New International VersionThe king of Babylon also deported to Babylon the entire force of seven thousand fighting men, strong and fit for war, and a thousand skilled workers and artisans.
New Living TranslationHe also exiled 7,000 of the best troops and 1,000 craftsmen and artisans, all of whom were strong and fit for war.
English Standard VersionAnd the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon all the men of valor, 7,000, and the craftsmen and the metal workers, 1,000, all of them strong and fit for war.
Berean Standard BibleThe king of Babylon also brought into exile to Babylon all seven thousand men of valor and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for battle.
King James BibleAnd all the men of might, even seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
New King James VersionAll the valiant men, seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths, one thousand, all who were strong and fit for war, these the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
New American Standard BibleAnd all the valiant men, seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths, a thousand, all strong and fit for war, these too the king of Babylon brought into exile to Babylon.
NASB 1995All the men of valor, seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths, one thousand, all strong and fit for war, and these the king of Babylon brought into exile to Babylon.
NASB 1977And all the men of valor, seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths, one thousand, all strong and fit for war, and these the king of Babylon brought into exile to Babylon.
Legacy Standard BibleNow all the valiant men, seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths, one thousand, all mighty men who could wage war, and these the king of Babylon brought into exile to Babylon.
Amplified BibleAnd the king of Babylon brought as exiles to Babylon all the brave men, seven thousand [of them], and the craftsmen and the smiths, a thousand [of them], all strong and fit for war.
Christian Standard BibleThe king of Babylon brought captive into Babylon all seven thousand of the best soldiers and one thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for war.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe king of Babylon also brought captive into Babylon all 7,000 fighting men and 1,000 craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for war.
American Standard VersionAnd all the men of might, even seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths a thousand, all of them strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
Contemporary English VersionHe also led away 7,000 soldiers and 1,000 skilled workers, all of them trained for battle.
English Revised VersionAnd all the men of might, even seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths a thousand, all of them strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe king of Babylon brought all 7,000 of the prominent landowners, 1,000 craftsmen and smiths, and all the men who could fight in war as captives to Babylon.
Good News TranslationNebuchadnezzar deported all the important men to Babylonia, seven thousand in all, and one thousand skilled workers, including the blacksmiths, all of them able-bodied men fit for military duty.
International Standard VersionAll 7,000 of the most valiant soldiers and 1,000 of the craftsmen and ironworkers—all physically fit and trained for battle—were brought by the king of Babylon into exile in Babylon.
NET BibleThe king of Babylon deported to Babylon all the soldiers (there were 7,000), as well as 1,000 craftsmen and metal workers. This included all the best warriors.
New Heart English BibleAll the men of might, even seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths one thousand, all of them strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd all the men of might, even seven thousand, and artificers and smiths a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe king of Babylon also brought into exile to Babylon all seven thousand men of valor and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for battle.
World English BibleAll the men of might, even seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths one thousand, all of them strong and fit for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand all the men of valor, seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths, one thousand, the whole [are] mighty men, warriors; and the king of Babylon brings them in a captivity to Babylon.
Young's Literal Translation and all the men of valour seven thousand, and the artificers and the smiths a thousand, the whole are mighty men, warriors; and the king of Babylon bringeth them in a captivity to Babylon.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd all the men of strength, seven thousand and the artificers, and the smiths, a thousand, all strong, making war; and the king of Babel will bring them into exile into Babel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd all the strong men, seven thousand, and the artificers, and the smiths a thousand, all that were valiant men and fit for war: and the king of Babylon led them captives into Babylon.
Catholic Public Domain Versionand all the robust men, seven thousand, and the artisans and craftsman, one thousand: all who were strong men and fit for war. And the king of Babylon led them away as captives, into Babylon.
New American BibleAll seven thousand soldiers of the army, and a thousand artisans and smiths, all of them trained warriors, these too the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
New Revised Standard VersionThe king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon all the men of valor, seven thousand, the artisans and the smiths, one thousand, all of them strong and fit for war. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd all the men of might, even seven thousand, and guardsmen and the guard of a thousand and all the men who were trained for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd all seven thousand mighty men, and the Guards and the one thousand Runners and all men who were workers of war, the King of Babel brought them into the captivity to Babel. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And all the men of might, even seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths a thousand, all of them strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd all the men of might, even seven thousand, and one thousand artificers and smiths: all were mighty men fit for war; and the king of Babylon carried them captive to Babylon.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Exiles to Babylon… 15Nebuchadnezzar carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, as well as the king’s mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men of the land. He took them into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 16The kingof Babylonalso broughtinto exileto Babylonallseventhousandmenof valorand a thousandcraftsmenand metalsmiths—allstrongand fitfor battle.17Then the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah.…
Cross References Jeremiah 52:28-30These are the people Nebuchadnezzar carried away: in the seventh year, 3,023 Jews; / in Nebuchadnezzar’s eighteenth year, 832 people from Jerusalem; / in Nebuchadnezzar’s twenty-third year, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried away 745 Jews. So in all, 4,600 people were taken away.
2 Chronicles 36:10In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar summoned Jehoiachin and brought him to Babylon, along with the articles of value from the house of the LORD. And he made Jehoiachin’s relative Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem.
Daniel 1:3-4Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, to bring in some Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— / young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
Jeremiah 24:1After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, as well as the officials of Judah and the craftsmen and metalsmiths from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple of the LORD.
Ezekiel 17:12-14“Now say to this rebellious house: ‘Do you not know what these things mean?’ Tell them, ‘Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, carried off its king and officials, and brought them back with him to Babylon. / He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land, / so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to lift itself up, surviving only by keeping his covenant.
Jeremiah 29:1-2This is the text of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets, and all the others Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. / (This was after King Jeconiah, the queen mother, the court officials, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metalsmiths had been exiled from Jerusalem.)
Isaiah 39:7And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, will be taken away to be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
Jeremiah 27:20which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon did not take when he carried Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, along with all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem.
Jeremiah 52:15Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried into exile some of the poorest people and those who remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to the king of Babylon and the rest of the craftsmen.
2 Kings 20:18And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, will be taken away to be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
Daniel 1:1-2In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. / And the Lord delivered into his hand Jehoiakim king of Judah, along with some of the articles from the house of God. He carried these off to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, where he put them in the treasury of his god.
Jeremiah 34:1-2This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, all his army, all the earthly kingdoms under his control, and all the other nations were fighting against Jerusalem and all its surrounding cities. / The LORD, the God of Israel, told Jeremiah to go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah and tell him that this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will burn it down.
Ezekiel 1:1-2In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God. / On the fifth day of the month—it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin—
Jeremiah 39:9Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried away to Babylon the remnant of the people who had remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to him.
2 Kings 25:11Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried into exile the people who remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to the king of Babylon and the rest of the population.
Treasury of Scripture And all the men of might, even seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon. seven thousand. Jeremiah 29:2 (After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem;) Jeremiah 52:28 Thisis the people whom Nebuchadrezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year three thousand Jews and three and twenty: Jump to Previous AbleAptArmsArtificersArtisansBabylonCaptiveCaptivityCraftsmenDeportedEntireExileExpertFightingFitForceMetal-WorkersMightyPrisonersSevenSmithsStrongThousandValorWarWarriorsWholeWorkmenJump to Next AbleAptArmsArtificersArtisansBabylonCaptiveCaptivityCraftsmenDeportedEntireExileExpertFightingFitForceMetal-WorkersMightyPrisonersSevenSmithsStrongThousandValorWarWarriorsWholeWorkmen2 Kings 24 1.Jehoiakim, first subdued by Nebuchadnezzar, then rebelling against him,2.procures his own ruin.5.Jehoiachin succeeds him.7.The king of Egypt is vanquished by the king of Babylon.8.Jehoiachin's evil reign.10.Jerusalem is taken and carried captive into Babylon.17.Zedekiah is made king, and reigns ill, unto the utter destruction of Judah.The king of Babylon also brought into exile to BabylonThis phrase refers to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who was responsible for the deportation of the people of Judah. This event is part of the Babylonian Exile, a significant period in Jewish history when many Jews were taken captive to Babylon. This exile fulfilled the prophecies of Jeremiah ( Jeremiah 25:11-12) and was a consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. Babylon, located in modern-day Iraq, was a powerful empire known for its advanced culture and military might. all seven thousand men of valor
The "men of valor" were likely the elite soldiers and warriors of Judah. Their deportation weakened Judah's military capabilities, making it more vulnerable to future invasions. This strategic move by Nebuchadnezzar ensured that any potential rebellion against Babylonian rule would be less likely. The number seven thousand may symbolize completeness or totality, indicating a significant portion of Judah's fighting force was taken. and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths
Craftsmen and metalsmiths were essential for maintaining the infrastructure and economy of a nation. By taking these skilled workers, Nebuchadnezzar not only deprived Judah of its ability to produce weapons and tools but also enriched Babylon with their skills. This reflects the Babylonian strategy of assimilating the best resources and talents from conquered peoples to strengthen their own empire. all strong and fit for battle
This description emphasizes the physical and strategic value of those taken into exile. The focus on strength and fitness for battle highlights the loss of Judah's potential to defend itself. It also underscores the thoroughness of Nebuchadnezzar's campaign to subdue and control Judah. This phrase can be seen as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, as the strength of a nation is ultimately found in its faithfulness to Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. King of BabylonRefers to Nebuchadnezzar II, the powerful ruler of the Babylonian Empire, who led the conquest of Jerusalem and the exile of its people. 2. Exile to BabylonThis event marks the forced relocation of the Jewish people from Judah to Babylon, a significant moment in Jewish history known as the Babylonian Captivity. 3. Valiant WarriorsThese were the skilled and courageous soldiers of Judah, numbering seven thousand, who were taken into exile. 4. Craftsmen and MetalsmithsA thousand skilled laborers, essential for the economic and military strength of a nation, were also taken to Babylon. 5. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, which fell to the Babylonians, leading to the exile of its people. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentThe exile demonstrates God's control over nations and His use of foreign powers to execute judgment on His people for their disobedience. The Importance of Skilled LaborThe inclusion of craftsmen and metalsmiths in the exile highlights the value of skills and trades in society, reminding us to appreciate and develop our God-given talents. Faithfulness in AdversityThe exiles, like Daniel, were called to remain faithful to God in a foreign land, teaching us to uphold our faith regardless of our circumstances. Hope in God's PromisesDespite the dire situation, God promised restoration and hope for the future, encouraging us to trust in His plans even when we face trials. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 24:16?
2.How does 2 Kings 24:16 illustrate God's judgment on Judah's disobedience?
3.What role did the "mighty men of valor" play in Judah's downfall?
4.How can we avoid the mistakes of Judah as seen in 2 Kings 24:16?
5.What other scriptures highlight consequences of turning away from God's commands?
6.How can we remain faithful to God amidst societal pressures and challenges?
7.Why did Nebuchadnezzar take the best soldiers and craftsmen from Jerusalem in 2 Kings 24:16?
8.How does 2 Kings 24:16 reflect God's judgment on Judah?
9.What does 2 Kings 24:16 reveal about the consequences of disobedience to God?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 24?
11.Can we verify the large-scale deportation described in 2 Kings 24:14 through Babylonian records or archaeological data?
12.In 2 Kings 24:7, is there any archaeological or historical proof that Egypt never again invaded Judah, as the text claims?
13.How can 2 Kings 24:1 align with Babylonian records if historical timelines appear inconsistent regarding Jehoiakim's vassalage?
14.In 2 Chronicles 25:4, how can Amaziah's execution of his father's assassins yet sparing their children be reconciled with other Old Testament commands on punishment and inheritance of guilt?What Does 2 Kings 24:16 Mean The king of BabylonNebuchadnezzar, ruler of the dominant world power (Jeremiah 27:6), acts as the Lord’s chosen instrument of discipline against Judah (Jeremiah 25:9). Even though Judah’s kings imagined themselves secure in Jerusalem, God’s sovereignty over every nation determines their fate (Proverbs 21:1;Daniel 2:37-38). Just as He raised Pharaoh to display His power (Exodus 9:16), He now uses Babylon’s king to fulfill the prophetic warnings long given through Moses and the prophets (Leviticus 26:33;2 Chronicles 36:15-17).
also brought into exile to BabylonThe forced relocation fulfills covenant curses that promised dispersion for persistent disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:36; 28:64). Exile is not random; it is God’s measured discipline meant to purge idolatry and preserve a remnant (Isaiah 10:20-23). Jeremiah counsels the exiles to “seek the welfare of the city” in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:4-7), showing that even in displacement God’s people can thrive under His providence (Psalm 137:1-4 contrasts the grief).
all seven thousand men of valorBy removing Judah’s fighting men, Babylon eliminates any immediate military resistance, leaving only a remnant unable to mount rebellion (2 Kings 24:14;Jeremiah 52:28-30). Previous battles had already drained Judah’s strength (2 Kings 24:2), but this sweep targets the remaining seasoned warriors—mirroring earlier moments when Israel’s defense was stripped (1 Samuel 13:22). God’s judgment addresses both national pride and false reliance on human might (Psalm 33:16-17).
and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmithsSkilled workers who could fashion weapons (1 Samuel 13:19-20) and rebuild defenses are intentionally deported. Babylon benefits from their expertise (Isaiah 39:6), while Judah is left without the technical ability to arm itself. This tactic echoes how Philistia once kept Israel militarily weak by monopolizing metalwork (1 Samuel 13:19-22). God’s hand is evident: the very gifts He had bestowed (Exodus 31:3-5) are removed when they are misused or taken for granted.
—all strong and fit for battleThe description underscores that Babylon targeted the prime of Judah’s manpower. Isaiah lamented that “youths will fall exhausted” (Isaiah 40:30) when judgment comes; now that exhaustion culminates in captivity. With vigor and morale gone, the remaining population—primarily the poor and elderly (2 Kings 25:12)—faces vulnerability. Yet even this bleak scene sets the stage for God’s promise to restore strength to the weary who wait on Him (Isaiah 40:31;Ezekiel 37:1-14).
summary2 Kings 24:16 records a deliberate, divinely permitted strategy: Nebuchadnezzar removes Judah’s warriors and skilled artisans to break resistance and enrich Babylon. The verse testifies to God’s faithfulness to His Word—both in judgment and, eventually, in restoration. It warns against trusting human strength, highlights the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, and invites renewed dependence on the Lord who, even in exile, preserves a remnant for His redemptive purposes (Jeremiah 31:31-34). (16) And all the men of might.--"The mighty men of valour" of 2Kings 24:14. (The words depend on the verb, "he carried away," in 2Kings 24:14.) As there were 7,000 of these, and 1,000 "craftsmen and smiths," and the total number of the exiles was 10,000, there were 2,000 belonging to the aristocratic classes. Jeremiah 52:28 gives a total of 3,023. Thenius explains his discrepancy as resulting from a transcriber's confusion of a large y, i.e. 10, with g, i.e. 3. Josephus has made his total of 10,832 out of the 832 of the second deportation ( Jeremiah 52:29) added to the 10,000 here assigned. All that were strong and apt for war.--Literally,the whole, warriors and doers of battle. This clause refers to both those which precede, and it states that the 8,000 were all men in their prime, and trained in the use of weapons (Thenius). But may not the term "strong" (gibbor-m, "heroes," "warriors") refer to the 7,000 as actual fighting men; and the phrase "makers of war" denote the craftsmen as employed in forging weapons and constructing defences? (The Syriac reads,and all the men that made war.) Even them the king of Babylon brought.--Literally,and the King of Babylon brought them. Verse 16. - And all the men of might - i.e. "The mighty men of valor" (or, "trained soldiers") of ver. 14 - even seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war - the craftsmen and smiths would be pressed into the military service in the event of a siege - even them the Zing of Babylon brought captive to Babylon; i.e. he brought to Babylon, not only the royal personages, the officials of the court, and the captives who belonged to the upper classes (ver. 15), but also the entire military force which he had deported, and the thousand skilled artificers. All, without exception, were conducted to the capital.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew The kingמֶֽלֶךְ־(me·leḵ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Babylonבָּבֶ֛ל(bā·ḇel)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 894:Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital cityalso broughtוַיְבִיאֵ֧ם(way·ḇî·’êm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gointo exileגּוֹלָ֖ה(gō·w·lāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1473:Exile, exilesto Babylonבָּבֶֽלָה׃(bā·ḇe·lāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 894:Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital cityallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everysevenשִׁבְעַ֣ת(šiḇ·‘aṯ)Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7651:Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite numberthousandאֲלָפִ֗ים(’ă·lā·p̄îm)Number - masculine plural
Strong's 505:A thousandvaliant warriorsאַנְשֵׁ֨י(’an·šê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 582:Man, mankindand a thousandאֶ֔לֶף(’e·lep̄)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 505:A thousandcraftsmenוְהֶחָרָ֤שׁ(wə·he·ḥā·rāš)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2796:A fabricator, any materialand metalsmiths—וְהַמַּסְגֵּר֙(wə·ham·mas·gêr)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4525:A fastener, a smith, a prisonallהַכֹּ֕ל(hak·kōl)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everystrongגִּבּוֹרִ֖ים(gib·bō·w·rîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1368:Powerful, warrior, tyrantand fitעֹשֵׂ֣י(‘ō·śê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6213:To do, makefor battle.מִלְחָמָ֑ה(mil·ḥā·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421:A battle, war
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OT History: 2 Kings 24:16 All the men of might even seven (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
