And Judah was put to the worse before Israel, and they fled every man to his tent.

2 CHRONICLES 25:22KJV
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2 Chronicles 25:22 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 25:22 mean?

2 Chronicles 25:22 describes how the army of Judah was defeated by the army of Israel, and the men of Judah ran away, each returning to his own home. The verse shows a clear loss for Judah in this particular battle.

This verse is part of a historical account where King Amaziah of Judah went to war against King Joash of Israel. Despite Amaziah’s confidence, Judah suffered a significant defeat, and the soldiers scattered. The verse highlights the outcome of the battle without giving extra details about the reasons or aftermath in this line.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 25:22

  • "worse" (נָגַף, nāgaph) means "to be struck down" or "defeated." This word emphasizes that Judah did not just lose, but was thoroughly beaten in the encounter.
  • "fled" (נוּס, nus) means "to flee" or "run away." The use of this word shows that the defeat was so overwhelming that the soldiers did not retreat in order but scattered in panic.
  • "tent" (אֹהֶל, ohel) means "tent" or "dwelling." In this context, it points to each man returning to his own home, not just a military camp, but leaving the fight entirely.

Why 2 Chronicles 25:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Judah’s defeat was total and humiliating, with the army not just withdrawing but fleeing in disorder.
  • The verse sets up the consequences for King Amaziah’s decision to fight Israel, which is important for understanding the events that follow in the chapter.
  • By mentioning each man fleeing to his tent, the verse connects to a common biblical phrase for total military collapse, helping readers recognize the seriousness of the defeat.

Where else these words appear

“worse” 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.

“fled” Hebrew H5127 · used in 143 verses

  • Genesis 14:10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.
  • Judges 8:12 And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:13 He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.