2 Kings 3:25
2 Kings 3:25 in Multiple Translations
They destroyed the cities, and each man threw stones on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up every spring and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-haraseth was left with stones in place, but men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well.
And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kir-haraseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about it, and smote it.
And they beat down the cities; and on every good piece of land they cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the fountains of water, and felled all the good trees, until in Kir-hareseth only they left the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about it, and smote it.
Pulling down the towns, covering every good field with stones, stopping up all the water-springs, and cutting down all the good trees; they went on driving Moab before them till only in Kir-hareseth were there any Moabites; and the fighting-men went round the town raining stones on it.
They destroyed the towns, and each soldier threw stones on every good field until it was covered. They blocked up every spring and chopped down every good tree. Only Kir-haraseth still had its walls, but soldiers using slingshots surrounded it and attacked it as well.
And they destroyed the cities: and on all the good field euery man cast his stone, and filled them and they stopt all the fountaines of water, and felled all the good trees: onely in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof: howebeit they went about it with slings, and smote it.
and the cities they break down, and [on] every good portion they cast each his stone, and have filled it, and every fountain of water they stop, and every good tree they cause to fall — till one had left its stones in Kir-Haraseth, and the slingers go round and smite it.
They beat down the cities; and on every good piece of land each man cast his stone, and filled it. They also stopped all the springs of water and cut down all the good trees, until in Kir Hareseth all they left was its stones; however the men armed with slings went around it and attacked it.
And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirhara-seth they left the stones of it; but the slingers went about it , and smote it.
And they destroyed the cities: and they filled every goodly field, every man casting his stone: and they stopt up all the springs of waters: and cut down all the trees that bore fruit, so that brick walls only remained: and the city was beset by the slingers, and a great part thereof destroyed.
The Israelis also destroyed their cities. And whenever they passed fertile fields, they threw rocks on those fields, until the fields were covered with rocks. They stopped water from flowing from the springs and cut down the fruit trees. Finally, only the capital city, Kir-Hareseth, remained. The Israeli soldiers who threw stones with slings surrounded the city and attacked it.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 3:25
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 3:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֶ/עָרִ֣ים
יַהֲרֹ֡סוּ
וְ/כָל
חֶלְקָ֣ה
ט֠וֹבָה
יַשְׁלִ֨יכוּ
אִישׁ
אַבְנ֜/וֹ
וּ/מִלְא֗וּ/הָ
וְ/כָל
מַעְיַן
מַ֤יִם
יִסְתֹּ֨מוּ֙
וְ/כָל
עֵֽץ
ט֣וֹב
יַפִּ֔ילוּ
עַד
הִשְׁאִ֧יר
אֲבָנֶ֛י/הָ
בַּ/קִּ֖יר
חֲרָ֑שֶׂת
וַ/יָּסֹ֥בּוּ
הַ/קַּלָּעִ֖ים
וַ/יַּכּֽוּ/הָ
וְ/הֶ/עָרִ֣ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | Art | N-fp
יַהֲרֹ֡סוּ
hâraç
H2040
to overthrow
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
חֶלְקָ֣ה
chelqâh
H2513
portion
N-fs
ט֠וֹבָה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
יַשְׁלִ֨יכוּ
shâlak
H7993
to throw
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אַבְנ֜/וֹ
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fs | Suff
וּ/מִלְא֗וּ/הָ
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
Conj | V-Piel-3cp | Suff
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
מַעְיַן
maʻyân
H4599
spring
N-ms
מַ֤יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
יִסְתֹּ֨מוּ֙
çâtham
H5640
to close
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
עֵֽץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-ms
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
יַפִּ֔ילוּ
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הִשְׁאִ֧יר
shâʼar
H7604
to remain
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אֲבָנֶ֛י/הָ
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fp | Suff
בַּ/קִּ֖יר
Qîyr Cheres
H7025
Kir-hareseth
Prep | N-proper
חֲרָ֑שֶׂת
Qîyr Cheres
H7025
Kir-hareseth
N-proper
וַ/יָּסֹ֥בּוּ
çâbab
H5437
to turn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/קַּלָּעִ֖ים
qallâʻ
H7051
slinger
Art | N-mp
וַ/יַּכּֽוּ/הָ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 3:25
וְ/הֶ/עָרִ֣ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
יַהֲרֹ֡סוּ
hâraç
H2040
"to overthrow"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to overthrow or destroy something, like breaking down a wall or throwing something to the ground. It is used to describe God's power and judgment.
Definition: 1) to tear down, break down, overthrow, beat down, break, break through, destroy, pluck down, pull down, throw down, ruined, destroyer, utterly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to throw down, tear down 1a2) to break through 1a3) to break down, break away 1b) (Niphal) to be torn down, be thrown down 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to overthrow, tear down 1c2) destroyer (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: beat down, break (down, through), destroy, overthrow, pluck down, pull down, ruin, throw down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 15:7; Isaiah 49:17; Psalms 11:3.
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.
חֶלְקָ֣ה
chelqâh
H2513
"portion"
N-fs
This word refers to smoothness, but can also imply flattery or slippery behavior. In some cases, it describes a plot of land or a portion of ground. The Bible uses this word to warn against smooth talk and deceitful actions.
Definition: 1) portion, parcel 1a) of ground
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: field, flattering(-ry), ground, parcel, part, piece of land (ground), plat, portion, slippery place, smooth (thing). See also: Genesis 27:16; 2 Kings 9:21; Psalms 12:3.
ט֠וֹבָה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
יַשְׁלִ֨יכוּ
shâlak
H7993
"to throw"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אַבְנ֜/וֹ
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
וּ/מִלְא֗וּ/הָ
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
Conj | V-Piel-3cp | Suff
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
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.
מַעְיַן
maʻyân
H4599
"spring"
N-ms
A mayan was a spring or fountain, and can also refer to a source of satisfaction. It is mentioned in the Bible as a physical spring, but also figuratively as a source of joy or comfort.
Definition: spring
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: fountain, spring, well. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 87:7; Psalms 74:15.
מַ֤יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
יִסְתֹּ֨מוּ֙
çâtham
H5640
"to close"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to stop or block something, like covering a hole. It can also mean to keep a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding or concealing things, like in Psalm 139:15.
Definition: 1) to stop up, shut up, keep close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stop up 1a2) to shut up, keep close 1a3) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stopped up 1c) (Piel) to stop up
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: closed up, hidden, secret, shut out (up), stop. See also: Genesis 26:15; Nehemiah 4:1; Psalms 51:8.
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.
עֵֽץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
יַפִּ֔ילוּ
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הִשְׁאִ֧יר
shâʼar
H7604
"to remain"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To remain or be left over, as in Joshua 10:20. It can also mean to spare or reserve something, like God sparing Noah in Genesis 7:23. This word is used to describe the remnant of Israel.
Definition: 1) to remain, be left over, be left behind 1a) (Qal) to remain 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be left over, be left alive, survive 1b1a) remainder, remnant (participle) 1b2) to be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, spare 1c2) to leave or keep over 1c3) to have left 1c4) to leave (as a gift)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: leave, (be) left, let, remain, remnant, reserve, the rest. See also: Genesis 7:23; 1 Kings 22:47; Isaiah 4:3.
אֲבָנֶ֛י/הָ
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
בַּ/קִּ֖יר
Qîyr Cheres
H7025
"Kir-hareseth"
Prep | N-proper
Kir-hareseth, or Kir-haresh, refers to a place in Moab, one of its chief strongholds. The name means wall of potsherds, possibly describing the materials used to build its walls. It is mentioned in the Bible as a significant location in the region of Moab.
Definition: Kir-hareseth or Kir-hares or Kir-haresh = "wall of potsherds" one of the two chief strongholds of Moab Another name of qir (קִיר "Kir" H7024B)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kir-haraseth, Kir-hareseth, Kirharesh, Kir-heres. See also: 2 Kings 3:25; Isaiah 16:11; Isaiah 16:7.
חֲרָ֑שֶׂת
Qîyr Cheres
H7025
"Kir-hareseth"
N-proper
Kir-hareseth, or Kir-haresh, refers to a place in Moab, one of its chief strongholds. The name means wall of potsherds, possibly describing the materials used to build its walls. It is mentioned in the Bible as a significant location in the region of Moab.
Definition: Kir-hareseth or Kir-hares or Kir-haresh = "wall of potsherds" one of the two chief strongholds of Moab Another name of qir (קִיר "Kir" H7024B)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kir-haraseth, Kir-hareseth, Kirharesh, Kir-heres. See also: 2 Kings 3:25; Isaiah 16:11; Isaiah 16:7.
וַ/יָּסֹ֥בּוּ
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
הַ/קַּלָּעִ֖ים
qallâʻ
H7051
"slinger"
Art | N-mp
A skilled slinger, like David who fought Goliath, is what this word refers to, someone who uses a sling to throw stones with accuracy and force.
Definition: slinger
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: slinger. See also: 2 Kings 3:25.
וַ/יַּכּֽוּ/הָ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
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.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 3:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 3:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:25
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:25
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:25
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 3:25
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:25
- Sermons on 2 Kings 3:25
Context — Moab’s Rebellion
23“This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!”
24But when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and attacked them, and they fled before them. So the Israelites invaded their land and struck down the Moabites.
25They destroyed the cities, and each man threw stones on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up every spring and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-haraseth was left with stones in place, but men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well.
26When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not prevail. 27So he took his firstborn son, who was to succeed him, and offered him as a burnt offering on the city wall. And there was great fury against the Israelites, so they withdrew and returned to their own land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 16:7 | Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth, you who are utterly stricken. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 48:36 | Therefore My heart laments like a flute for Moab; it laments like a flute for the men of Kir-heres, because the wealth they acquired has perished. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 48:31 | Therefore I will wail for Moab; I will cry out for all of Moab; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 3:19 | And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 16:11 | Therefore my heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir-heres. |
| 6 | Genesis 26:15 | So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham. |
| 7 | Isaiah 15:1 | This is the burden against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night! |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 2:9 | Then the LORD said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 37:26–27 | Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble. Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 32:4 | Many people assembled and stopped up all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?” they said. |
2 Kings 3:25 Summary
In 2 Kings 3:25, the Israelites destroyed the cities and fields of Moab as an act of judgment and conquest, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 20:16-18. This was a fulfillment of God's plan to establish Israel as a holy nation, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6. The destruction of Moab's cities and fields was a way of rendering them unusable, much like the curse pronounced in Deuteronomy 29:23. This verse teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of sin and disobedience, as seen in Romans 6:23.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites destroy the cities and fields of Moab in 2 Kings 3:25?
The Israelites destroyed the cities and fields of Moab as an act of judgment and conquest, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:16-18, where God instructed them to completely destroy the cities of the nations they were to dispossess, and in Joshua 6:21, where the Israelites destroyed Jericho and everything in it.
What is the significance of the men throwing stones on every good field until it was covered?
The act of covering the fields with stones was a way of rendering them unusable, much like the curse pronounced in Deuteronomy 29:23, where God says He will turn the land into a wasteland if the people disobey Him, and in Isaiah 34:10, where the land of Edom is described as being covered in stones and thorns.
Why was Kir-haraseth left with stones in place, and what does this mean?
Kir-haraseth, also known as Kir-hareseth, was the capital city of Moab, and it was left with stones in place, meaning that it was not completely destroyed like the other cities, but it was still under attack, as seen in 2 Kings 3:25, where men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well, similar to the siege of Jerusalem in 2 Kings 25:1-2.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible and God's plan?
This verse is part of the larger story of God's judgment on the nations and His plan to establish Israel as a holy nation, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6, where God sets Israel apart as a special treasure, and in Revelation 20:1-6, where God ultimately judges the nations and establishes a new heaven and a new earth.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character and His relationship with Israel?
- How does the destruction of Moab's cities and fields relate to the concept of spiritual warfare, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-20?
- What can we learn from the Israelites' actions in this verse about the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Joshua 1:7-8?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and control over the nations, as seen in Psalm 2:1-12?
- What does this verse teach us about the consequences of sin and disobedience, as seen in Romans 6:23?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:25
And they beat down the cities,.... Demolished the walls of them, and houses in them, wherever they came: and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; which they had taken
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:25
And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:25
Cast every man his stone: the stones which haply had been with great care and pains picked out of the land, and laid in heaps after the manner, they dispersed again, and slew the people, who should have cleansed them again. Kir-haraseth was the royal and strongest city of the Moabites, ,11, into which the remnant of the Moabites were gathered, where also their king was with them. The stones thereof: the walls and buildings of this city only were left; other cities, and in a manner their whole country, being utterly destroyed. The slingers; either, first, such as slung small stones against those that stood upon the wall to defend it; or rather, secondly, Such as slung great stones against the walls to break them down, according to the manner of those times. Smote it, i.e. made breaches in the walls, by which they might enter into the city, and take it.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:25
2 Kings 3:25 And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about [it], and smote it.Ver. 25. Only in Kirhareseth.] The strongest city in Moab. See Isaiah 16:11. Left they the stones thereof,] i.e., The stone walls, which, being very strong, and, in addition, well manned and defended by the king of Moab, who was fled there with his forces, were not rased and harassed as the rest.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:25
(25) And they beat down the cities.—Rather, And the cities they would overthrow, describing what happened again and again. On every . . . filled it.—Literally, And every good plot, they would cast each man his stone, and fill it; and every fountain of water they would stop, and every good tree they would fell. All this as Elisha foretold, 2 Kings 3:19.Only in Kir-haraseth left they the stones thereof.—Literally, as margin, until one left her stones in Kir-harèseth. This clause connects itself with the opening statement, “And the cities they would overthrow (or, kept overthrowing) until her stones were left in Kir-harèseth,” i.e., the work of destruction stopped before the walls of this, the principal strong-hold of the country. In the other cities the invaders had not left one stone upon another. Kir-haraseth.—Called “Kir-moab,” Isaiah 15:1, and “Kir-hères,” Isaiah 16:11. The Targum on Isaiah 15 calls it “Kerak (castle) of Moab,” and it still bears that name. It stands upon a steep cliff of chalk. Howbeit the slingers went about it.—And the slingers went round, surrounded it.And smote it—i.e., shot at the men on the walls with deadly effect.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:25
Verse 25. On every good piece of land] On all cultivated ground, and especially fields that were sown. Only in Kir-haraseth] This was the royal city of the Moabites, and, as we learn from Scripture, exceedingly strong; (see Isaiah 16:7; Isaiah 16:11); so that it is probable the confederate armies could not easily reduce it. The slingers, we are informed, went about the wall, and smote all the men that appeared on it, while no doubt the besieging army was employed in sapping the foundations.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:25
25. cast every man his stone] Thus ensuring that the ground should be made, for a long time to come, useless for the pasturage of flocks. only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof] R.V. until in Kirhareseth only they left the stones thereof. It will be seen from the margin of A.V. that the R.V. approaches more nearly to the literal sense of the Hebrew. What is meant to be expressed is that the only town of which the stone walls were allowed to remain was this capital city of Moab. Probably it was the only city with any solidity of walls. A pastoral people, such as the Moabites were, have very little need for fenced towns. Kirhareseth (for so the name is pointed) is the same which in Isaiah 15:1 is called Kir of Moab, and in Jeremiah 48:31; Jeremiah 48:36 Kir-heres. As Kir signifies ‘wall’ or ‘fortress’, there appears much probability that this was the only very great stronghold in the land, though Ar of Moab is mentioned as a fortified town (Numbers 21:28; Isaiah 15:1). The other village-like settlements were easily dismantled, and their stones served to strew and ruin the pastures. All that was attempted on the stronger place was to clear its walls of their defenders by means of slingers.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 3:25
Kir-Haraseth, also Kir-Hareseth, is identified almost certainly with the modern Kerak, a strong city on the highland immediately east of the southern part of the Dead Sea.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:25
25. Cast every man his stone — A vast host could in this way quickly even bury a field with stones. Compare note on 2 Kings 3:19. Stopped all the wells — “Wells, dug at great expense, were regarded as very valuable possessions.
Sermons on 2 Kings 3:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Prayer Sighs by A.W. Pink | Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 36031 preaches on the concept of becoming useless, as described by the Greek word 'achreioo', meaning to make unprofitable or morally corrupt. |
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Epistle 275 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of not quenching the spirit of God within oneself or in others, as it can lead to spiritual deadness and questioning due to false fear. He urge |
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Epistle 300 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of standing in the power of God, which is the keeper unto the day of salvation, emphasizing that the kingdom stands in power and not in wor |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 15:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He emphasizes the need for young adults to resist the immorality of |
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Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding Isaiah's prophecies in the context of the surrounding nations that influenced Israel's history. He explains how Judah and |
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Isaiah Chapter 5 Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding the geopolitical context of Isaiah's prophecies, particularly the neighboring nations that influenced Israel and Judah. He |