Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Take them alive!” he ordered. So they took them alive and slaughtered them by the well of Beth Eked—forty-two of them. He left no survivor. New Living Translation “Take them alive!” Jehu shouted to his men. And they captured all forty-two of them and killed them at the well of Beth-eked. None of them escaped. English Standard Version He said, “Take them alive.” And they took them alive and slaughtered them at the pit of Beth-eked, forty-two persons, and he spared none of them. Berean Standard Bible Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” So his men took them alive, then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. He spared none of them. Berean Literal Bible And he said, “Take them alive.” And they took them alive and killed them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. And he left not a man of them. King James Bible And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them. New King James Version And he said, “Take them alive!” So they took them alive, and killed them at the well of Beth Eked, forty-two men; and he left none of them. New American Standard Bible Then he said, “Take them alive.” So they took them alive, and slaughtered them at the pit of Beth-eked, forty-two men; and he left none of them. NASB 1995 He said, “Take them alive.” So they took them alive and killed them at the pit of Beth-eked, forty-two men; and he left none of them. NASB 1977 And he said, “Take them alive.” So they took them alive, and killed them at the pit of Beth-eked, forty-two men; and he left none of them. Legacy Standard Bible Then he said, “Take them alive.” So they took them alive and slaughtered them at the pit of Beth-eked, forty-two men; and he left none of them. Amplified Bible Then Jehu said, “Take them alive.” So they took them alive and [later] slaughtered them at the well by the place of the sand heaps, forty-two men; he left none of them [alive]. Berean Annotated Bible Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive. So his men took them alive, then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked (house of shearing)—forty-two men. He spared none of them. Christian Standard Bible Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” So they took them alive and then slaughtered them at the pit of Beth-eked—forty-two men. He didn’t spare any of them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” So they took them alive and then slaughtered them at the pit of Beth-eked—42 men. He didn’t spare any of them. American Standard Version And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing-house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them. Contemporary English Version "Take them alive!" Jehu said to his officers. So they grabbed them and led them to the well near the shepherds' meeting place, where they killed all 42 of them. English Revised Version And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them. GOD'S WORD® Translation Jehu ordered, "Capture them!" [ Jehu's men] captured and slaughtered 42 of them at a cistern near Beth Eked. They didn't leave any survivors. Good News Translation Jehu ordered his men, "Take them alive!" They seized them, and he put them to death near a pit there. There were forty-two people in all, and not one of them was left alive. International Standard Version Jehu ordered, "Take them alive!" So Jehu's soldiers captured them and executed all 42 of them near the pit at the shearing house. He left none of them alive. NET Bible He said, "Capture them alive!" So they captured them alive and then executed all forty-two of them in the cistern at Beth Eked. He left no survivors. New Heart English Bible He said, "Take them alive." They took them alive, and killed them at the pit of the shearing house, even forty-two men. He did not leave any of them. Webster's Bible Translation And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing-house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” So his men took them alive, then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. He spared none of them. World English Bible He said, “Take them alive!” They took them alive, and killed them at the pit of the shearing house, even forty-two men. He didn’t leave any of them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says, “Catch them alive”; and they catch them alive, and slaughter them at the pit of the shearing-house, forty-two men, and he has not left [even one] man of them. Berean Literal Bible And he said, “Take them alive.” And they took them alive and killed them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. And he left not a man of them. Young's Literal Translation And he saith, 'Catch them alive;' and they catch them alive, and slaughter them at the pit of the shearing-house, forty and two men, and he hath not left a man of them. Smith's Literal Translation And he will say, Seize them living. And they will seize them living, and they will slaughter them at the pit of the house of binding, forty and two men; and he left not a man of them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said: Take them alive. And they took them alive, and killed them at the pit by the cabin, two and forty men, and he left not any of them. Catholic Public Domain Version And he said, “Take them alive.” And when they had taken them alive, they cut their throats at the cistern beside the cabin, forty-two men. And he did not leave any of them behind. New American Bible “Take them alive,” Jehu ordered. They were taken alive, forty-two in number, then slain at the pit of Beth-eked. Not one of them survived. New Revised Standard Version He said, “Take them alive.” They took them alive, and slaughtered them at the pit of Beth-eked, forty-two in all; he spared none of them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive and slew them and threw them into the pit of Beth-akar, forty-two persons; and he left none of them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said: “Take them alive!” And they seized them and they killed them, and they cast them into a pit, fortytwo men, and he did not leave a man of them. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said: 'Take them alive.' And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing-house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said, Take them alive. And they slew them at the shearing-house, forty and two men: he left not a man of them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jehu Slaughters Ahab's Family…13Jehu met some relatives of Ahaziah king of Judah and asked, “Who are you?” “We are relatives of Ahaziah,” they answered, “and we have come down to greet the sons of the king and of the queen mother.” 14Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” So his men took them alive, then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked— forty-two men. He spared none of them. 15When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot,… Cross References Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” 1 Samuel 15:8 He captured Agag king of Amalek alive, but devoted all the others to destruction with the sword. Joshua 10:24-26 When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had accompanied him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks. / “Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.” / After this, Joshua struck down and killed the kings, and he hung their bodies on five trees and left them there until evening. So his men took them alive, Joshua 8:23-29 But they took the king of Ai alive and brought him to Joshua. / When Israel had finished killing all the men of Ai who had pursued them into the field and wilderness, and when every last one of them had fallen by the sword, all the Israelites returned to Ai and put it to the sword as well. / A total of twelve thousand men and women fell that day—all the people of Ai. … Judges 1:6-7 As Adoni-bezek fled, they pursued him, seized him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes. / Then Adoni-bezek said, “Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off have gathered the scraps under my table. As I have done to them, so God has repaid me.” And they brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. 2 Chronicles 22:8-9 So while Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, he found the rulers of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s brothers who were serving Ahaziah, and he killed them. / Then Jehu looked for Ahaziah, and Jehu’s soldiers captured him while he was hiding in Samaria. So Ahaziah was brought to Jehu and put to death. They buried him, for they said, “He is the grandson of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart.” So no one was left from the house of Ahaziah with the strength to rule the kingdom. 2 Kings 9:27-28 When King Ahaziah of Judah saw this, he fled up the road toward Beth-haggan. And Jehu pursued him, shouting, “Shoot him too!” So they shot Ahaziah in his chariot on the Ascent of Gur, near Ibleam, and he fled to Megiddo and died there. / Then his servants carried him by chariot to Jerusalem and buried him with his fathers in his tomb in the City of David. He spared none of them. 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” Deuteronomy 7:2 and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. Joshua 11:14 The Israelites took for themselves all the plunder and livestock of these cities, but they put all the people to the sword until they had completely destroyed them, not sparing anyone who breathed. 1 Kings 21:21-24 This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free. / I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked My anger and caused Israel to sin.’ / And the LORD also speaks concerning Jezebel: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ … 2 Kings 9:7-10 And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel. / The whole house of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, both slave and free, in Israel. / I will make the house of Ahab like the houses of Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah. … 1 Kings 19:17 Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu. Hosea 1:4 Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Name him Jezreel, for soon I will bring the bloodshed of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 1 Kings 18:40 Then Elijah ordered them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let a single one escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered them there. 2 Kings 9:22 When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?” 2 Kings 9:30-37 Now when Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. So she painted her eyes, adorned her head, and looked down from a window. / And as Jehu entered the gate, she asked, “Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?” / He looked up at the window and called out, “Who is on my side? Who?” And two or three eunuchs looked down at him. … Treasury of Scripture And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them. Take them alive 2 Kings 10:6,10,11 Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye be mine, and if ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time. Now the king's sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, which brought them up… 1 Kings 20:18 And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive. neither left 2 Kings 8:18 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD. 2 Kings 11:1 And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. 2 Chronicles 22:8,10 And it came to pass, that, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them… Jump to Previous Alive Beth Beth-Eked Catch Death Eked Forty Forty-Two House Killed Meeting-Place Ordered Persons Pit Remaining Shearing Shearing-House Slaughter Slaughtered Slew Spared Survivor Water-HoleJump to Next Alive Beth Beth-Eked Catch Death Eked Forty Forty-Two House Killed Meeting-Place Ordered Persons Pit Remaining Shearing Shearing-House Slaughter Slaughtered Slew Spared Survivor Water-Hole2 Kings 10 1. Jehu, by his letters, causes seventy of Ahab's sons to be beheaded8. He excuses the fact by the prophecy of Elijah 12. At the shearing house he slays forty-two of Ahaziah's brothers 15. He takes Jehonadab into his company 18. By subtilty he destroys all the worshippers of Baal 29. Jehu follows Jeroboam's sins 32. Hazael oppresses Israel 34. Jehoahaz succeeds Jehu Then Jehu ordered, “Take them alive.” Jehu, anointed as king of Israel, was tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab as part of God's judgment. His command to take the men alive reflects a strategic approach, ensuring that none would escape or resist. This action aligns with Jehu's mission to fulfill the prophecy given to Elijah regarding the destruction of Ahab's lineage (1 Kings 21:21-22). So his men took them alive, then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men. He spared none of them. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehuThe king of Israel who was anointed to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship from Israel. 2. Beth-eked A location where Jehu ordered the execution of the forty-two men. The name means "house of binding" or "shearing house." 3. Forty-two men Relatives of Ahaziah, king of Judah, who were captured and killed by Jehu's command. 4. Ahaziah The king of Judah, whose relatives were killed by Jehu. He was connected to the house of Ahab through marriage. 5. Ahab Former king of Israel, whose house was under divine judgment for idolatry and leading Israel astray. Teaching Points Divine Judgment and JusticeGod's justice is executed through human agents, as seen in Jehu's actions. This reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. The Consequences of Idolatry The destruction of Ahab's house serves as a warning against idolatry and leading others away from God. It highlights the importance of faithfulness to God. Obedience to God's Commands Jehu's actions, though violent, were in obedience to God's command. This challenges us to consider the importance of obedience, even when it is difficult or counter-cultural. The Role of Leadership Leaders have a significant impact on the spiritual direction of a nation. Jehu's zeal for God's commands contrasts with Ahab's idolatry, showing the influence of leadership on a nation's faithfulness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 10:14?2. How does 2 Kings 10:14 demonstrate God's judgment against idolatry? 3. What can we learn about obedience to God from Jehu's actions in this verse? 4. How does 2 Kings 10:14 connect with God's commands in Deuteronomy 13:6-11? 5. How should Christians today respond to idolatry in light of 2 Kings 10:14? 6. What does Jehu's zeal in 2 Kings 10:14 teach about serving God wholeheartedly? 7. Why did Jehu order the execution of Ahab's family in 2 Kings 10:14? 8. How does 2 Kings 10:14 align with God's justice and mercy? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 10:14? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 10? 11. In Jeremiah 28:1-4, how can Hananiah's prophecy of a short Babylonian captivity be trusted given the historical evidence of a much longer exile? 12. How do we reconcile Hosea 1:4-5 with 2 Kings 10:30, where Jehu is commended, yet here his dynasty is condemned? 13. Why does God apparently endorse Jehu's violent actions in 2 Kings 10:30, when other passages condemn such bloodshed? 14. How does 2 Kings 10:1-11 reconcile mass slaughter with the broader biblical prohibition against murder? What Does 2 Kings 10:14 Mean Take them aliveJehu has just encountered the relatives of King Ahaziah of Judah (2 Kings 10:13). By ordering their capture rather than an immediate strike, he ensures they are clearly identified as members of the doomed house of Ahab. This fulfills Elijah’s earlier prophecy that every male related to Ahab would perish (1 Kings 21:21; cf. 1 Kings 19:17). It also mirrors God’s pattern of separating the guilty before judgment falls, as seen with Korah’s followers in Numbers 16:26. So his men took them alive Jehu’s troops act without hesitation—evidence of the authority God had granted their commander (2 Kings 9:6–7). The quick compliance underscores a principle repeated throughout Scripture: when God raises a leader to execute justice, His people are expected to follow (Joshua 11:15; Romans 13:4). This moment clarifies that the purge is divinely sanctioned, not mere personal vengeance. Then slaughtered them at the well of Beth-eked—forty-two men The well may have been a landmark outside Samaria, making the judgment both public and unmistakable. Forty-two, a precise historical detail, highlights the literal accuracy of the narrative. Like the forty-two youth judged in 2 Kings 2:24, the number signals completeness of divine retribution. By acting at Beth-eked (“binding house”), Jehu binds off the possibility of any remaining claimants to Ahab’s legacy, aligning with God’s earlier word in 2 Kings 9:8: “The whole house of Ahab will perish”. He spared none of them Total obedience contrasts sharply with King Saul’s partial obedience in 1 Samuel 15, where sparing Agag cost Saul the kingdom. Jehu’s thoroughness models the seriousness with which God’s commands must be treated (Deuteronomy 7:2). While the scene is brutal, it is also protective: Judah’s royal line, already contaminated by Ahab through Athaliah, is cut off from further corruption (2 Chronicles 22:3–4). summary 2 Kings 10:14 records Jehu’s capture and execution of forty-two relatives of Ahaziah to fulfill God’s judgment on Ahab’s house. Each clause underscores divine authority, precise fulfillment of prophecy, and the necessity of complete obedience. The passage reminds believers that God’s holiness demands decisive action against sin and that His word, recorded in Scripture, is literally and historically reliable. (14) Take them alive.--Perhaps they made some show of resistance. Jehu slew them because of their connection with the doomed house of Ahab. Keil thinks he dreaded their conspiring with the partisans of the fallen dynasty in Samaria.Slew them at the pit of the shearing house.--Literally, slaughtered them into the cistern of Betheked. Either they cut their throats over the cistern, or threw the corpses into it. Two and forty.--Curiously parallel with 2Kings 2:24; and perhaps a definite for an indefinite number. Verse 14. - And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them. The Brevity of the narrative leaves many points of it obscure. It is impossible to say why the order was given, "Take them alive," when, immediately afterwards, they were massacred. Perhaps Jehu at first intended to spare their lives, but afterwards thought that it would be safer to have them put out of his way. It must be borne in mind that they were descendants of Ahab. At the pit of the shearing-house; rather, at the well of Beth-Eked. Probably the bodies were thrown into the well (comp. Jeremiah 41:7). Even two and forty men. It is this number which makes the idea of a visit of compliment incredible. Neither left he any of them. The Greeks said, Νήπιος ο}ς πατέρα κτείτας παῖδας καταλείπει; and the general Hebrew practice was to give effect to the teaching conveyed by the maxim (see Joshua 7:24, 25; 2 Kings 9:26; 2 Kings 14:6).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then Jehu ordered,וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Take תִּפְשׂ֣וּם (tip̄·śūm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | third person masculine plural Strong's 8610: To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably them alive.” חַיִּ֔ים (ḥay·yîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life So [his men] took וַֽיִּתְפְּשׂ֖וּם (way·yiṯ·pə·śūm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural Strong's 8610: To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably them alive, חַיִּ֑ים (ḥay·yîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life then slaughtered them וַֽיִּשְׁחָט֞וּם (way·yiš·ḥā·ṭūm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural Strong's 7819: To slaughter, beat at אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the well בּ֣וֹר (bō·wr) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 953: A pit, cistern, well of בֵּֽית־ (bêṯ-) Preposition Strong's Hebrew Beth-eked— עֵ֗קֶד (‘ê·qeḏ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1044: Beth-eked -- 'house of binding', a place in Palestine forty-two אַרְבָּעִ֤ים (’ar·bā·‘îm) Number - common plural Strong's 705: Forty men. אִ֔ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person He וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no spared הִשְׁאִ֥יר (hiš·’îr) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7604: To swell up, be, redundant none אִ֖ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of them. מֵהֶֽם׃ (mê·hem) Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They Links 2 Kings 10:14 NIV2 Kings 10:14 NLT 2 Kings 10:14 ESV 2 Kings 10:14 NASB 2 Kings 10:14 KJV 2 Kings 10:14 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 10:14 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 10:14 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 10:14 French Bible 2 Kings 10:14 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 10:14 He said Take them alive (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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