2 Kings 11:5 net — He ordered them,“This is what you must do. One third of the unit that is on duty during the Sabbath will guard the roya…

NET Bible

"He ordered them,“This is what you must do. One third of the unit that is on duty during the Sabbath will guard the royal palace."

— 2 Kings 11:5, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

2 Kings 11:5 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

2 Kings 11 — Context

2

So Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram and sister of Ahaziah, took Ahaziah’s son Joash and stole him away from the rest of the royal descendants who were to be executed. She hid him and his nurse in the room where the bed covers were stored. So he was hidden from Athaliah and escaped execution.

3

He hid out with his nurse in the LORD’s temple for six years, while Athaliah was ruling over the land.

4

In the seventh year Jehoiada summoned the officers of the units of hundreds of the Carians and the royal bodyguard. He met with them in the LORD’s temple. He made an agreement with them and made them swear an oath of allegiance in the LORD’s temple. Then he showed them the king’s son.

5

He ordered them,“This is what you must do. One third of the unit that is on duty during the Sabbath will guard the royal palace.

6

Another third of you will be stationed at the Foundation Gate. Still another third of you will be stationed at the gate behind the royal guard. You will take turns guarding the palace.

7

The two units who are off duty on the Sabbath will guard the LORD’s temple and protect the king.

8

You must surround the king. Each of you must hold his weapon in his hand. Whoever approaches your ranks must be killed. You must accompany the king wherever he goes.”

2 Kings 11:5 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Kings 11:5 say?
2 Kings 11:5 in the NET Bible reads: “He ordered them,“This is what you must do. One third of the unit that is on duty during the Sabbath will guard the royal palace.”
Where is 2 Kings 11:5 in the Bible?
2 Kings 11:5 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Kings, chapter 11, verse 5.
Who wrote 2 Kings?
2 Kings is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Jeremiah). It was written c. 561–538 BC.
What is the book of 2 Kings about?
2 Kings carries the divided kingdom from Elijah and Elisha through the fall of both Israel and Judah. Despite the prophets' warnings, both kingdoms decline through idolatry — the north into Assyrian captivity, the south into Babylonian exile — fulfilling the covenant curses.
What are the major themes of 2 Kings?
2 Kings explores themes including Judgment, Exile, Prophets, Covenant Curses, Remnant. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Kings 11:5.
What translation should I read 2 Kings 11:5 in?
2 Kings 11:5 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Kings 11:5?
2 Kings 11:5 reads (NET): “He ordered them,“This is what you must do. One third of the unit that is on duty during the Sabbath will guard the royal palace.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2