2 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 31
But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֛ר
took no heed
H8104
שָׁמַ֛ר
took no heed
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
לָלֶ֛כֶת
H1980
לָלֶ֛כֶת
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 19
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְּתֽוֹרַת
in the law
H8451
בְּתֽוֹרַת
in the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
5 of 19
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵֽי
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵֽי
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מֵעַל֙
H5921
מֵעַל֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חַטֹּ֣אות
not from the sins
H2403
חַטֹּ֣אות
not from the sins
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
14 of 19
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶֽחֱטִ֖יא
to sin
H2398
הֶֽחֱטִ֖יא
to sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
Cross References
2 Kings 10:29Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Beth-el, and that were in Dan.Proverbs 4:23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.Hebrews 2:1Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.Psalms 78:10They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;
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
But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.