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2 Kings 14:5

2 Kings 14:5 in Multiple Translations

As soon as the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, Amaziah executed the servants who had murdered his father the king.

¶ And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.

And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was established in his hand, that he slew his servants who had slain the king his father:

Now when he became strong in the kingdom, straight away he put to death those servants who had taken the life of the king his father;

Once he was secure on the throne he executed the officials who had murdered his father the king.

And when the kingdome was confirmed in his hand, he slewe his seruants which had killed the King his father.

And it cometh to pass, when the kingdom hath been strong in his hand, that he smiteth his servants, those smiting the king his father,

As soon as the kingdom was established in his hand, he killed his servants who had slain the king his father,

And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants who had slain the king his father.

And when he had possession of the kingdom, he put his servants to death that had slain the king his father:

As soon as he was completely in control of his kingdom, he caused to be executed the officials who had murdered his father.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 14:5

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 14:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֕י כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר חָזְקָ֥ה הַ/מַּמְלָכָ֖ה בְּ/יָד֑/וֹ וַ/יַּךְ֙ אֶת עֲבָדָ֔י/ו הַ/מַּכִּ֖ים אֶת הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ אָבִֽי/ו
וַ/יְהִ֕י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
חָזְקָ֥ה châzaq H2388 to strengthen V-Qal-Perf-3fs
הַ/מַּמְלָכָ֖ה mamlâkâh H4467 kingdom Art | N-fs
בְּ/יָד֑/וֹ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff
וַ/יַּךְ֙ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עֲבָדָ֔י/ו ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff
הַ/מַּכִּ֖ים nâkâh H5221 to smite Art | V-Hiphil
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
אָבִֽי/ו ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 14:5

וַ/יְהִ֕י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
חָזְקָ֥ה châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
הַ/מַּמְלָכָ֖ה mamlâkâh H4467 "kingdom" Art | N-fs
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
בְּ/יָד֑/וֹ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff
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.
וַ/יַּךְ֙ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
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.
עֲבָדָ֔י/ו ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
הַ/מַּכִּ֖ים nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Art | V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
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.
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ 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.
אָבִֽי/ו ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 14:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Chronicles 25:3–4 As soon as the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, Amaziah executed the servants who had murdered his father the king. Yet he did not put their sons to death, but acted according to what is written in the Law, in the Book of Moses, where the LORD commanded: “Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.”
2 2 Kings 12:20–21 And the servants of Joash rose up and formed a conspiracy and killed him at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla. His servants Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer struck him down, and he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the City of David, and his son Amaziah reigned in his place.
3 Numbers 35:33 Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.
4 Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.
5 Exodus 21:12–14 Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.

2 Kings 14:5 Summary

[This verse tells us that Amaziah, the king of Judah, took action against the servants who had murdered his father, but he did so in a way that was fair and just, as seen in 2 Kings 14:6. He waited until he had a strong hold on the kingdom before taking action, which shows that he was thoughtful and wise in his decision-making. This is an important lesson for us, as we can learn from Amaziah's example about the importance of balancing justice and mercy, as seen in Matthew 5:7. By following Amaziah's example, we can strive to be fair and just in our own lives, while also showing mercy and forgiveness to those around us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Amaziah wait until the kingdom was firmly in his grasp before executing the servants who murdered his father?

Amaziah likely waited until he had a strong hold on the kingdom to avoid any potential power struggles or unrest, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:16, where the king is advised to wait until he has established himself before taking action.

Was Amaziah's execution of the servants who murdered his father an act of revenge or justice?

Amaziah's action can be seen as an act of justice, as it was in line with the law of Moses, which commanded that each person should die for their own sin, as stated in Deuteronomy 24:16 and seen in 2 Kings 14:6.

How does this verse relate to the concept of forgiveness and mercy in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of justice and accountability, but it also sets the stage for Amaziah's later actions, which demonstrate a balance between justice and mercy, as seen in Matthew 5:7, where it is written that the merciful will be shown mercy.

What can we learn from Amaziah's actions in this verse about leadership and decision-making?

Amaziah's actions demonstrate the importance of wise and thoughtful decision-making, as well as the need for leaders to establish a strong foundation before taking action, as advised in Proverbs 24:6, which emphasizes the importance of guidance and counsel in leadership.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to establish a strong foundation before taking action, and how can I apply Amaziah's example to my own decision-making?
  2. How can I balance the need for justice and accountability with the importance of showing mercy and forgiveness, as seen in the Bible?
  3. What are some ways that I can demonstrate wise and thoughtful leadership in my own life, whether in my family, community, or workplace?
  4. How can I apply the principle of personal responsibility, as seen in Deuteronomy 24:16, to my own life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 14:5

And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was strengthened in his hand,.... That he was well settled on the throne, and had a share in the affection of the people, and the idolatry and murder his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 14:5

And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 14:5

Whereby it is implied that his father’ s murderers had powerful friends and abettors, and that their fact was in some sort approved by the generality of the people, to whom Joash had made himself hateful by his apostacy to idolatry, and by his ingratitude to the house of Jehoiada.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 14:5

2 Kings 14:5 And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.Ver. 5. As soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand] He politically dissembled his displeasure till he found his time. Qui nescit dissimulate, nescit regnare, saith Louis XI of France to his son. It is a weakness in a prince always to carry his love and hatred in his forehead.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 14:5

(5) As soon as the kingdom was confirmed—i.e., as soon as he was firmly established on the throne; as soon as he felt his power secure. (Comp. 1 Kings 2:46.) Slew . . .—slain.—Literally, smote . . . smitten.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 14:5

Verse 5. As soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand] No doubt those wicked men, Jozachar and Jehozabad, who murdered his father, had considerable power and influence; and therefore he found it dangerous to bring them to justice, till he was assured of the loyalty of his other officers: when this was clear, he called them to account, and put them to death.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 14:5

5. as soon as the kingdom was confirmed [R.V. established] in his hand] The change is in conformity with 2 Chronicles. It is worth notice that the conspirators made no attempt, as it seems, to divert the succession from the house of David, though they might have expected that the son would take revenge on his father’s murderers.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 14:5

The phrase, “confirmed in his hand” 2 Kings 15:19, usually expresses the authorisation of a new reign by an imperial superior (see 2 Kings 15:19 note); but here it describes the result when the

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 14:5

5. Slew his servants — Jozachar and Jehozabad. See 2 Kings 12:21. Amaziah was wise to wait till the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, and he had all its forces at control.

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