2 Kings 10:4
2 Kings 10:4 in Multiple Translations
But they were terrified and reasoned, “If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?”
But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?
But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?
But they were full of fear, and said, The two kings have gone down before him: how may we keep our place?
But they were extremely frightened, and said to themselves, “If two kings couldn't defeat him, how could we?”
But they were exceedingly afraid, and saide, Behold two Kings coulde not stande before him, how shall we then stand?
And they fear very greatly, and say, 'Lo, the two kings have not stood before him, and how do we stand — we?'
But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, “Behold, the two kings didn’t stand before him! How then shall we stand?”
But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?
But they were exceedingly afraid, and said: Behold two kings could not stand before him, and how shall we be able to resist?
But when they got those letters from Jehu and read them, they became very afraid. They said, “King Joram and King Ahaziah could not resist him; ◄how can we resist him?/we cannot possibly resist him!►” [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 10:4
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 10:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּֽרְאוּ֙
מְאֹ֣ד
מְאֹ֔ד
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
הִנֵּה֙
שְׁנֵ֣י
הַ/מְּלָכִ֔ים
לֹ֥א
עָמְד֖וּ
לְ/פָנָ֑י/ו
וְ/אֵ֖יךְ
נַעֲמֹ֥ד
אֲנָֽחְנוּ
וַ/יִּֽרְאוּ֙
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מְאֹ֣ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הִנֵּה֙
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
שְׁנֵ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
הַ/מְּלָכִ֔ים
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-mp
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עָמְד֖וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לְ/פָנָ֑י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וְ/אֵ֖יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Conj | Part
נַעֲמֹ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
אֲנָֽחְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 10:4
וַ/יִּֽרְאוּ֙
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מְאֹ֣ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הִנֵּה֙
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
שְׁנֵ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
הַ/מְּלָכִ֔ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָמְד֖וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לְ/פָנָ֑י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וְ/אֵ֖יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Conj | Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
נַעֲמֹ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
אֲנָֽחְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 10:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 10:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 10:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 10:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:4
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 10:4
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 10:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:4
- Sermons on 2 Kings 10:4
Context — Ahab’s Seventy Sons Killed
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?”
5So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” 6Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, then bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the sons of the king, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 9:24 | Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 9:27 | When King Ahaziah of Judah saw this, he fled up the road toward Beth-haggan. And Jehu pursued him, shouting, “Shoot him too!” So they shot Ahaziah in his chariot on the Ascent of Gur, near Ibleam, and he fled to Megiddo and died there. |
| 3 | Isaiah 27:4 | I am not angry. If only thorns and briers confronted Me, I would march and trample them, I would burn them to the ground. |
| 4 | Luke 14:31 | Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? |
| 5 | Jeremiah 49:19 | Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” |
| 6 | Nahum 1:6 | Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him. |
2 Kings 10:4 Summary
The people in 2 Kings 10:4 were terrified because they thought that if two powerful kings couldn't defeat Jehu, then they had no chance. This shows that they were relying on human strength, rather than trusting in God. We can learn from this by trusting in God's power and sovereignty, rather than our own abilities, as seen in Psalms 28:7 and Proverbs 29:25. By putting our faith in God, we can have courage and peace, even in difficult situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the people terrified in 2 Kings 10:4?
The people were terrified because they realized that if two kings, likely Jehoram and Ahaziah, could not stand against Jehu, then they themselves had no chance of success, as seen in 2 Kings 9:24 and 2 Kings 9:27.
What does this verse reveal about human nature?
This verse shows that humans often rely on their own strength and the strength of others, rather than trusting in God, as warned against in Psalms 20:7 and Jeremiah 17:5.
How does this verse relate to the concept of fear and faith?
This verse highlights the contrast between fear and faith, as the people's fear of Jehu led them to surrender, whereas faith in God can lead to courage and trust, as seen in Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Timothy 1:7.
What can we learn from the people's reasoning in this verse?
The people's reasoning, 'If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?', demonstrates a lack of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, as taught in Romans 8:31 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am relying on my own strength, rather than trusting in God?
- How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty, rather than human strength, to my current challenges?
- What role does fear play in my decision-making, and how can I replace it with faith and trust in God?
- In what ways can I demonstrate courage and trust in God, even in the face of overwhelming circumstances, like the people in 2 Kings 10:4?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 10:4
But they were exceedingly afraid,.... They were intimidated at once; for they saw the purport of those letters, that should they attempt anything of this kind, he would come upon them with his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 10:4
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:4
All their power and interest, either in Jezreel, or in the army before or in Ramoth-gilead, could not hinder him from executing his design from killing the two kings, and from invading one of their kingdoms. It is true, he surprised the kings, which a little weakens their argument; but fear and self love made them easily yield to it.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:4
2 Kings 10:4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?Ver. 4. But they were exceedingly afraid.] Such was their pusillanimity and perfidy, that they yield upon a little entreaty, and betray their trust. But God had an overruling hand in it, for the rooting out of Ahab’ s progeny. Behold, two kings, &c.: how then shall we stand?] Say we the same of God’ s irresistible power. Ten thousand kings cannot stand before him; and how should we?
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:4
(4) But they were exceedingly afraid.—Literally, And they feared mightily, mightily. (Comp. Genesis 7:19.) Two kings.—Rather, the two kings. The word kings is emphatic.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:4
Verse 4. Two kings stood not before him] That is Joram and Ahaziah.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 10:4
4. Behold, two kings stood not before him] Jehu’s prompt action had prevented any details of what had been done from reaching Samaria. Perhaps had they known how the two kings had been taken by surprise and shot down as they were expecting to hear a message from the army, the elders of Samaria might have offered some resistance.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 10:4
Two kings - literally, “the two kings,” i. e., Jehoram and Ahaziah 2 Kings 9:21-28.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 10:4
4. Two kings — Joram and Ahaziah.
Sermons on 2 Kings 10:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Appearance of Christ in Human Nature - Part 1 by John Gill | John Gill preaches about the appearance of Christ in human nature, comparing it to the light of the morning when the sun rises, emphasizing that His coming dispels darkness and bri |
|
The Call of God - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of doing the will of God and renouncing the desires and ambitions of the world. He highlights that the world and its temporary |
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Consider Before You Fight by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the power of God and His ability to control and manipulate nature. It references biblical stories such as the flood and the parting of the Red Sea t |
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The Fourfold Purpose of the Gospel by Jeff Rose | This sermon emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ without compromise, highlighting the need to return to the true gospel message, the resistance faced |
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Still a Great Way Off (Gospel) by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two snippets from the parables in Luke chapters 14 and 15. The first snippet is about counting the costs before deciding to become a Christi |
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Cd Gv278 Leaders Breakfast, Kathmandu 85 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building relationships in God's work. He shares the example of his own ministry, which took 13 years of building relationsh |
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The Biblical Evangelism of the Westminster Confession #2 by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of addressing the needs of the audience and applying the teachings of the Bible to their lives. He emphasizes the necessity of |