What number verse is 2 Kings 25:19 in the Bible?

2 Kings 25:19 is the 10,242nd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 2 Kings 25:19 sits at position 10,242.

Translation

King James Version

And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city:

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KJV (with Strong's)

And out of the city ^H5892 he took ^H3947 an ^H259 officer ^H5631 that was set ^H6496 over the men ^H582 of war ^H4421, and five ^H2568 men ^H582 of them that were ^H7200 in the king's ^H4428 presence ^H6440, which were found ^H4672 in the city ^H5892, and the principal ^H8269 scribe ^H5608 of the host ^H6635, which mustered ^H6633 the people ^H5971 of the land ^H776, and threescore ^H8346 men ^H376 of the people ^H5971 of the land ^H776 that were found ^H4672 in the city ^H5892:

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Complete Jewish Bible

From the city he took an official in charge of the soldiers, five close associates of the king who had been found in the city, the army commander's secretary in charge of military conscription, and sixty of the common people found in the city.

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Berean Standard Bible

Of those still in the city, he took a court official who had been appointed over the men of war, as well as five royal advisors. He also took the scribe of the captain of the army, who had enlisted the people of the land, and sixty men who were found in the city.

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American Standard Version

and out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war; and five men of them that saw the king’s face, who were found in the city; and the scribe, the captain of the host, who mustered the people of the land; and threescore men of the people of the land, that were found in the city.

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World English Bible Messianic

and out of the city he took an officer who was set over the men of war; and five men of those who saw the king’s face, who were found in the city; and the scribe, the captain of the army, who mustered the people of the land; and sixty men of the people of the land, who were found in the city.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And out of the citie hee tooke an Eunuch that had the ouersight of the men of warre, and fiue men of them that were in the Kinges presence, which were founde in the citie, and Sopher captaine of the hoste, who mustred the people of the lande, and threescore men of the people of the lande, that were founde in the citie.

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Young's Literal Translation

and out of the city he hath taken a certain eunuch who is appointed over the men of war, and five men of those seeing the king's face who have been found in the city, and the head scribe of the host, who mustereth the people of the land, and sixty men of the people of the land who are found in the city,

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

2 Kings 25:19 meticulously records the capture of key figures from Jerusalem's fallen administration by Nebuzaradan, the captain of Nebuchadnezzar's guard, following the city's destruction. This grim inventory underscores the systematic and comprehensive nature of the Babylonian conquest, demonstrating the complete dismantling of Judah's military, royal, and civil leadership structures, thereby ensuring no potential for future rebellion and marking the definitive end of the independent Kingdom of Judah.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within the somber final chapter of 2 Kings, which chronicles the devastating conclusion of the Kingdom of Judah. Following a prolonged and brutal siege of Jerusalem, the city walls were breached in the fourth month of Zedekiah's eleventh year, leading to severe famine as noted in 2 Kings 25:3. King Zedekiah's desperate attempt to flee was thwarted, resulting in his capture, the horrific execution of his sons before his very eyes, and his subsequent blinding and imprisonment in Babylon, as recounted in 2 Kings 25:7. The subsequent month saw Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, arrive to oversee the systematic destruction of the revered Temple, the royal palace, and all the great houses, along with the breaking down of the city walls, as detailed in 2 Kings 25:9-10. Within this narrative of total destruction and deportation, 2 Kings 25:19 specifically lists the individuals targeted for removal, highlighting the thoroughness of the Babylonian strategy to eradicate any remaining semblance of Judahite authority and leadership, thus solidifying the end of an era.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events described in 2 Kings 25 reflect the standard operating procedure of the Neo-Babylonian Empire when conquering rebellious vassal states. Their strategy involved not only military subjugation and destruction of key infrastructure but also the systematic removal of the ruling elite, skilled artisans, and influential citizens, deporting them to Babylon. This served multiple purposes: to prevent future insurrections by decapitating the leadership, to assimilate valuable human resources into the Babylonian economy, and to utterly break the national identity and will of the conquered people. Nebuzaradan, as the "captain of the guard" (often translated as chief executioner or chief of the imperial police), was a high-ranking official entrusted with executing the king's direct orders, signifying the strategic importance of these arrests. The individuals listed—military officers, royal advisors, scribes, and community leaders—represented the very pillars of Judahite society, whose removal ensured the complete collapse of the nation's ability to govern or defend itself, rendering it utterly subservient to Babylon.
Key Themes: 2 Kings 25:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it exemplifies the Systematic Disarmament and Control employed by the Babylonians, showcasing their meticulous strategy to neutralize any potential for future resistance by apprehending every layer of leadership—military, royal, and civil. This thoroughness underscores the conqueror's intent for absolute subjugation, leaving no stone unturned. Secondly, the capture of these prominent figures serves as a stark illustration of Divine Judgment and Consequences. The fall of Jerusalem and the exile of its leaders are presented as the inevitable outcome of Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, fulfilling the warnings articulated in prophetic books like Jeremiah 21:7 and the curses of the Mosaic covenant found in Deuteronomy 28:47-48. Finally, this verse marks the definitive End of an Era, signaling the cessation of the independent Davidic monarchy and the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a profound and transformative period in Israelite history that reshaped their identity and understanding of God's covenant and their place in the world.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Officer (Hebrew, çârîyç', H5631): While often translated as "eunuch," this term (H5631) in a broader sense refers to a high-ranking court official or administrator, irrespective of their physical state. Here, "an officer that was set over the men of war" (סָרִיס הַמִּלְחָמָה, sārîs hammilḥāmāh) indicates a significant military commander or a civilian official with oversight of military affairs, highlighting the capture of a key strategic individual responsible for military oversight.
Five (Hebrew, châmêsh', H2568): This primitive numeral (H2568) specifically denotes the number "five." In the context of "five men of them that were in the king's presence," it specifies a small, elite group of royal advisors or personal attendants who had direct access to the monarch, underscoring the targeted removal of the innermost circle of power.
Scribe (Hebrew, çâphar', H5608): This primitive root (H5608) properly means "to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e. (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate." The "principal scribe of the host" was a critical administrative position responsible for mustering troops, maintaining military records, and managing logistics, essentially the chief military administrator. His capture indicates the incapacitation of Judah's military bureaucracy and its capacity to organize any resistance.

Verse Breakdown

"And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war": This clause signifies the capture of a high-ranking military official, likely a commander or a civilian administrator with direct oversight of the armed forces. His apprehension represents the complete dismantling of Judah's military command structure, rendering any organized defense or future resistance impossible.
"and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city": These five individuals were members of King Zedekiah's inner circle, his closest advisors, counselors, or personal staff who had direct access to the monarch. Their capture represents the complete removal of the royal administration and the king's closest confidantes, ensuring no continuation of the Davidic line's influence or counsel.
"and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land": This official was crucial for military organization, responsible for conscription, maintaining military records, and managing logistics for the army. His apprehension means that Judah's ability to raise an army or even to keep track of its populace for any future military or civil effort was utterly destroyed, incapacitating its administrative capacity.
"and threescore men of the people of the land [that were] found in the city": "Threescore" means sixty. These were likely influential commoners, elders, or community leaders, representing the civil backbone of the populace, beyond the immediate governmental and military elite. Their capture demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the Babylonian sweep, extending to significant figures from the general populace, thus eliminating any potential for grassroots rebellion or organized civic life.

Literary Devices

The verse primarily employs Enumeration or Cataloging, presenting a detailed list of the specific individuals captured. This meticulous listing serves to emphasize the thoroughness and systematic nature of the Babylonian conquest, leaving no stone unturned in the dismantling of Judah's leadership. The precision of the numbers ("five men," "threescore men") also adds a sense of historical accuracy and grim finality. Furthermore, there is an element of Symbolism present; each category of person captured—military, royal, administrative, and civil—symbolizes the complete and utter collapse of every facet of Judahite society and its independent existence. The specificity of the list highlights the precision of the judgment and the comprehensive nature of the nation's downfall.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

2 Kings 25:19 serves as a stark theological commentary on the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. The systematic capture of Judah's leadership is not merely a historical event but a tangible manifestation of divine judgment, demonstrating that God holds nations and their leaders accountable for their actions. The inability of Jerusalem's elite to escape or resist underscores the sovereign power of God, who used Babylon as His instrument of discipline. This event fulfills numerous prophetic warnings, illustrating that God's word, whether of blessing or curse, is always brought to pass. It highlights the principle that when a people, from their leaders to the common folk, consistently reject God's commands and pursue idolatry, the structures of their society, no matter how seemingly strong, will ultimately crumble under the weight of divine justice.

Jeremiah 39:6 - This verse describes the execution of Zedekiah's sons and nobles at Riblah, further illustrating the thoroughness of the Babylonian purge of Judah's leadership and the severity of the judgment.
Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - This passage outlines the curses for disobedience, including being served by enemies in hunger, thirst, and nakedness, and having a yoke of iron placed on the neck, which finds its chilling fulfillment in the Babylonian conquest and exile.
Lamentations 1:3 - This verse laments Judah's going into exile due to affliction and harsh servitude, echoing the reality of the captured leaders being led away and the desolation of the land.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed account of the capture of Judah's leaders in 2 Kings 25:19 serves as a profound historical and spiritual lesson for all generations. It powerfully reminds us that no position of power, no strategic planning, and no human strength can ultimately withstand the consequences of persistent disobedience to God. The systematic dismantling of Judah's entire leadership structure—military, royal, and civil—underscores the sobering principle that when a society, from its highest officials to its influential commoners, deviates from divine truth and justice, its foundations become inherently unstable and vulnerable to collapse. For believers today, this passage calls for a sober reflection on individual and collective accountability before God. It challenges us to examine the integrity of our own lives and the structures we uphold, urging us to build on the unshakeable foundation of God's Word rather than on fleeting human wisdom, political power, or worldly security. It also offers a poignant reminder that God's judgments, though severe and painful, are always just and serve His ultimate redemptive purposes, often paving the way for future restoration and a deeper understanding of His covenant faithfulness.

Questions for Reflection

How does the detailed list of captured leaders in this verse speak to the thoroughness of divine judgment on a nation that has strayed from God's covenant?
What parallels, if any, can be drawn between the crumbling of Judah's leadership and the potential vulnerabilities in contemporary societies that disregard spiritual principles and moral foundations?
In what ways does this historical account challenge our reliance on human institutions and power structures, prompting us instead to place our ultimate trust in God's sovereignty and His unchanging character?
How might the consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness, as depicted here, encourage us to pursue righteousness, faithfulness, and a deeper commitment to God's commands in our own lives and communities today?

FAQ

Why is such a detailed list of captured individuals provided in this verse?

Answer: The detailed enumeration in 2 Kings 25:19 serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it emphasizes the systematic and comprehensive nature of the Babylonian conquest. It was not a haphazard raid but a deliberate strategy to dismantle every layer of Judahite leadership—military, royal advisors, administrative, and influential citizens—to ensure no organized resistance could emerge. Secondly, it underscores the thoroughness of the divine judgment, showing that no one, regardless of their status or position, was exempt from the consequences of the nation's persistent unfaithfulness. Finally, it lends historical credibility and precision to the account, highlighting the meticulous record-keeping of the ancient world, even in the midst of destruction. This level of detail confirms the complete and utter subjugation of Judah.

What was the likely fate of these captured leaders?

Answer: While 2 Kings 25:19 does not explicitly detail the fate of each individual, the general pattern for high-ranking captives during the Babylonian exile was either execution, as seen with King Zedekiah's sons and the nobles in Jeremiah 39:6, or deportation to Babylon. Those deported would have been held as prisoners, potentially used for their skills or influence within the Babylonian Empire, but stripped of their former power and status. Their removal from Judah was permanent, fulfilling the prophecies of exile and ensuring the complete subjugation of the land, effectively ending any hope of immediate national resurgence.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The tragic fall of Jerusalem and the systematic capture of its leadership, as detailed in 2 Kings 25:19, profoundly underscore the fragility and ultimate failure of earthly kingdoms and human governance apart from God. The inability of Judah's military officers, royal advisors, and civil leaders to save the nation highlights the desperate need for a King whose reign is not subject to human weakness, political intrigue, or external conquest. This historical collapse points forward to the ultimate and eternal Kingdom established by Jesus Christ. Unlike the Davidic monarchy, which eventually crumbled due to sin and unfaithfulness, Christ's kingdom is an everlasting dominion that "shall never be destroyed" (Daniel 2:44). The judgment upon Judah's leaders foreshadows the ultimate judgment on all sin, yet it also sets the stage for God's greater redemptive plan, culminating in the perfect leadership of the Messiah, the true "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Christ inaugurates a new covenant and delivers His people from the domain of darkness into His glorious kingdom (Colossians 1:13), a kingdom that "cannot be shaken" (Hebrews 12:28), offering eternal security and perfect leadership that no earthly power can dismantle.

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Commentary on 2 Kings 25 verses 8–21

8 ¶ And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem:

9 And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire.

10 And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.

11 Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away.

12 But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen.

13 And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.

14 And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.

15 And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away.

16 The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

17 The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.

18 And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:

19 And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city:

20 And Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:

21 And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land.

Though we have reason to think that the army of the Chaldeans were much enraged against the city for holding out with so much stubbornness, yet they did not therefore put all to fire and sword as soon as they had taken the city (which is too commonly done in such cases), but about a month after (compare Kg2 25:8 with Kg2 25:3) Nebuzar-adan was sent with orders to complete the destruction of Jerusalem. This space God gave them to repent, after all the foregoing days of his patience, but in vain; their hearts (for aught that appears) were still hardened, and therefore execution is awarded to the utmost. 1. The city and temple are burnt, Kg2 25:9. It does not appear that the king of Babylon designed to send any colonies to people Jerusalem and therefore he ordered it to be laid in ashes, as a nest of rebels. At the burning of the king's house and the houses of the great men one cannot so much wonder (the inhabitants had, by their sins, made them combustible), but that the house of the Lord should perish in these flames, that that holy and beautiful house should be burnt with fire (Isa 64:11), is very strange. That house which David prepared for, and which Solomon built at such a vast expense - that house which had the eye and heart of God perpetually upon it (Kg1 9:3) - might not that have been snatched as a brand out of this burning? No, it must not be fire-proof against God's judgments. This stately structure must be turned into ashes, and it is probable the ark in it, for the enemies, having heard how dearly the Philistines paid for the abusing of it, durst not seize that, nor did any of its friends take care to preserve it, for then we should have heard of it again in the second temple. One of the apocryphal writers does indeed tell us that the prophet Jeremiah got it out of the temple, and conveyed it to a cave in Mount Nebo on the other side Jordan, and hid it there (2 Macc. 2:4, 5), but that could not be, for Jeremiah was a close prisoner at that time. By the burning of the temple God would show how little cares for the external pomp of his worship when the life and power of religion are neglected. The people trusted to the temple, as if that would protect them in their sins (Jer 7:4), but God, by this, let them know that when they had profaned it they would find it but a refuge of lies. This temple had stood about 420, some say 430 years. The people having forfeited the promises made concerning it, those promises must be understood of the gospel-temple, which is God's rest for ever. It is observable that the second temple was burnt by the Romans the same month, and the same day of the month, that the first temple was burnt by the Chaldeans, which, Josephus says, was the tenth of August. 2. The walls of Jerusalem are demolished (Kg2 25:10), as if the victorious army would be revenged on them for having kept them out so long, or at least prevent the like opposition another time. Sin unwalls a people and takes away their defence. These walls were never repaired till Nehemiah's time. 3. The residue of the people are carried away captive to Babylon, Kg2 25:11. Most of the inhabitants had perished by sword or famine, or had made their escape when the king did (for it is said, Kg2 25:5, His army was scattered from him), so that there were very few left, who with the deserters, making in all but 832 persons (as appears, Jer 52:29), were carried away into captivity; only the poor of the land were left behind (Kg2 25:12), to till the ground and dress the vineyards for the Chaldeans. Sometimes poverty is a protection; for those that have nothing have nothing to lose. When the rich Jews, who had been oppressive to the poor, were made strangers, nay, prisoners, in an enemy's country, the poor whom they had despised and oppressed had liberty and peace in their own country. Thus Providence sometimes remarkably humbles the proud and favours those of low degree. 4. The brazen vessels, and other appurtenances of the temple, are carried away, those of silver and gold being most of them gone before. Those two famous columns of brass, Jachin and Boaz, which signified the strength and stability of the house of God, were broken to pieces and the brass of them was carried to Babylon, Kg2 25:13. When the things signified were sinned away what should the signs stand there for? Ahaz had profanely cut off the borders of the bases, and put the brazen sea upon a pavement of stones (Kg2 16:17); justly therefore are the brass themselves, and the brazen sea, delivered into the enemy's hand. It is just with God to take away his ordinances from those that profane and abuse them, that curtail and depress them. Some things remained of gold and silver (Kg2 25:15) which were now carried off; but most of this plunder was brass, such a vast quantity of it that it is said to be without weight, Kg2 25:16. The carrying away of the vessels wherewith they ministered (Kg2 25:14) put an end to the ministration. It was a righteous thing with God to deprive those of the benefit of his worship who had slighted it so long and preferred false worships before it. Those that would have many altars shall now have none. 5. Several of the great men are slain in cold blood - Seraiah the chief priest (who was the father of Ezra as appears, Ezr 7:1), the second priest (who, when there was occasion, officiated for him), and three door-keepers of the temple (Kg2 25:18), the general of the army, five privy-counsellors (afterwards they made them up seven, Jer 52:25), the secretary of war, or pay-master of the army, and sixty country gentlemen who had concealed themselves in the city. These, being persons of some rank, were brought to the king of Babylon (Kg2 25:19, Kg2 25:20), who ordered them to be all put to death (Kg2 25:21), when, in reason, they might have hoped that surely the bitterness of death was past. These the king of Babylon's revenge looked upon as most active in opposing him; but divine justice, we may suppose, looked upon them as ringleaders in that idolatry and impiety which were punished by these desolations. This completed the calamity: So Judah was carried away out of their land, about 860 years after they were put in possession of it by Joshua. Now the scripture was fulfilled, The Lord shall bring thee, and the king which thou shalt set over thee, into a nation which thou hast not known, Deu 28:36. Sin kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, and now turned them out. The Lord is known by those judgments which he executes, and makes good that word which he has spoken, Amo 3:2. You only have I known of all the families of the earth, therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–21. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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