For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

2 CHRONICLES 10:11KJV
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2 Chronicles 10:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 10:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 10:11 records King Rehoboam telling the people that, unlike his father Solomon who ruled them harshly, he will make their burden even heavier and discipline them more severely. Rehoboam says his father punished with whips, but he will punish with "scorpions," meaning something much harsher.

In this scene, Rehoboam is speaking to the people of Israel after they ask him to lighten the heavy workload and taxes his father had imposed. Instead of easing their burden, Rehoboam threatens to increase it, showing a lack of compassion and wisdom. His harsh response sets the stage for the kingdom's division, as the people react strongly against his rule.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 10:11

  • "Yoke" (עֹל, ʿol): This word means a wooden bar or frame used to join animals to pull a load, and here it stands for the burdens and demands placed on the people. Rehoboam's threat to "add more to your yoke" means he will increase their already heavy obligations.
  • "Scorpions" (עַקְרָבִים, ʿaqrabim): This word refers to the stinging creature, but in this context, it likely means a whip with sharp points or barbs, making the punishment much more painful than ordinary whips (שׁוֹטִים, shotim). The image is of crueler, more severe discipline.

Why 2 Chronicles 10:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Rehoboam's leadership style is even harsher than Solomon's, which helps explain why the people rebelled against him soon after.
  • The use of "scorpions" instead of just "whips" emphasizes the escalation in severity, showing how out of touch Rehoboam was with his people's suffering.
  • Understanding this moment is key to grasping why the kingdom of Israel split into two, as Rehoboam's words directly led to the people's rejection of his rule.

Where else these words appear

“scorpions” Hebrew H6137 · used in 6 verses

  • Deuteronomy 8:15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
  • 1 Kings 12:11 And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:14 And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

“whereas” Hebrew H6258 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • Genesis 26:29 That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou art now the blessed of the LORD.
  • Isaiah 48:6 Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.

“put” Hebrew H6006 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 44:13 Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.
  • Nehemiah 4:17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.
  • Isaiah 46:1 Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.

“whips” Hebrew H7752 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Kings 12:11 And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
  • Job 5:21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.
  • Isaiah 10:26 And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.