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.

2 CHRONICLES 10:14KJV
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2 Chronicles 10:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 10:14 mean?

2 Chronicles 10:14 describes how King Rehoboam responded harshly to his people, following the advice of his younger advisors. He told them he would make their burdens even heavier than his father Solomon did, saying he would punish them more severely.

In this scene, Rehoboam is speaking to the Israelites who had come to ask for relief from heavy labor and taxes. Instead of easing their load, Rehoboam chooses to threaten even harsher treatment, using the image of "scorpions" to describe a more painful punishment than the "whips" his father used. This moment sets the stage for the division of the kingdom, as the people react strongly to his words.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 10:14

  • "yoke" (עֹל, ʿol): This word means a wooden bar used to harness animals, but here it stands for the burdens or demands placed on the people. The image highlights how the people felt weighed down by forced labor and taxes.
  • "add" (יָסַף, yasaf): This verb means to increase or add to something. Rehoboam is not just maintaining his father’s policies but promising to make things even harder.
  • "chastised" (יַסֵּר, yasar): This word means to discipline or correct, often with physical punishment. Rehoboam uses it to describe how he will treat the people, making his rule sound even more severe.
  • "scorpions" (עַקְרָבִים, ʿaqrabim): This refers to a whip with barbs or knots, not the animal, meant to inflict more pain than a regular whip. The word choice paints a vivid picture of increased cruelty.

Why 2 Chronicles 10:14 matters

  • This verse explains why the northern tribes rejected Rehoboam and broke away, leading to the split between Israel and Judah.
  • The harsh language and choice to follow the "advice" (עֵצָה, ʿetsah) of younger men, rather than the elders, shows a turning point in leadership style and wisdom.
  • Understanding the original words helps clarify that Rehoboam’s threat was not just about working harder, but about a much harsher and more painful rule, which helps explain the strong reaction from the people.

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 10:11 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.

“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.

“yoke” Hebrew H5923 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 27:40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.
  • Jeremiah 27:11 But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.

“chastised” Hebrew H3256 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 26:18 And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.
  • Psalms 2:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
  • Proverbs 31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.