2 Kings 11:7
2 Kings 11:7 in Multiple Translations
the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king.
And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the LORD about the king.
And the two companies of you, even all that go forth on the sabbath, shall keep the watch of the house of Jehovah about the king.
And the two divisions of you, who go out on the Sabbath and keep the watch of the house of the Lord,
The two divisions that would normally go off duty on the Sabbath will guard the Lord's Temple for the king.
And two parts of you, that is, all that goe out on the Sabbath day, shall keepe the watch of the house of the Lord about the King.
and two parts of you, all going out on the sabbath — they have kept the charge of the house of Jehovah about the king,
The two companies of you, even all who go out on the Sabbath, shall keep the watch of the LORD’s house around the king.
And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the LORD about the king.
But let two parts of you, all that go forth on the sabbath, keep the watch of the house of the Lord about the king.
The two groups that are not working on the Sabbath day must guard the temple to protect little King Joash.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 11:7
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 11:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/שְׁתֵּ֤י
הַ/יָּדוֹת֙
בָּ/כֶ֔ם
כֹּ֖ל
יֹצְאֵ֣י
הַ/שַּׁבָּ֑ת
וְ/שָֽׁמְר֛וּ
אֶת
מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
בֵּית
יְהוָ֖ה
אֶל
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וּ/שְׁתֵּ֤י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
הַ/יָּדוֹת֙
yâd
H3027
hand
Art | N-cp
בָּ/כֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יֹצְאֵ֣י
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal
הַ/שַּׁבָּ֑ת
shabbâth
H7676
Sabbath
Art | N-cs
וְ/שָֽׁמְר֛וּ
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
charge
N-fs
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
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 11:7
וּ/שְׁתֵּ֤י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | 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/יָּדוֹת֙
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Art | N-cp
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
בָּ/כֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יֹצְאֵ֣י
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הַ/שַּׁבָּ֑ת
shabbâth
H7676
"Sabbath"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, as commanded by God in Exodus 20:8-11 and observed by the Israelites. It is a special day set apart for spiritual renewal and reflection, as Jesus taught in Matthew 12:1-14.
Definition: Sabbath 1a) sabbath 1b) day of atonement 1c) sabbath year 1d) week 1e) produce (in sabbath year)
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] every) sabbath. See also: Exodus 16:23; 2 Chronicles 2:3; Psalms 92:1.
וְ/שָֽׁמְר֛וּ
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
N-fs
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
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.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 11:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 11:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 11:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 11:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 11:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 11:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 11:7
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 11:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 11:7
Context — Joash Anointed King of Judah
5and commanded them, “This is what you are to do: A third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall guard the royal palace,
6a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple—
7the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king.
8You must surround the king with weapons in hand, and anyone who approaches the ranks must be put to death. You must stay close to the king wherever he goes.” 9So the commanders of hundreds did everything that Jehoiada the priest had ordered. Each of them took his men—those coming on duty on the Sabbath and those going off duty—and came to Jehoiada the priest.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 23:6 | No one is to enter the house of the LORD except the priests and those Levites who serve; they may enter because they are consecrated, but all the people are to obey the requirement of the LORD. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 11:5 | and commanded them, “This is what you are to do: A third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall guard the royal palace, |
2 Kings 11:7 Summary
In 2 Kings 11:7, we see that the two divisions of guards who were going off duty on the Sabbath were given the important task of guarding the house of the LORD for the king. This shows how the leaders of Judah were working to protect their new king, Joash, and the temple where God was worshiped, much like the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:1-66. Just as these guards were faithful to their duties, we can learn to be faithful in our own roles and responsibilities, trusting in God's sovereignty and protection, as seen in Psalm 91:1-2. By doing so, we can serve God and others with courage and wisdom, just like the leaders in the Bible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the two divisions going off duty on the Sabbath in 2 Kings 11:7?
The two divisions going off duty on the Sabbath were tasked with guarding the house of the LORD for the king, highlighting the importance of protecting the king and the temple, as seen in 1 Kings 8:64 where the temple was dedicated to God.
Why were the divisions going off duty on the Sabbath chosen for this task?
The divisions going off duty on the Sabbath were likely chosen because they would be well-rested and able to provide effective protection, illustrating the biblical principle of rest and work as seen in Exodus 20:8-11.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of King Joash in 2 Kings 11?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of King Joash's ascension to the throne, as facilitated by Jehoiada the priest, and demonstrates the careful planning and execution involved in ensuring the king's safety and the temple's security, similar to the protection of the king in 2 Samuel 15:1-6.
What can we learn about leadership from Jehoiada's actions in 2 Kings 11:7?
Jehoiada's actions demonstrate the importance of wise and courageous leadership, as he takes initiative to protect the king and the temple, exemplifying the qualities of leaders like Moses in Numbers 27:18-23 and Joshua in Joshua 1:6-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of protection and service, as seen in 2 Kings 11:7, to my own life and relationships?
- How can I balance rest and work, as hinted at in this verse, to ensure I am effectively serving God and others?
- In what ways can I prioritize the protection and care of those around me, just as the divisions were tasked with guarding the king and the temple?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and protection, just as King Joash and the people of Judah did in this story?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 11:7
And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath,.... The course that went out of service at the end of the sabbath; these were not suffered, not any of them, to go into the country, but were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 11:7
And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king's house; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 11:7
You that go forth on the sabbath, i.e. who having finished their course and week, should have gone home, but were detained, . They shall keep the watch of the house of the Lord about the king; whilst the rest guard the doors and entrances into the temple, these shall have a special care of the king’ s person, part on his right, and part on his left hand.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 11:7
2 Kings 11:7 And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the LORD about the king.Ver. 7. Shall keep the watch of the house of the Lord.] To keep the place from pollution, and the young king from danger.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 11:7
(7, 8) The whole body of guards relieved on the Sabbath are to guard the Temple and the young prince. (7) And two parts of all you . . . sabbath.—Rather, and the two branches among you, all that go out on the Sabbath. The two “branches” means the two fundamental divisions—viz., Carians (or executioners) and Couriers. The troops relieved on the Sabbath were not to be posted in three companies at three different points, like those who came on duty in their place; but they were to form in two ranks—Carians on one side and Couriers on the other—for the purpose of guarding the Temple, and especially the king’s person. About.—Literally, in the direction of—i.e., with regard to, over. “The house of the Lord” is obviously contrasted with “the king’s house” (2 Kings 11:5). (8) Ye shall compass the king round about.—They were to form two lines, between which the king might walk safely from the Temple to the palace. The ranges.—Rather, the ranks—scil., the two lines of the guard formed for the protection of the king. If any one attempted to force his way through the ranks in order to attack the king he was to be slain. Be ye with the king . . . cometh in.—When he leaves the Temple, and when he enters the palace.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 11:7
7. And two parts of all you that go forth] R.V. And the two companies of you, even all that go forth. All those men who were going off duty at the palace were to divide themselves into two bodies, and go and serve at the temple to protect the king. The ‘of you’ refers to the purely military body, as in verse 5. We see in verse 2 that their duty was outside the temple building, while the narrative in Chronicles in almost identical language appoints the Levites for duty within the temple.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 11:7
7. Two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath — Those who went forth on the Sabbath were the course of Levites who were relieved on that day from their term of temple service by the coming in of another course.