2 Kings 25:5
2 Kings 25:5 in Multiple Translations
but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was separated from him.
And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.
But the Chaldaean army went after the king, and overtook him in the lowlands of Jericho, and all his army went in flight from him in every direction.
but the Babylonian army chased after the king and caught up with him on the plains of Jericho. His whole army had scattered and left him.
But the armie of the Caldees pursued after the King, and tooke him in the desertes of Iericho, and all his hoste was scattered from him.
And the force of the Chaldeans pursue after the king, and overtake him in the plains of Jericho, and all his force have been scattered from him;
But the Chaldean army pursued the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.
And the army of the Chaldees pursued the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.
And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all the warriors that were with him were scattered, and left him:
But the Babylonian soldiers chased/ran after them. They caught the king when he was by himself in the valley near the Jordan River. He was by himself because all his soldiers had abandoned him.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 25:5
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 25:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּרְדְּפ֤וּ
חֵיל
כַּשְׂדִּים֙
אַחַ֣ר
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
וַ/יַּשִּׂ֥גוּ
אֹת֖/וֹ
בְּ/עַרְב֣וֹת
יְרֵח֑וֹ
וְ/כָל
חֵיל֔/וֹ
נָפֹ֖צוּ
מֵ/עָלָֽי/ו
וַ/יִּרְדְּפ֤וּ
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
חֵיל
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms
כַּשְׂדִּים֙
Kasdîy
H3778
Chaldea
N-proper
אַחַ֣ר
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וַ/יַּשִּׂ֥גוּ
nâsag
H5381
to overtake
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/עַרְב֣וֹת
ʻărâbâh
H6160
plain
Prep | N-fp
יְרֵח֑וֹ
Yᵉrîychôw
H3405
Jericho
N-proper
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
חֵיל֔/וֹ
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms | Suff
נָפֹ֖צוּ
pûwts
H6327
to scatter
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
מֵ/עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 25:5
וַ/יִּרְדְּפ֤וּ
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
חֵיל
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
כַּשְׂדִּים֙
Kasdîy
H3778
"Chaldea"
N-proper
Chaldea refers to a region in Mesopotamia and its inhabitants, known for wisdom and astrology, as seen in Daniel 1:4. The Chaldeans lived near the Persian Gulf and were considered wise. They are mentioned in 2 Kings 25:11.
Definition: § Chaldea or Chaldeans = "clod-breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. See also: Genesis 11:28; Jeremiah 37:13; Isaiah 13:19.
אַחַ֣ר
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
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.
וַ/יַּשִּׂ֥גוּ
nâsag
H5381
"to overtake"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To overtake means to reach or catch up to something, like pursuing an enemy or attaining a goal. This verb is used in the Bible to describe physical and spiritual pursuits. It can also mean to be able to secure or have enough.
Definition: 1) to reach, overtake, take hold upon 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to overtake 1a2) to reach, attain to, cause to reach 1a3) to be able to secure, reach, have enough
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ability, be able, attain (unto), (be able to, can) get, lay at, put, reach, remove, wax rich, [idiom] surely, (over-) take (hold of, on, upon). See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Samuel 14:26; Psalms 7:6.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
בְּ/עַרְב֣וֹת
ʻărâbâh
H6160
"plain"
Prep | N-fp
The Arabah is a desert plain near the Jordan River, stretching to the Red Sea, and is often translated as wilderness or desert in the Bible. It is mentioned in books like Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: § desert plain, steppe, desert, wilderness
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Arabah, champaign, desert, evening, heaven, plain, wilderness. See also H1026 (בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה). See also: Numbers 22:1; 1 Samuel 23:24; Psalms 68:5.
יְרֵח֑וֹ
Yᵉrîychôw
H3405
"Jericho"
N-proper
Jericho was a city in Palestine, the first conquered by the Israelites in Canaan. Its name means 'its moon' and it was located near the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.
Definition: Jericho = "its moon" a city 5 miles (8 km) west of the Jordan and 7 miles (11.5 km) north of the Dead Sea and the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the promised land of Canaan Also named: Hierichō (Ἱεριχώ "Jericho" G2410)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Jericho. See also: Numbers 22:1; Joshua 9:3; Jeremiah 39:5.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | 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.
חֵיל֔/וֹ
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms | Suff
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
נָפֹ֖צוּ
pûwts
H6327
"to scatter"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.
מֵ/עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 25:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 25:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 25:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 25:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:5
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 25:5
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 25:5
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:5
- Sermons on 2 Kings 25:5
Context — Nebuchadnezzar Besieges Jerusalem
3By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food.
4Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah,
5but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him.
6The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where they pronounced judgment on him. 7And they slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they put out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 30:16 | “No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 39:5 | But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him. |
| 3 | Amos 2:14–16 | Escape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life. The archer will not stand his ground, the fleet of foot will not escape, and the horseman will not save his life. Even the bravest of mighty men will flee naked on that day,” declares the LORD. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 24:8 | But like the bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten,’ says the LORD, ‘so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem—those remaining in this land and those living in the land of Egypt. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 52:8 | but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was separated from him. |
2 Kings 25:5 Summary
This verse tells us that the king of Judah was caught by the Chaldeans in the plains of Jericho, and his army was separated from him. This was a significant defeat for the king, and it marked the end of his reign. As we read this verse, we can remember that our strength and security come from God, not from our own abilities or resources (Psalm 20:7-8). We can also learn from the king's mistake of trying to flee from God's judgment, and instead, surrender to God's will and trust in His sovereignty (Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king's army separate from him as they were being pursued by the Chaldeans?
The Bible does not give a specific reason, but it may be that the king's army was weakened by the prolonged siege and famine, as described in 2 Kings 25:3, making it difficult for them to keep up with the king as they fled.
What is the significance of the plains of Jericho in this verse?
The plains of Jericho are where the king was overtaken by the Chaldeans, marking a significant defeat for the king of Judah, similar to the defeat of the armies of Jericho in Joshua 6:1-27, where God gave the city into the hands of the Israelites.
How does this verse fit into the larger story of the fall of Judah?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the fall of Judah, as described in 2 Kings 25:1-21, and is a fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Jeremiah in Jeremiah 32:3-5, that the king of Judah would be handed over to the king of Babylon.
What can we learn from the king's decision to flee from the Chaldeans?
The king's decision to flee may have been motivated by a desire to escape the judgment of God, but it ultimately led to his capture and the fulfillment of God's judgment, as seen in 2 Kings 25:6-7, serving as a reminder of the futility of trying to escape God's judgment, as warned in Hebrews 2:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be trying to flee from God's judgment or discipline in my own life, and how can I surrender to His will?
- How can I learn to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, like the king of Judah faced in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can apply the lesson of the king's defeat, that our strength and security come from God, not from our own abilities or resources, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8?
- How can I use this verse to reflect on the importance of humility and recognizing my own limitations, rather than trying to rely on my own strength, as warned in Proverbs 16:18-19?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 25:5
[See comments on 2 Kings 25:1]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 25:5
And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:5
2 Kings 25:5 And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.Ver. 5. And the army of the Chaldees pursued.] Insequuti sunt regem, et assecuti sunt eum. And all his army was scattered from him.] To shift for their lives, as man is a life-loving creature.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:5
(5) In the plains of Jericho.—In the neighbour. hood of Jericho, the Arabah expands to the breadth of eleven or twelve miles. The part west of Jordan was called the “plains” (Arbôth plural of Arabah) of Jericho; and that which lay east of the river was known as the plains of Moab (Joshua 4:13; Numbers 22:1). The depression between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Akaba still bears the old name of the Arabah; between the Dead Sea and the Lake of Tiberias it is called the Ghor.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:5
Verse 5. The army of the Chaldeans pursued] Zedekiah was taken, and brought captive to Riblah in Syria, where Nebuchadnezzar then lay, who ordered his sons to be slain before his face, and then put out his eyes; and having loaded him with chains, sent him to Babylon, (see Jeremiah 39:4; Jeremiah 39:7; Jeremiah 52:7; Jeremiah 52:11), thus fulfilling the prophetic declarations, that his eyes should see the eyes of the king of Babylon, Jeremiah 32:4-3; but Babylon he should not see, though he was to die there; Ezekiel 12:13.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 25:5
5. And [R.V. But] the army of the Chaldees] R.V. Chaldeans. This change in the name of the people of Babylon is made in every place through the chapter. As the troops were all round the city there was very little chance for the king to get away. In his flight he was making for the Jordan, thinking pursuit to be more difficult in the mountainous region on the east of the river. But he was overtaken in the plains of Jericho, before the river was reached.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 25:5
Jeremiah Jeremiah 38:23 and Ezekiel Ezekiel 12:13 had prophesied this capture; and the latter had also prophesied the dispersion of the troops 2 Kings 25:14.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 25:5
5. All his army were scattered — When they discovered that they were pursued, the servants and followers of Zedekiah probably forsook him, and fled in various directions, leaving him quite alone.
Sermons on 2 Kings 25:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Daniel) the Book, the Boy, the Babylon Bondage by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who were taken into captivity in Babylon. Despite being young, th |
|
The Punishment of a Privileged People by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intensity of the message of punishment on a privileged people who have heard and rejected the Gospel. The book of Obadiah, with its brev |