Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?

2 CHRONICLES 25:19KJV
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2 Chronicles 25:19 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 25:19 mean?

2 Chronicles 25:19 is a warning from King Jehoash of Israel to King Amaziah of Judah, telling him not to let his recent victory over the Edomites make him arrogant or reckless. Jehoash advises Amaziah to stay home and not provoke a fight with Israel, warning that such meddling will only bring harm and defeat to both Amaziah and Judah.

In this verse, Jehoash responds after Amaziah, emboldened by his win over Edom, challenges Israel to battle. Jehoash uses a proverb-like warning, pointing out that Amaziah’s pride is leading him into danger. The verse shows a moment of political tension, with Jehoash urging Amaziah to avoid unnecessary conflict that could have disastrous consequences for his people.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 25:19

  • "heart" (לֵבָב, levav): This word often refers not just to emotions but to the inner self, including thoughts and intentions. Here, it highlights that Amaziah’s pride comes from deep within, not just outward boasting.
  • "lifteth...up" (נָשָׂא, nasa’): This verb means to be lifted up or exalted, often used for pride or arrogance. Jehoash is pointing out that Amaziah’s heart has become elevated, leading to overconfidence.
  • "boast" (כָּבֵד, kaved): While this word can mean “to be heavy” or “honored,” in this context it carries the sense of glorifying oneself or boasting, showing that Amaziah is taking too much pride in his victory.
  • "meddle" (תָּגָר, tagar): This word means to stir up or provoke. Jehoash is warning Amaziah not to interfere or pick a fight that will end badly.

Why 2 Chronicles 25:19 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Amaziah’s challenge to Israel was not wise bravery but reckless pride, as even his rival warns him against it.
  • The verse emphasizes the danger of letting success go to one’s head, showing how pride can lead to unnecessary conflict and harm.
  • Understanding this warning helps explain the events that follow in the chapter, where Amaziah’s refusal to listen leads to Judah’s defeat.

Where else these words appear

“meddle” Hebrew H1624 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.
  • 2 Kings 14:10 Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
  • Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

“Edomites” Hebrew H123 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 25:30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
  • 1 Kings 11:14 And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.
  • Psalms 137:7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.

“boast” Hebrew H3513 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • 2 Samuel 6:22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.
  • Proverbs 12:9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.