivor. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 22:8 | So while Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, he found the rulers of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s brothers who were serving Ahaziah, and he killed them. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 8:18 | And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 11:1 | When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 20:18 | “If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.” |
2 Kings 10:14 Summary
In this verse, Jehu orders his men to take alive the relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah, and then they slaughter them. This may seem like a brutal act, but it was part of God's plan to judge the wicked kings of Israel, as seen in 1 Kings 21:21-22. Jehu's actions demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when it's difficult or unpopular, as seen in Acts 5:29. By studying this verse, we can learn about the importance of holiness and purity in our own lives, and the need to align ourselves with God's will, as seen in Romans 12:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jehu order his men to take the relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah alive before slaughtering them?
This action may seem brutal, but it was a demonstration of Jehu's zeal for the Lord, as seen in his words in 2 Kings 10:16, and his desire to eliminate the royal family of Judah that was intertwined with the idolatrous kingdom of Israel, as prophesied in 1 Kings 21:21-22.
How can we reconcile Jehu's violent actions with his claim to have zeal for the Lord?
While Jehu's actions may seem contradictory, it's essential to consider the historical context and God's specific instructions to Jehu, as seen in 2 Kings 9:7-10, where he was anointed to destroy the house of Ahab, and his actions were a fulfillment of God's judgment on the wicked kings of Israel, as seen in Hosea 1:4.
What can we learn from the fact that Jehu spared none of the forty-two men?
This highlights the severity of God's judgment on those who refuse to turn from their wicked ways, as seen in Romans 11:22, and serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and obedience to God's commands, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 30:19.
How does this event relate to the broader narrative of God's relationship with His people?
This event is part of the larger story of God's covenant with Israel, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6, and demonstrates His desire for holiness and purity among His people, as emphasized in Leviticus 20:26.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to demonstrate zeal for the Lord, and how can I take action to align myself with His will?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with my call to love and forgive others, as seen in Matthew 5:44?
- What are some ways I can ensure that my actions are motivated by a desire to please God, rather than my own self-interest or emotions?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the consequences of my actions, and how can I seek to honor God in all that I do, as seen in Colossians 3:17?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 10:14
And he said, take them alive,.... Gave orders to his guards to seize them, and make them captives: and they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house; where they washed the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 10:14
And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:14
They took them alive, and slew them; partly in compliance with God’ s command, , for these were of the house of Ahab by the mother’ s side, ; and partly that they might neither claim the kingdom of Israel in right of their grandmother; as they might well have done, if God had not given it to Jehu; nor revenge the deaths of their near relations. At the pit of the shearing-house, where he intended to bury them.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:14
2 Kings 10:14 And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, [even] two and forty men; neither left he any of them.Ver. 14. And slew them at the pit.] Because they also were of the house of Ahab, and lest they should revenge the death of Ahaziah. See on 2 Kings 10:6. Neither left he any of them.] See on 2 Kings 10:11.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:14
(14) Take them alive.—Perhaps they made some show of resistance. Jehu slew them because of their connection with the doomed house of Ahab. Keil thinks he dreaded their conspiring with the partisans of the fallen dynasty in Samaria. Slew them at the pit of the shearing house.—Literally, slaughtered them into the cistern of Betheked. Either they cut their throats over the cistern, or threw the corpses into it. Two and forty.—Curiously parallel with 2 Kings 2:24; and perhaps a definite for an indefinite number.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:14
Verse 14. The pit of the shearing house] Probably the place where they washed the sheep previously to shearing, or the fleeces after they were shorn off.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 10:14
14. Take them alive] i.e. Make them prisoners. Perhaps for a moment he was uncertain what he should do with them, however being of Ahab’s lineage they must share the fate of the rest of that house. And they took them alive] The LXX. has nothing to represent these words. The ‘pit’ (R.V. margin, cistern) was the great pond or pool in which the sheep were washed before shearing.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:14
14. Take them alive — So that none may escape, as might have been the case had they proceeded to slay them as they took them one by one. At the pit of the shearing house — Rather, at the pit of Beth-eked.
Sermons on 2 Kings 10:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Joash the Boy King by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield delves into the story of Athaliah's wicked reign, highlighting the evil deed of destroying her own grandchildren and the wise measures taken by Jehoiada to protect Jo |