2 Kings 25:20
2 Kings 25:20 in Multiple Translations
Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah.
And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:
And Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah.
These Nebuzaradan, the captain of the armed men, took with him to the king of Babylon at Riblah.
Nebuzaradan, the commander of the guard, took them and brought them before the king of Babylon at Riblah.
And Nebuzar-adan the chiefe stewarde tooke them, and brought them to the King of Babel to Riblah.
and Nebuzaradan chief of the executioners taketh them, and causeth them to go unto the king of Babylon, to Libnah,
Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah.
And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:
These Nabuzardan the general of the army took away, and carried them to the king of Babylon to Reblatha.
Nebuzaradan took them all to the king of Babylon at Riblah city.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 25:20
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 25:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח
אֹתָ֔/ם
נְבוּזַרְאֲדָ֖ן
רַב
טַבָּחִ֑ים
וַ/יֹּ֧לֶךְ
אֹתָ֛/ם
עַל
מֶ֥לֶךְ
בָּבֶ֖ל
רִבְלָֽתָ/ה
וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֔/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
נְבוּזַרְאֲדָ֖ן
Nᵉbûwzarʼădân
H5018
Nebuzaradan
N-proper
רַב
rab
H7227
many
N-ms
טַבָּחִ֑ים
ṭabbâch
H2876
guard
N-mp
וַ/יֹּ֧לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
בָּבֶ֖ל
Bâbel
H894
Babylon
N-proper
רִבְלָֽתָ/ה
Riblâh
H7247
Riblah
N-proper | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 25:20
וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֹתָ֔/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נְבוּזַרְאֲדָ֖ן
Nᵉbûwzarʼădân
H5018
"Nebuzaradan"
N-proper
Nebuzaradan was a Babylonian general who served under King Nebuchadnezzar. He is mentioned in the Bible as the leader of the army that captured Jerusalem.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.25.8 § Nebuzaradan = "Nebo has given seed" a general of Nebuchadnezzar's army at the capture of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Nebuzaradan. See also: 2 Kings 25:8; Jeremiah 40:1; Jeremiah 39:9.
רַב
rab
H7227
"many"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
טַבָּחִ֑ים
ṭabbâch
H2876
"guard"
N-mp
This Hebrew word originally meant a butcher, but came to describe a lifeguardsman or executioner, and even a cook who slaughtered animals for food. It is used to describe various roles in the Bible, including a bodyguard or cook. The word has an Aramaic equivalent.
Definition: 1) executioner, cook, bodyguard, guardsman 1a) cook (who also killed the animal for food) 1b) guardsmen, bodyguard Aramaic equivalent: tab.bach (טַבָּח "guardsman" H2877)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: cook, guard. See also: Genesis 37:36; Jeremiah 39:10; Jeremiah 39:9.
וַ/יֹּ֧לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
בָּבֶ֖ל
Bâbel
H894
"Babylon"
N-proper
Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.
Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates
Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.
רִבְלָֽתָ/ה
Riblâh
H7247
"Riblah"
N-proper | Suff
Riblah was a town in Syria, meaning fertility, on the road between Babylon and Palestine. It's mentioned in the Bible as a significant location. The town was an important stopover for travelers.
Definition: Riblah = "fertility" a town in the land of Hamath on the great road between Babylon and Palestine Also named: div.lah (דִּבְלָה "Riblah" H1689)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Riblah. See also: Numbers 34:11; Jeremiah 39:5; Jeremiah 39:6.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 25:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Captives Carried to Babylon
18The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of second rank, and the three doorkeepers.
19Of those still in the city, he took a court official who had been appointed over the men of war, as well as five royal advisors. He also took the scribe of the captain of the army, who had enlisted the people of the land, and sixty men who were found in the city.
20Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah.
21There at Riblah in the land of Hamath, the king of Babylon struck them down and put them to death. So Judah was taken into exile, away from its own land. 22Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, over the people he had left behind in the land of Judah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamentations 4:16 | The presence of the LORD has scattered them; He regards them no more. The priests are shown no honor; the elders find no favor. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 52:26–27 | Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. There at Riblah in the land of Hamath, the king of Babylon struck them down and put them to death. So Judah was taken into exile, away from its own land. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 23:33 | And Pharaoh Neco imprisoned Jehoahaz at Riblah in the land of Hamath so that he could not reign in Jerusalem, and he imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. |
2 Kings 25:20 Summary
This verse, 2 Kings 25:20, tells us that Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, took some important leaders and citizens of Judah to the king of Babylon at a place called Riblah. This was a significant event because it marked the end of Judah's independence and the beginning of their exile in Babylon, as seen in 2 Kings 25:21. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that God is in control of the nations and kingdoms of the world, as seen in verses like Jeremiah 25:11 and Daniel 2:20-23. By reflecting on this event, we can learn about the importance of obedience and trust in God's sovereignty, as encouraged in verses like Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 26:3-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nebuzaradan and what was his role in the Babylonian army?
Nebuzaradan was the captain of the guard, a high-ranking officer in the Babylonian army, as seen in 2 Kings 25:20, and his role involved overseeing the capture and deportation of key leaders and citizens from conquered territories, much like what is described in 2 Kings 25:18-19.
Why did Nebuzaradan take these specific individuals to the king of Babylon at Riblah?
The reason for taking these individuals, including the chief priest, priests, and royal officials, to the king of Babylon is not explicitly stated in 2 Kings 25:20, but it can be inferred that it was to face judgment or punishment, as seen in the subsequent verse, 2 Kings 25:21, and to demonstrate the king's authority over the conquered land, similar to what is seen in Jeremiah 52:9-11.
What is the significance of the location Riblah in this verse?
Riblah was a city in the land of Hamath, which served as a strategic location for the Babylonian king to exercise his authority and judgment over the conquered territories, as mentioned in 2 Kings 25:21, and it is also mentioned in other biblical accounts, such as 2 Kings 23:33 and Jeremiah 39:5-7.
How does this event relate to the larger narrative of the Bible?
The deportation of the leaders and citizens of Judah to Babylon, as described in 2 Kings 25:20, is a fulfillment of the prophetic warnings and judgments pronounced against Judah for their disobedience and idolatry, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:63-64 and Jeremiah 25:11, and it sets the stage for the subsequent events of the Babylonian exile and the eventual return of the Jews to their homeland, as described in Ezra 1:1-4 and Isaiah 44:28.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God, and how can we apply this to our own lives, in light of verses like Romans 6:23 and Galatians 6:7-8?
- How does the character of Nebuzaradan, as a servant of the Babylonian king, illustrate the concept of authority and submission, as discussed in Romans 13:1-7 and Hebrews 13:17?
- What emotions and thoughts might the leaders and citizens of Judah have experienced as they were taken away from their homes and families, and how can we relate this to our own experiences of loss and displacement, in light of verses like Psalm 42:1-2 and Matthew 5:4?
- How does this event in 2 Kings 25:20 point to the larger theme of God's sovereignty and control over the nations and kingdoms of the world, as seen in verses like Isaiah 46:9-11 and Daniel 4:34-35?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 25:20
[See comments on 2 Kings 25:18]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 25:20
And Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah: No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:20
2 Kings 25:20 And Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:Ver. 20. And Nebuzaradan captain of the guard.] Praefectus rerum capitalium, say the Tigurines. See 2 Kings 25:8.