2 Kings 14:26
New International Version
The LORD had seen how bitterly everyone in Israel, whether slave or free, was suffering; there was no one to help them.

New Living Translation
For the LORD saw the bitter suffering of everyone in Israel, and that there was no one in Israel, slave or free, to help them.

English Standard Version
For the LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter, for there was none left, bond or free, and there was none to help Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
For the LORD saw that the affliction of the Israelites, both slave and free, was very bitter. There was no one to help Israel,

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
For the LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter; and whether bond or free, there was no helper for Israel.

New American Standard Bible
For the LORD saw the misery of Israel, which was very bitter; for there was neither bond nor free spared, nor was there any helper for Israel.

NASB 1995
For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, which was very bitter; for there was neither bond nor free, nor was there any helper for Israel.

NASB 1977
For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, which was very bitter; for there was neither bond nor free, nor was there any helper for Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
For Yahweh saw the affliction of Israel, which was very bitter; for there was neither bond nor free, nor was there any helper for Israel.

Amplified Bible
For the LORD saw the affliction (suffering) of Israel as very bitter; there was no one left, bond or free, nor any helper for Israel.

Christian Standard Bible
For the LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter for both slaves and free people. There was no one to help Israel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter. There was no one to help Israel, neither bond nor free.

American Standard Version
For Jehovah saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter; for there was none shut up nor left at large, neither was there any helper for Israel.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD helped Jeroboam do this because he had seen how terribly the Israelites were suffering, whether slave or free, and no one was left to help them.

English Revised Version
For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was none shut up nor left at large, neither was there any helper for Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD did this because he saw how bitterly everyone in Israel was suffering. No slave or free person could help Israel.

Good News Translation
The LORD saw the terrible suffering of the Israelites; there was no one at all to help them.

International Standard Version
For the LORD observed Israel's bitter misery, and there was no one left, neither slave nor free, and there was no deliverer for Israel.

Majority Standard Bible
For the LORD saw that the affliction of the Israelites, both slave and free, was very bitter. There was no one to help Israel,

NET Bible
The LORD saw Israel's intense suffering; everyone was weak and incapacitated and Israel had no deliverer.

New Heart English Bible
For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter; for there was none shut up nor left at large, neither was there any helper for Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
For Yahweh saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter for all, slave and free; and there was no helper for Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for YHWH has seen the very bitter affliction of Israel, and there is none restrained, and there is none left, and there is no helper for Israel;

Young's Literal Translation
for Jehovah hath seen the affliction of Israel -- very bitter, and there is none restrained, and there is none left, and there is no helper to Israel;

Smith's Literal Translation
For Jehovah saw the affliction of Israel exceedingly bitter, and none shut up, and none left, and no helper to Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For the Lord saw the affliction of Israel that it was exceeding bitter, and that they were consumed even to them that were shut up in prison, and the lowest persons, and that there was no one to help Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For the Lord saw the exceedingly bitter affliction of Israel, and that they were being consumed, even to those who were enclosed in prison, and even to the least ones, and that there was no one who would help Israel.

New American Bible
For the LORD saw the very bitter affliction of Israel, where there was neither bond nor free, no one at all to help Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
For the LORD saw that the distress of Israel was very bitter; there was no one left, bond or free, and no one to help Israel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter; for there was no one in power, and there was no one to help Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because LORD JEHOVAH saw the oppression of Israel, that it was very bitter, and there was no one who binds and none who releases, and no helper for Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter; for there was none shut up nor left at large, neither was there any helper for Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the Lord saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter, and that they were few in number, straitened and in want, and destitute, and Israel had no helper.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jeroboam II Reigns in Israel
25This Jeroboam restored the boundary of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word that the LORD, the God of Israel, had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher. 26For the LORD saw that the affliction of the Israelites, both slave and free, was very bitter. There was no one to help Israel, 27and since the LORD had said that He would not blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash.…

Cross References
Exodus 3:7
The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings.

Judges 2:18
Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, He was with that judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies while the judge was still alive; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed them and afflicted them.

2 Kings 13:4-5
Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel. / So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped the power of the Arameans. Then the people of Israel lived in their own homes as they had before.

Nehemiah 9:27
So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies.

Psalm 106:44-45
Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note of their distress. / And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion.

Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Jeremiah 31:20
Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD.

Hosea 11:8-9
How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred! / I will not execute the full fury of My anger; I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man—the Holy One among you—and I will not come in wrath.

Jonah 4:10-11
But the LORD said, “You cared about the plant, which you neither tended nor made grow. It sprang up in a night and perished in a night. / So should I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well?”

Matthew 9:36
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 14:14
When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Mark 6:34
When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.

Luke 1:78-79
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, / to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Luke 7:13
When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.”

John 11:33-35
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

saw the affliction

2 Kings 13:4
And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.

Exodus 3:7,9
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; …

Judges 10:16
And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

not any shut

Deuteronomy 32:36
For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

1 Kings 14:10
Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.

1 Kings 21:21
Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel,

Jump to Previous
Affliction Bitter Bitterly Bond Cut Free Help Helper Israel Large Restrained Shut Slave Suffering Trouble Whether
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Affliction Bitter Bitterly Bond Cut Free Help Helper Israel Large Restrained Shut Slave Suffering Trouble Whether
2 Kings 14
1. Amaziah's good reign
5. His justice on the murderers of his father
7. His victory over Edom
8. Amaziah, provoking Jehoash, is overcome
15. Jeroboam succeeds Jehoash
17. Amaziah slain by a conspiracy
21. Azariah succeeds him
23. Jeroboam's wicked reign
28. Zachariah succeeds him














For the LORD saw
The phrase "For the LORD saw" emphasizes God's omniscience and His intimate involvement in the affairs of His people. The Hebrew root for "saw" is "ra'ah," which means to see, perceive, or understand. This indicates that God is not distant or unaware; He is actively observing the plight of Israel. In a historical context, this reflects the period of the divided kingdom, where Israel often strayed from God's commandments, yet He remained attentive to their condition.

the affliction of Israel
"Affliction" comes from the Hebrew word "oni," which denotes poverty, misery, or suffering. This term captures the dire state of Israel during this time, as they faced external threats and internal decay. Historically, this period was marked by political instability and moral decline, leading to suffering. Theologically, it underscores the consequences of turning away from God, yet also His compassion in recognizing their distress.

was very bitter
The phrase "was very bitter" uses the Hebrew word "mar," which means bitter or grievous. This intensifies the description of Israel's suffering, suggesting not just physical hardship but also emotional and spiritual anguish. In the biblical narrative, bitterness often symbolizes the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, reminding readers of the importance of faithfulness and repentance.

there was no one to help Israel
This phrase highlights Israel's isolation and vulnerability. The absence of a helper signifies a lack of allies or leaders capable of delivering them from their plight. Historically, this reflects the political fragmentation and weakened state of Israel. Spiritually, it points to the futility of relying on human strength or alliances instead of seeking God's intervention and guidance.

neither bond nor free
"Neither bond nor free" indicates that the suffering affected all social classes, from slaves to free citizens. The Hebrew terms "ebed" (bond) and "chofshi" (free) encompass the entire spectrum of society, emphasizing the universal nature of the affliction. This serves as a reminder that sin and its consequences do not discriminate, affecting all who turn away from God. It also underscores the need for a savior who can deliver all people, regardless of status.

(26) Affliction.--Better, oppression.

Bitter.--So the LXX., Syriac, and Vulg. Better, stubborn, and so, inveterate, unyielding, enduring. (Comp. Deuteronomy 21:18-20.) Targum, "hard;" Arabic, "strong" or "violent."

For there was . . . left.--Comp. Note on 1Kings 14:10.

Verse 26. - For the Lord saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter (comp. 2 Kings 13:4, 23). The repetition is perhaps to be accounted for by the desire of the writer to explain how it came to pass that so great a deliverance was granted to Israel under a king who maintained the worship of the calves. He views it as the consequence of God's infinite compassion, and of the extreme bitterness of Israel's sufferings under the Syrians (comp. 2 Kings 13:7 and Amos 1:3). For there was not any shut up, nor any left (see the comment on 1 Kings 14:10), nor any helper for Israel. Apart from Jehovah, Israel had no one to come to her aid. Judah would not help her, for Judah had just suffered at her hands (vers. 11-14); still less would Philistia, or Moab, or Ammon, who were her constant enemies. Her isolation rendered her all the more an object for the Divine compassion.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

saw
רָאָ֧ה (rā·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

that the affliction
עֳנִ֥י (‘o·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6040: Affliction, poverty

of the Israelites,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

both slave
עָצוּר֙ (‘ā·ṣūr)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 6113: To inclose, to hold back, to maintain, rule, assemble

[and]
וְאֶ֣פֶס (wə·’e·p̄es)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 657: Cessation, an end, no further, the ankle, foot

free,
עָז֔וּב (‘ā·zūḇ)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit

was very
מְאֹ֑ד (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

bitter.
מֹרֶ֣ה (mō·reh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4784: To be contentious or rebellious

There was no
וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

one to help
עֹזֵ֖ר (‘ō·zêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5826: To surround, protect, aid

Israel,
לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (lə·yiś·rā·’êl)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT History: 2 Kings 14:26 For Yahweh saw the affliction of Israel (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 14:25
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