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2 Kings 25:21

2 Kings 25:21 in Multiple Translations

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.

And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land.

And the king of Babylon smote them, and put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away captive out of his land.

And the king of Babylon put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was taken away prisoner from his land.

The king of Babylon had them executed at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So the people of Judah had to leave their land.

And the King of Babel smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Iudah was caried away captiue out of his owne land.

and the king of Babylon smiteth them, and putteth them to death in Riblah, in the land of Hamath, and he removeth Judah from off its land.

The king of Babylon attacked them and put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away captive out of his land.

And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land.

And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Reblatha in the land of Emath: so Juda was carried away out of their land.

There at Riblah, in Hamath province, the king of Babylon commanded that they all be executed. That is what happened when the people of Judah were ◄taken forcefully/exiled► from their land to Babylon.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 25:21

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 25:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּ֣ךְ אֹתָ/ם֩ מֶ֨לֶךְ בָּבֶ֧ל וַ/יְמִיתֵ֛/ם בְּ/רִבְלָ֖ה בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ חֲמָ֑ת וַ/יִּ֥גֶל יְהוּדָ֖ה מֵ/עַ֥ל אַדְמָתֽ/וֹ
וַ/יַּ֣ךְ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ/ם֩ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
מֶ֨לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms
בָּבֶ֧ל Bâbel H894 Babylon N-proper
וַ/יְמִיתֵ֛/ם mûwth H4191 to die Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בְּ/רִבְלָ֖ה Riblâh H7247 Riblah Prep | N-proper
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs
חֲמָ֑ת Chămâth H2574 Hamath N-proper
וַ/יִּ֥גֶל gâlâh H1540 to reveal Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
מֵ/עַ֥ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep
אַדְמָתֽ/וֹ ʼădâmâh H127 land N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 25:21

וַ/יַּ֣ךְ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אֹתָ/ם֩ 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.
מֶ֨לֶךְ 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.
בָּבֶ֧ל 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.
וַ/יְמִיתֵ֛/ם mûwth H4191 "to die" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
בְּ/רִבְלָ֖ה Riblâh H7247 "Riblah" Prep | N-proper
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.
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
חֲמָ֑ת Chămâth H2574 "Hamath" N-proper
Hamath is an ancient city in Syria, mentioned in 2 Kings as a key location. It was a major city in the region, known for its fortress.
Definition: § Hamath = "fortress" the principle city of upper Syria in the valley of the Orontes
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Hamath, Hemath. See also: Numbers 13:21; 1 Chronicles 18:9; Isaiah 10:9.
וַ/יִּ֥גֶל gâlâh H1540 "to reveal" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
יְהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
מֵ/עַ֥ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | 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.
אַדְמָתֽ/וֹ ʼădâmâh H127 "land" N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.
Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 25:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 28:64 Then the LORD will scatter you among all the nations, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known.
2 2 Kings 23:27 For the LORD had said, “I will remove Judah from My sight, just as I removed Israel. I will reject this city Jerusalem, which I chose, and the temple of which I said, ‘My Name shall be there.’”
3 Deuteronomy 4:26 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live long upon it, but will be utterly destroyed.
4 Leviticus 26:33–35 But I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you as your land becomes desolate and your cities are laid waste. Then the land shall enjoy its Sabbaths all the days it lies desolate, while you are in the land of your enemies. At that time the land will rest and enjoy its Sabbaths. As long as it lies desolate, the land will have the rest it did not receive during the Sabbaths when you lived in it.
5 2 Kings 17:20 So the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel. He afflicted them and delivered them into the hands of plunderers, until He had banished them from His presence.
6 Deuteronomy 28:36 The LORD will bring you and the king you appoint to a nation neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you will worship other gods—gods of wood and stone.
7 Amos 5:27 Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the LORD, whose name is the God of Hosts.
8 Jeremiah 25:9–11 behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation. Moreover, I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp. And this whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years.
9 Ezekiel 12:25–28 because I, the LORD, will speak whatever word I speak, and it will be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak a message and bring it to pass, declares the Lord GOD.’” Furthermore, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, take note that the house of Israel is saying, ‘The vision that he sees is for many years from now; he prophesies about the distant future.’ Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘None of My words will be delayed any longer. The message I speak will be fulfilled, declares the Lord GOD.’”
10 Ezekiel 24:14 I, the LORD, have spoken; the time is coming, and I will act. I will not refrain or show pity, nor will I relent. I will judge you according to your ways and deeds,’ declares the Lord GOD.”

2 Kings 25:21 Summary

This verse, 2 Kings 25:21, tells us that the king of Babylon killed the leaders of Judah at a place called Riblah, and then took the rest of the people away from their homes to another country. This was a very sad and difficult time for the people of Judah, but it was also a fulfillment of God's warnings to them, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:63. Even in the midst of judgment, God is always working to bring people back to Himself, as we see in Jeremiah 29:10-14. We can learn from this verse that God is a God of both judgment and mercy, and that He always wants us to turn to Him and follow Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the king of Babylon strike down the people of Judah at Riblah?

The king of Babylon struck down the people of Judah at Riblah as a punishment for their rebellion against him, as prophesied in Deuteronomy 28:63 and fulfilled in 2 Kings 25:21.

What is the significance of Riblah in the land of Hamath?

Riblah was a city in the land of Hamath where the king of Babylon had set up his headquarters, and it was there that he executed the leaders of Judah, marking the final end of Judah's independence, as seen in 2 Kings 25:20-21.

How did the exile of Judah fulfill God's warnings to His people?

The exile of Judah fulfilled God's warnings to His people, as stated in Leviticus 26:33 and Deuteronomy 28:64, that if they disobeyed Him, He would scatter them among the nations.

What can we learn from Judah's experience about God's judgment and mercy?

We can learn from Judah's experience that God is a God of both judgment and mercy, as seen in 2 Kings 25:21 and Jeremiah 29:10-14, and that His judgment is always intended to lead people back to Himself.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have rebelled against God, and how can I turn back to Him?
  2. How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when I face difficult circumstances, like the people of Judah did in 2 Kings 25:21?
  3. What are some ways that God has shown me mercy and kindness, despite my sin and rebellion?
  4. How can I apply the lessons of Judah's exile to my own life, and what changes do I need to make to be more faithful to God?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 25:21

[See comments on 2 Kings 25:18]

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 25:21

And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land. So Judah was carried away out of their land.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:21

(21) The king of Babylon smote them . . .—He was too irritated by the obstinacy of their defence to admire their bravery. So Judah was carried away . . .—This sentence evidently concludes the whole account of the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of the people (comp. 2 Kings 17:23; Jeremiah 52:27); and not merely that of the proceedings of Nebuzaradan. The prophecy of Obadiah refers to the heartless behaviour of the Edomites on occasion of the ruin of Judah. (Comp. Psalms 137; Lamentations 4:21-22.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:21

Verse 21. The king of Babylon smote them] He had, no doubt, found that these had counselled Zedekiah to revolt.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 25:21

21. and slew them [R.V. put them to death] at Riblah] The word is not the same as in verse 7, and the R.V. follows A.V. of Jeremiah 52:27. So Judah was carried away out of their [R.V. his] land] The A.V. has ‘his own’ in Jeremiah 52. Jeremiah gives the totals of this captivity thus. In the seventh year of Nebuchadnezzar 3023, in the eighteenth year 832, and in the three-and-twentieth year 745, making a total of 4600. Jeremiah 52:28-30.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 25:21

So Judah was carried away - The kingdom of the two tribes was at an end; and the task of the historian might seem to be accomplished.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:21

21. Slew them at Riblah — See on 2 Kings 25:6. All these officers and principal citizens were regarded as implicated with Zedekiah in his rebellion, and guilty of treason, and were, therefore,

Sermons on 2 Kings 25:21

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Stephen Kaung Nehemiah #1: Chapter 1, Rebuilding the Wall by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker discusses the burden that Nehemiah carried as the cup-bearer to the king. Despite his inner turmoil, Nehemiah had to maintain a joyful appearance before
George Verwer Lukewarm No More - Part 13 by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of an evangelist named Roy Hesham who was transformed by the East African revival in the 50s and 60s. The revival emphasized personal
T. Austin-Sparks A Model Prayer of Intercession by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the characteristics of intercessory prayer as demonstrated by Nehemiah, highlighting the importance of anguish, knowledge of God, persistence, vicarious
C.I. Scofield The Jew, the Gentile, and the Church of God by C.I. Scofield C.I. Scofield delves into the distinct roles and relationships of Israel, the church, and the Gentiles as outlined in the Bible. He highlights the unique promises, histories, and d
Chuck Smith Daniel 9:1 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of Daniel's prayer, rooted in his understanding of God's Word and the fulfillment of God's promises. Daniel's confession of Israel's sins an
Bob Hoekstra The Certainty of All the Promises of God by Bob Hoekstra Bob Hoekstra preaches about the certainty and fulfillment of all the promises of God through Jesus Christ. The promises of God can be both encouraging and challenging, but they are

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