Old Testament
2 Kings 17:25
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
When the new settlers arrived in the land, they did not show any respect or reverence for the LORD.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
When they first settled there, they did not fear the LORD. So the LORD sent lions among them, and the lions killed some of them.
And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
When the new settlers arrived in the land, they did not show any respect or reverence for the LORD. This lack of fear led to serious consequences. To get their attention, the LORD sent lions into their midst. These lions attacked and killed some of the people. This event served as a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of acknowledging a higher power. The settlers realized that their disregard for the LORD had put them in danger. It was a clear message that ignoring spiritual truths can lead to dire outcomes. The story illustrates how essential it is to live with respect for the divine and the consequences of neglecting that relationship. It reminds us that our actions have repercussions, and we should be mindful of how we live our lives in relation to greater truths and values. The fear of the LORD is not just about fear; it’s about understanding the importance of living in harmony with spiritual principles and the world around us. This story encourages us to reflect on our own lives and our relationship with the divine.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 17:25 to your life
This passage challenges us to consider how we treat our spiritual lives. Are we living with respect for the values that guide us? Just like the settlers, we may face consequences for neglecting our spiritual responsibilities. It’s important to cultivate a sense of reverence in our daily lives. Reflect on how you can honor your beliefs more deeply today. It’s never too late to start making changes that align with your values and beliefs.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 17:25 mean?
2 Kings 17:25 describes how the new settlers in the land did not respect the LORD, leading to dire consequences. To make them aware of their neglect, the LORD sent lions that killed some of them, serving as a warning about the importance of acknowledging a higher power.
What is the significance of fearing the LORD in 2 Kings 17:25?
Fearing the LORD in this context means showing respect and reverence for God. The verse illustrates that a lack of this fear can lead to serious consequences, as seen when the settlers faced danger from lions.
What does the phrase 'the LORD sent lions' mean in 2 Kings 17:25?
The phrase 'the LORD sent lions' indicates that God took action in response to the settlers' disregard for Him. It serves as a reminder that ignoring spiritual truths can lead to harmful outcomes.
How can we apply the lessons from 2 Kings 17:25 today?
We can apply the lessons from this verse by reflecting on our own spiritual lives and ensuring we live with respect for our values. It encourages us to honor our beliefs and be mindful of the consequences of neglecting our spiritual responsibilities.

The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
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