So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining.

2 KINGS 10:11KJV
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2 Kings 10:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 10:11 mean?

2 Kings 10:11 describes how Jehu killed everyone who was left from the family of Ahab in Jezreel, including Ahab’s important men, relatives, and priests, so that no one from Ahab’s house survived. This verse shows the complete destruction of Ahab’s line as Jehu carried out his mission.

In this passage, Jehu is acting as the new king of Israel, following God’s earlier judgment against Ahab’s family for their wrongdoing. The verse is a summary statement, emphasizing that Jehu did not spare anyone connected to Ahab in Jezreel—he wiped out the royal family, their supporters, and their religious leaders, fulfilling what had been prophesied.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 10:11

  • "sleigh" — נָכָה (nakah): This word often means to strike or kill decisively, not just in battle but as a deliberate act. Here, it underlines the thoroughness and intent behind Jehu’s actions.
  • "remained" — שָׁאַר (sha'ar): This word refers to those who were left or survived from Ahab’s house. It highlights that Jehu targeted every last survivor, not just the main figures.
  • "house" — בַּיִת (bayit): In this context, "house" means the whole family line or dynasty, not just a building or household.
  • "kinsfolks" — יוֹדֵעַ (yodea’): This word can mean acquaintances or those closely associated, not just blood relatives. It shows Jehu’s purge included anyone tied to Ahab’s circle, not just family.

Why 2 Kings 10:11 matters

  • This verse makes clear that Jehu’s actions were not limited to Ahab’s immediate family but extended to all who supported or were associated with Ahab’s rule.
  • The verse fulfills earlier prophecies about the end of Ahab’s line, showing the seriousness of God’s judgment in the narrative.
  • Understanding the thoroughness of Jehu’s purge helps explain the dramatic shift in Israel’s leadership and religious direction in the chapters that follow.

Where else these words appear

“remaining” Hebrew H8300 · used in 28 verses

  • Numbers 21:35 So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.
  • Joshua 10:37 And they took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon; but destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that were therein.
  • Isaiah 1:9 Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

“Jezreel” Hebrew H3157 · used in 32 verses

  • Joshua 15:56 And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,
  • 1 Kings 18:45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.
  • 2 Kings 9:36 Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:

“Jehu” Hebrew H3058 · used in 54 verses

  • 1 Kings 16:1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,
  • 2 Kings 9:22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?
  • 2 Kings 10:31 But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.

“Ahab” Hebrew H256 · used in 81 verses

  • 1 Kings 16:28 So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 21:3 And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.
  • 2 Kings 9:7 And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.