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.