2 Maccabees 12:16 kjva — And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near adj…

King James Version with Apocrypha

“And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with blood.”

— 2 Maccabees 12:16, King James Version with Apocrypha

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2 Maccabees 12:16 in Other Translations

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2 Maccabees 12 — Context

13

He went also about to make a bridge to a certain strong city, which was fenced about with walls, and inhabited by people of divers countries; and the name of it was Caspis.

14

But they that were within it put such trust in the strength of the walls and provision of victuals, that they behaved themselves rudely toward them that were with Judas, railing and blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be spoken.

15

Wherefore Judas with his company, calling upon the great Lord of the world, who without rams or engines of war did cast down Jericho in the time of Joshua, gave a fierce assault against the walls,

16

And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with blood.

17

Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty furlongs, and came to Characa unto the Jews that are called Tubieni.

18

But as for Timotheus, they found him not in the places: for before he had dispatched any thing, he departed from thence, having left a very strong garrison in a certain hold.

19

Howbeit Dositheus and Sosipater, who were of Maccabeus’ captains, went forth, and slew those that Timotheus had left in the fortress, above ten thousand men.

2 Maccabees 12:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Maccabees 12:16 say?
2 Maccabees 12:16 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with blood.”
Where is 2 Maccabees 12:16 in the Bible?
2 Maccabees 12:16 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of 2 Maccabees, chapter 12, verse 16.
Who wrote 2 Maccabees?
2 Maccabees is traditionally attributed to Anonymous epitomist of a (lost) five-volume work by Jason of Cyrene. Not a continuation of 1 Maccabees but a parallel — covering a shorter, earlier slice (c. 180–161 BC) with a more overtly theological and rhetorical style. It was written c. 124 BC.
What is the book of 2 Maccabees about?
2 Maccabees retells the early part of the Maccabean crisis with stirring rhetorical power. It contains the most famous martyrdom narratives of the Old Testament era — the priest Eleazar (ch. 6) and the mother with her seven sons (ch. 7), who choose torture and death rather than violate the Law. The book is also notable for its explicit affirmation of bodily resurrection, intercessory prayer for the dead, and the role of providence in Israel's history.
What are the major themes of 2 Maccabees?
2 Maccabees explores themes including Martyrdom, Resurrection, Temple, Providence, Hanukkah. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Maccabees 12:16.
What translation should I read 2 Maccabees 12:16 in?
2 Maccabees 12:16 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 Maccabees 12:16?
2 Maccabees 12:16 reads (KJVA): “And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with blood.” 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.
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