2 Kings 10:2
2 Kings 10:2 in Multiple Translations
“When this letter arrives, since your master’s sons are with you and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weaponry,
Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master’s sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armour;
And now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master’s sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and armor;
Straight away, when you get this letter, seeing that your master's sons are with you, and that you have carriages and horses and a walled town and arms;
“Since your master's sons are with you, and you have at your disposal chariots, horses, a fortified city, and weapons, when you receive this letter,
Nowe when this letter commeth to you, (for ye haue with you your masters sonnes, yee haue with you both charets and horses, and a defenced citie, and armour)
'And now, at the coming in of this letter unto you, and with you [are] sons of your lord, and with you [are] the chariots and the horses, and a fenced city, and the armour,
“Now as soon as this letter comes to you, since your master’s sons are with you, and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and armor,
Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and armor;
As soon as you receive these letters, ye that have your master’s sons, and chariots, and horses, and fenced cities, and armour,
This is what he wrote: “You are the ones who are taking care of the king’s descendants. You have chariots and horses and weapons, and you live in cities that have walls around them. So as soon as you receive this letter,
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 10:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 10:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
כְּ/בֹ֨א
הַ/סֵּ֤פֶר
הַ/זֶּה֙
אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם
וְ/אִתְּ/כֶ֖ם
בְּנֵ֣י
אֲדֹנֵי/כֶ֑ם
וְ/אִתְּ/כֶם֙
הָ/רֶ֣כֶב
וְ/הַ/סּוּסִ֔ים
וְ/עִ֥יר
מִבְצָ֖ר
וְ/הַ/נָּֽשֶׁק
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
כְּ/בֹ֨א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/סֵּ֤פֶר
çêpher
H5612
scroll
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/אִתְּ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H854
with
Conj | Prep | Suff
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אֲדֹנֵי/כֶ֑ם
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | Suff
וְ/אִתְּ/כֶם֙
ʼêth
H854
with
Conj | Prep | Suff
הָ/רֶ֣כֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/סּוּסִ֔ים
çûwç
H5483
swallow
Conj | Art | N-mp
וְ/עִ֥יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | N-fs
מִבְצָ֖ר
mibtsâr
H4013
fortification
N-ms
וְ/הַ/נָּֽשֶׁק
nesheq
H5402
weapon
Conj | Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 10:2
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
כְּ/בֹ֨א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַ/סֵּ֤פֶר
çêpher
H5612
"scroll"
Art | N-ms
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
הַ/זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וְ/אִתְּ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Conj | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֲדֹנֵי/כֶ֑ם
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
וְ/אִתְּ/כֶם֙
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Conj | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
הָ/רֶ֣כֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/הַ/סּוּסִ֔ים
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
Conj | Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/עִ֥יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מִבְצָ֖ר
mibtsâr
H4013
"fortification"
N-ms
This word describes a strong, fortified place like a castle or a fenced city, providing protection and safety. It is used in the Bible to describe secure and defended locations.
Definition: fortification, fortress, fortified city, stronghold
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: (de-, most) fenced, fortress, (most) strong (hold). See also: Numbers 13:19; Isaiah 34:13; Psalms 89:41.
וְ/הַ/נָּֽשֶׁק
nesheq
H5402
"weapon"
Conj | Art | N-ms
Military equipment, including arms and armor, used for battle or defense. It refers to the weapons and tools used by armed men. In the Bible, it is often associated with war and conflict.
Definition: 1) equipment, weapons, armoury 1a) equipment, weapons 1b) armoury
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: armed men, armour(-y), battle, harness, weapon. See also: 1 Kings 10:25; Job 39:21; Psalms 140:8.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 10:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 10:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 10:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 10:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:2
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 10:2
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 10:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:2
Context — Ahab’s Seventy Sons Killed
1Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the officials of Jezreel, to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab, saying:
2“When this letter arrives, since your master’s sons are with you and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weaponry,
3select the best and most worthy son of your master, set him on his father’s throne, and fight for your master’s house.” 4But they were terrified and reasoned, “If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 5:6 | And the letter that he took to the king of Israel stated: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman, so that you may cure him of his leprosy.” |
2 Kings 10:2 Summary
In 2 Kings 10:2, Jehu is writing to the officials of Jezreel, telling them to get ready to defend themselves because they have the means to do so, with chariots, horses, and a fortified city. This is similar to the instructions given in Deuteronomy 20:1, where God tells the Israelites to prepare for battle. Jehu is essentially saying, 'You have what you need, so use it to fight for what is rightfully yours', as a fulfillment of the prophecy in 1 Kings 21:21-24. This verse reminds us that God is sovereign over all things, and we must be faithful in using the resources He has given us to serve and honor Him, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of 2 Kings 10:2?
The verse is part of a larger narrative where Jehu, a prophet, is writing to the officials of Jezreel, warning them to prepare for battle, as seen in 2 Kings 9:1-13, and is a fulfillment of the prophecy in 1 Kings 21:21-24
Why does Jehu mention the presence of chariots, horses, and a fortified city in 2 Kings 10:2?
Jehu is acknowledging the military strength and resources available to the officials of Jezreel, similar to the military might described in Deuteronomy 20:1, and is essentially saying, 'You have the means to defend yourselves, so use them to fight for your master’s house'
What is the significance of Jehu's letter in 2 Kings 10:2?
The letter serves as a call to action for the officials of Jezreel to take a stand and defend the house of Ahab, as Jehu has been anointed by God to overthrow the dynasty, as prophesied in 1 Kings 19:16-17
How does 2 Kings 10:2 relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty?
This verse illustrates God's sovereignty over human kingdoms and rulers, as seen in Daniel 4:17 and Romans 13:1, where God uses various means, including prophets like Jehu, to accomplish His purposes
Reflection Questions
- What are the spiritual and practical implications of being in a position of power and influence, like the officials of Jezreel in this verse?
- How can we, like Jehu, be faithful in carrying out God's instructions, even when the task seems daunting or uncertain, as in 2 Kings 9:1-10?
- What role does fear play in our decision-making, and how can we, like the officials of Jezreel, overcome fear to do what is right, as encouraged in Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Timothy 1:7?
- In what ways can we use our resources and gifts to 'fight for our master's house', or to serve and honor God, as in Matthew 25:14-30?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 10:2
Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you,.... Sons of Ahab, and some of Joram, and all either the sons or grandsons of Ahab: and there are with you chariots
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 10:2
Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armour; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:2
2 Kings 10:2 Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master’ s sons [are] with you, and [there are] with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armour;Ver. 2. Now as soon as this letter cometh to you.] A concise and stately kind of writing, much like that of the king of Syria to the king of Israel. So the Hebrews note of Esau, in his meeting with Jacob, that he uttereth his mind in few words, whenas Jacob is more full and fuse in his expressions. But ornamentum epistolae est ornamentis carere, saith a master of rhetoric, Plainness is the greatest grace of an epistle. Politian.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:2
(2) Now as soon as this letter cometh.—Rather, And now when this letter cometh. Only the conclusion of the letter, containing the gist of it, is reported here. (Comp. 2 Kings 5:6.) Seeing your master’s sons . . . look even out (2 Kings 10:3).—Rather, there are with you both your master’s sons, and the chariots and the horses,and a fenced city, and the armoury: so look out the best, &c.A fenced city.—All the versions but the Arabic have “fenced cities;” and so Josephus. There is a tone of mocking irony in Jehu’s challenge to the nobles of Samaria, who were probably as luxurious and cowardly now as in the days of Amos, a few years later (Amos 3:12; Amos 6:3-6). (Comp. also Isaiah 28:1-10.) By his careful enumeration of their resources, he as good as says that his defiance is not the fruit of ignorance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:2
Verse 2. A fenced city also] All here seems to refer to Samaria alone; in it were the magazines and implements of war, c. No reader need be told that these letters were all ironical. It was the same as if he had said, "Ye have no means of defence Israel is with me: if you yield not up yourselves and the city, I will put you all to the sword."
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 10:2
2. Now [R.V. And now] as soon as this letter cometh to you] Only an extract from the letter is here given, which the Hebrew correctly represents, and which R.V. has shewn by its translation. See a similar instance before, chap. 2 Kings 5:6. a fenced city] This must refer to the city of Samaria, which probably was better fortified than Jezreel, and which had been especially cared for by the family of Omri by whom it was built.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 10:2
A fenced city - Or, “fenced cities.” If Samaria had refused to acknowledge Jehu, many other Israelite towns would have been sure to follow the example.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:2
2, 3. As soon as this letter cometh — Most expositors have regarded this letter of Jehu as ironical.