2 Kings 10:19
Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֣ה
H6258
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 31
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
נְבִיאֵ֣י
unto me all the prophets
H5030
נְבִיאֵ֣י
unto me all the prophets
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
3 of 31
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 31
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֹֽבְדֵ֥י
all his servants
H5647
עֹֽבְדֵ֥י
all his servants
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
6 of 31
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 31
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֹּֽהֲנָיו֩
and all his priests
H3548
כֹּֽהֲנָיו֩
and all his priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
8 of 31
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
קִרְא֨וּ
Now therefore call
H7121
קִרְא֨וּ
Now therefore call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
9 of 31
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אִ֣ישׁ
let none
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
let none
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
11 of 31
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)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
12 of 31
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יִפָּקֵ֖ד
be wanting
H6485
יִפָּקֵ֖ד
be wanting
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
13 of 31
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 31
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
זֶ֨בַח
sacrifice
H2077
זֶ֨בַח
sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
15 of 31
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
גָּד֥וֹל
for I have a great
H1419
גָּד֥וֹל
for I have a great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
16 of 31
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
כֹּ֥ל
H3605
כֹּ֥ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
19 of 31
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
20 of 31
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִפָּקֵ֖ד
be wanting
H6485
יִפָּקֵ֖ד
be wanting
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
21 of 31
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
22 of 31
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִֽחְיֶ֑ה
he shall not live
H2421
יִֽחְיֶ֑ה
he shall not live
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
23 of 31
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
עָשָׂ֣ה
did
H6213
עָשָׂ֣ה
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
25 of 31
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְמַ֥עַן
H4616
לְמַ֥עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
27 of 31
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
הַֽאֲבִ֖יד
to the intent that he might destroy
H6
הַֽאֲבִ֖יד
to the intent that he might destroy
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
28 of 31
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
29 of 31
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
1 Kings 22:6Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.1 Kings 18:19Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. 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.