2 Kings 11:8

Verse

You 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.”

American Standard Version (1901)

And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and he that cometh within the ranks, let him be slain: and be ye with the king when he goeth out, and when he cometh in.

Bible in Basic English

Will make a circle round the king, every man being armed; and whoever comes inside your lines is to be put to death; keep with the king, when he goes out and when he comes in.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And you shall compass him round about, having weapons in your hands: and if any man shall enter the precinct of the temple, let him be slain: and you shall be with the king coming in and going out.

Free Bible Version

Surround the king with weapons drawn, and anyone who approaches this line must be killed. Stay close to the king wherever he goes.”

Geneva Bible 1599

And ye shall compasse the King rounde about, euery man with his weapon in his hande, and whosoeuer commeth within the ranges, let him be slayne: be you with the King, as he goeth out and in.

King James (Authorized) Version

And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in.

Translation for Translators

You must stand around the king wherever he goes, with your weapons in your hands. You must kill anyone who comes near you.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

You must surround the king, every man with his weapons in his hand. Whoever enters within your ranks, let him be killed. You must stay with the king when he goes out, and when he comes in.

Noah Webster Bible

And ye shall compass the king around, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain. And be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in.

World English Bible

You shall surround the king, every man with his weapons in his hand; and he who comes within the ranks, let him be slain. Be with the king when he goes out, and when he comes in.”

Young's Literal Translation

and ye have compassed the king round about, each with his weapons in his hand, and he who is coming unto the ranges is put to death; and be ye with the king in his going out and in his coming in.'

Context

Joash Anointed King of Judah

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.”

Summary

In 2 Kings 11:8, we see the moment when the priest Jehoiada instructed the captains of the guard to guard King Joash and put a barrier around him. This action was crucial in protecting the young king from being harmed or overthrown by Athaliah, who sought to seize power. Jehoiada's wisdom and quick thinking played a significant role in preserving the line of David and ensuring the fulfillment of God's promise to establish a descendant on the throne. This verse showcases the importance of Godly leadership and the divine protection over those chosen to fulfill His purposes.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand,.... Afterwards given them, Kg2 11:10, and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain; any strange man that was not of them, that came into the ranks in which they were formed, was to be put to death as a spy, who might go and inform the queen what was doing; according to Jarchi, the word for "ranges" signifies the place through which the king went from his own house to the house of God (d); and here it seems the guards were placed: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in when brought forth to be crowned and anointed, and returned again. (d) Vid. David. de Pomis Lexic. fol. 205. 3.