2 maccabees 7:25 - But when the young man would in no wise give heed, the king called to him his mother, and exhorted her that she would counsel the lad to save himself.

Generated Verse: 2 maccabees 7:25

What does "2 maccabees 7:25" mean?


This verse from 2 Maccabees 7:25 describes a pivotal moment in the martyrdom story of the seven brothers. Let's break it down:

"But when the young man would in no wise give heed...": This refers to one of the brothers being pressured to violate Jewish law, specifically to eat pork, and therefore betray his faith. The young man steadfastly refused to compromise his beliefs or adhere to the king's demands. He wouldn't listen to reason or threats.

"...the king called to him his mother...": The king, presumably Antiochus IV Epiphanes, realizes he's not getting anywhere with torture and intimidation alone. He believes the mother might have influence over her son. He summons her, hoping she can persuade him.

"...and exhorted her that she would counsel the lad to save himself.": The king urges the mother to convince her son to give in. He wants her to talk him into pretending to eat the pork to save his life, implying that it is the only way he can be saved from the torment and death. The king believes the natural bond between a mother and son might make her successful where he has failed.

In essence, this verse shows the king resorting to emotional manipulation through the mother after failing with direct force. He hopes maternal love and the desire to protect her child will break the young man's resolve.

The irony is that the mother in 2 Maccabees is portrayed as incredibly strong in her faith. She not only witnesses the torture and deaths of her sons but also encourages them to remain steadfast in their belief. She, too, is eventually martyred. So, the king's plan ultimately backfires because he misjudges the depth of the family's commitment to their faith.

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