2 Kings Chapter 25 · Verse 29

Authorized King James Version

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And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.

Original Language Analysis

וְשִׁנָּ֕א And changed H8132
וְשִׁנָּ֕א And changed
Strong's: H8132
Word #: 1 of 11
to alter
אֵ֖ת H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּגְדֵ֣י garments H899
בִּגְדֵ֣י garments
Strong's: H899
Word #: 3 of 11
a covering, i.e., clothing
כִלְא֑וֹ his prison H3608
כִלְא֑וֹ his prison
Strong's: H3608
Word #: 4 of 11
a prison
וְאָכַ֨ל and he did eat H398
וְאָכַ֨ל and he did eat
Strong's: H398
Word #: 5 of 11
to eat (literally or figuratively)
לֶ֧חֶם bread H3899
לֶ֧חֶם bread
Strong's: H3899
Word #: 6 of 11
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
תָּמִ֛יד continually H8548
תָּמִ֛יד continually
Strong's: H8548
Word #: 7 of 11
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
לְפָנָ֖יו before H6440
לְפָנָ֖יו before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 8 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֥י him all the days H3117
יְמֵ֥י him all the days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 10 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
חַיָּֽיו׃ of his life H2416
חַיָּֽיו׃ of his life
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 11 of 11
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Cross References

2 Samuel 9:7And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.Isaiah 61:3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.Genesis 41:42And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;Zechariah 3:4And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.Luke 15:22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:2 Kings 24:12And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.Esther 8:15And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.Esther 4:4So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.Genesis 41:14Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

Analysis & Commentary

And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 25 takes place during the final collapse of Judah and Babylonian exile, early 6th century BCE, 605-586 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction) reflects the historical reality of the final collapse of Judah, destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and exile to Babylon as covenant curses are fully realized. 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