2 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיִּתְפְּשׂ֖וּם
And they took
H8610
וַֽיִּתְפְּשׂ֖וּם
And they took
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
2 of 17
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
חַיִּ֑ים
them alive
H2416
חַיִּ֑ים
them alive
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
3 of 17
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
וַֽיִּתְפְּשׂ֖וּם
And they took
H8610
וַֽיִּתְפְּשׂ֖וּם
And they took
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
4 of 17
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
חַיִּ֑ים
them alive
H2416
חַיִּ֑ים
them alive
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
5 of 17
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
בּ֣וֹר
them at the pit
H953
בּ֣וֹר
them at the pit
Strong's:
H953
Word #:
8 of 17
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
אִ֖ישׁ
he any
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
he any
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
13 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִשְׁאִ֥יר
neither left
H7604
הִשְׁאִ֥יר
neither left
Strong's:
H7604
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
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
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.
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.