Behold, with a great plague will the LORD smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods:

2 CHRONICLES 21:14KJV
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2 Chronicles 21:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 21:14 mean?

2 Chronicles 21:14 warns that the LORD will strike Jehoram’s people, children, wives, and possessions with a severe plague as a consequence for his actions. This verse announces a coming disaster affecting every part of Jehoram’s life and reign, not just himself but his entire household and wealth.

The prophet Elijah is delivering a message from God to King Jehoram of Judah, who has turned away from God and led the nation into wrongdoing. The verse is part of a larger prophecy describing the consequences Jehoram will face for abandoning the ways of his ancestors and causing harm to his people. The warning is specific and sweeping, showing that the punishment will touch every aspect of Jehoram’s kingdom.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 21:14

  • "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word means "large" or "mighty." The use of "great" emphasizes the severity and scale of the coming plague, not just an ordinary hardship.
  • "plague" (מַגֵּפָה, maggephah): This term often refers to a devastating blow, disease, or calamity sent as judgment. It highlights that the disaster is not random but purposeful and destructive.
  • "smite" (נָכָה, nakah): This verb means "to strike" or "to afflict." It underscores that the action is direct and forceful, coming from the LORD as a deliberate act.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): The use of God’s personal name stresses that this judgment is coming from the covenant God of Israel, making the warning deeply personal and serious.

Why 2 Chronicles 21:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the consequences of Jehoram’s choices will not be limited to him alone but will extend to his family and all he possesses, showing the far-reaching impact of a leader’s actions.
  • The emphasis on a "great plague" highlights the seriousness of turning away from God and the reality of divine judgment in the history of Judah.
  • By connecting the punishment to every part of Jehoram’s life, the verse sets up the dramatic events that follow in the chapter, helping readers understand the depth of the crisis facing the kingdom.

Where else these words appear

“plague” Hebrew H4046 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 9:14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.
  • Numbers 26:1 And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,
  • 1 Chronicles 21:17 And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

“goods” Hebrew H7399 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 12:5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
  • Genesis 36:7 For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:29 Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much.

“smite” Hebrew H5062 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 8:2 And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:
  • Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:19 And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.