For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.

2 KINGS 14:26KJV
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2 Kings 14:26 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 14:26 mean?

2 Kings 14:26 says that the LORD saw how badly Israel was suffering, with their troubles being extremely harsh and bitter, and that there was no one left to protect or help them. The verse highlights Israel’s desperate situation, with no one to defend or assist them in their distress.

This verse appears during the reign of Jeroboam II, a time when Israel was weakened by enemies and internal problems. The writer is describing how God noticed the severe hardship of the people—using strong language to show their misery and isolation. The verse sets up why God would later act to bring relief, even though Israel was in such a hopeless state.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 14:26

  • "Affliction" (עֳנִי, ʿoniy) means deep suffering or misery. The word here emphasizes not just physical hardship, but also a sense of being oppressed or crushed.
  • "Very" (מְאֹד, me’od) and "bitter" (מָרוֹר, maror) together stress the intensity of Israel’s suffering. The misery is not mild or passing—it is extreme and deeply painful.
  • "Helper" (עָזַר, azar) means someone who comes to the aid of another. The verse points out that Israel had no one to turn to, underlining their total abandonment.

Why 2 Kings 14:26 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Israel’s suffering was not hidden from God; He was fully aware of their pain and helplessness.
  • It shows that God’s later actions to save or restore Israel were not because they deserved it, but because of His compassion in response to their misery.
  • The verse helps explain the context for Jeroboam II’s reign and why God would allow a period of relief, even though Israel had been unfaithful.

Where else these words appear

“affliction” Hebrew H6040 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
  • Nehemiah 9:9 And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;
  • Psalms 107:10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;

“bitter” Hebrew H4784 · used in 43 verses

  • Numbers 20:10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
  • 1 Kings 13:21 And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee,
  • Isaiah 1:20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

“not” Hebrew H657 · used in 43 verses

  • Numbers 13:28 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
  • Psalms 67:7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
  • Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

“up” Hebrew H6113 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
  • 1 Kings 8:35 When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:
  • 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.