2 Kings 14:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 14:13 mean?

2 Kings 14:13 describes how Jehoash, the king of Israel, captured Amaziah, the king of Judah, at Bethshemesh and then went to Jerusalem. Jehoash broke down a large section of Jerusalem’s wall, specifically from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate, a distance of four hundred cubits.

This verse is part of a historical account where the northern kingdom of Israel defeats the southern kingdom of Judah in battle. Jehoash’s actions—capturing Amaziah and breaking down Jerusalem’s wall—show the seriousness of Judah’s defeat and the vulnerability of Jerusalem after the battle. The verse gives specific details about the damage to Jerusalem’s defenses, emphasizing the scale of Israel’s victory.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 14:13

• בָּקַע (baqa‘, "brake down"): This word means to break open or split, highlighting the forceful destruction of Jerusalem’s wall. It suggests not just a breach but a significant tearing down.
• שַׁעַר (sha‘ar, "gate"): The mention of specific gates—the Ephraim Gate and the Corner Gate—helps pinpoint the exact area of the wall that was destroyed, showing the precision and extent of the damage.
• אַמָּה (’ammah, "cubit"): A cubit is roughly a foot and a half, so four hundred cubits would be about six hundred feet. This detail underscores how large the breach in the wall was.

Why 2 Kings 14:13 matters

• This verse clarifies that the defeat of Judah was not just military but also symbolic, as the breaking of Jerusalem’s wall represented a loss of security and pride for the city.
• The specific mention of locations and measurements gives a sense of historical accuracy and helps readers picture the event’s scale.
• Understanding this verse helps explain the strained relationship between Israel and Judah at this time and sets up the consequences that follow for both kingdoms in the narrative.