Old Testament
2 Kings 15:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Menahem son of Gadi marched from Tirzah to Samaria, struck down Shallum son of Jabesh, killed him, and took the throne.
Compare translations
For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.
What 2 Kings 15:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Menahem, the son of Gadi, took decisive action to claim power. He traveled from Tirzah to Samaria, where he confronted Shallum, the current ruler. In a brutal act, Menahem killed Shallum and seized the throne for himself. This moment highlights the ruthless nature of political power struggles. Menahem's actions reflect a world where ambition often leads to violence. His rise to power was marked by bloodshed, showing that leadership can come at a high cost. This story serves as a reminder of the lengths individuals may go to achieve their goals, often disregarding the consequences of their actions. It raises questions about morality in leadership and the impact of ambition on society. Menahem's story is a vivid illustration of how power can corrupt and the dangers of unchecked ambition in the pursuit of authority. It invites us to reflect on our own ambitions and the ethical choices we make in our lives, urging us to consider the broader implications of our actions on others.
How to apply 2 Kings 15:14 to your life
Consider the motivations behind your ambitions. Are you pursuing your goals at the expense of others? Reflect on the ethical implications of your actions and strive to lead with integrity. Remember that true leadership involves responsibility and care for those you influence. Choose paths that uplift rather than harm others in your journey to success.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Kings 15:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Kings 15:14
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 15:14 mean?
2 Kings 15:14 describes how Menahem, the son of Gadi, took control of the throne by killing Shallum, the current ruler. This act of violence illustrates the brutal nature of political power struggles in ancient Israel.
What is the significance of Menahem's actions in 2 Kings 15:14?
Menahem's actions highlight the lengths individuals will go to in order to gain power. His rise to the throne through murder reflects the ruthless ambition and moral complexities involved in leadership.
What does the phrase 'struck down Shallum' in 2 Kings 15:14 mean?
The phrase 'struck down Shallum' means that Menahem killed Shallum, the reigning king, to take his place. It emphasizes the violent means by which Menahem seized power.
What themes are present in 2 Kings 15:14?
Key themes in 2 Kings 15:14 include ambition, power, violence, and morality in leadership. The verse serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked ambition.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.