2 Kings 14:6 Meaning and Explanation
“But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Though he executes the assassins, Amaziah does not punish their children, keeping the Mosaic principle that each person bears only their own sin.
The Context of 2 Kings 14:6
Deuteronomic law explicitly forbade punishing children for their parents' crimes; Amaziah honors this boundary.
What Does 2 Kings 14:6 Mean?
Here is mercy in the midst of justice. The assassins are dead—their blood answers for their treachery. But their children live. Why? Because the law of Moses is clear: 'The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.' In a culture where blood feud could wipe out entire families, this law is radical. Each soul stands alone before God. The child is not guilty of the parent's deed.
Amaziah could have erased these families entirely. Power whispers that option. But he chooses to bind himself to Torah, to the word spoken at Sinai. It is a quiet victory—the restraint of a king, the obedience of a heart willing to limit its own vengeance. We see in this moment what righteousness costs: not the indulgence of total revenge, but the harder path of proportional justice.
How to Apply 2 Kings 14:6 Today
Justice without mercy is cruelty; mercy without justice is enablement. Amaziah shows us the narrow path between them. When we have power, do we use it to crush beyond guilt, or do we limit ourselves to what is right?
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 14:6
What does 2 Kings 14:6 mean?
Though he executes the assassins, Amaziah does not punish their children, keeping the Mosaic principle that each person bears only their own sin.
What is the context of 2 Kings 14:6?
Deuteronomic law explicitly forbade punishing children for their parents' crimes; Amaziah honors this boundary.
How can I apply 2 Kings 14:6 today?
Justice without mercy is cruelty; mercy without justice is enablement. Amaziah shows us the narrow path between them. When we have power, do we use it to crush beyond guilt, or do we limit ourselves to what is right?