2 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 11
So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣ךְ
slew
H5221
וַיַּ֣ךְ
slew
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 17
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הִשְׁאִֽיר
all that remained
H7604
הִשְׁאִֽיר
all that remained
Strong's:
H7604
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
לְבֵית
of the house
H1004
לְבֵית
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
6 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אַחְאָב֙
of Ahab
H256
אַחְאָב֙
of Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
7 of 17
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
בְּיִזְרְעֶ֔אל
in Jezreel
H3157
בְּיִזְרְעֶ֔אל
in Jezreel
Strong's:
H3157
Word #:
8 of 17
jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
גְּדֹלָ֖יו
and all his great men
H1419
גְּדֹלָ֖יו
and all his great men
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
10 of 17
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וּמְיֻדָּעָ֣יו
and his kinsfolks
H3045
וּמְיֻדָּעָ֣יו
and his kinsfolks
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
11 of 17
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וְכֹֽהֲנָ֑יו
and his priests
H3548
וְכֹֽהֲנָ֑יו
and his priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
12 of 17
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
13 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בִּלְתִּ֥י
H1115
בִּלְתִּ֥י
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 10 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Purge Continues) 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 10 regarding zeal for god without heart transformation?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. 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.