King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 17:6 Mean?

2 Chronicles 17:6 in the King James Version says “And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. was:...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. was: that is, was encouraged”

2 Chronicles 17:6 · KJV

Context

4

But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.

5

Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. brought: Heb. gave

6

And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. was: that is, was encouraged

7

Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.

8

And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.

Read 2 Chronicles 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
King Jehoshaphat's spiritual disposition: 'And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.' The phrase 'heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD' (gabah libo b'darkhei YHWH) means emboldened or encouraged - his heart rose with courage for God's ways. This contrasts with pride (heart lifted up against God). True spiritual courage produces reforming action - removing idolatrous high places and Asherah groves. This demonstrates that genuine spiritual vitality manifests in removing sin and false worship, not merely adding religious activities. Christ calls disciples to both positive pursuit of righteousness and negative removal of sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jehoshaphat's reforms (c. 872 BCE) followed his father Asa's partial reforms, completing what Asa left undone. His courage in God's ways led to teaching the Law throughout Judah (17:7-9), showing that reformation requires both removing falsehood and establishing truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'high places' - competing allegiances or idols - does God call you to courageously remove from your life?
  2. How does being 'lifted up' (encouraged) in God's ways produce boldness to address sin rather than accommodate it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּגְבַּ֥הּ1 of 11

“was lifted up”

H1361

to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty

לִבּ֖וֹ2 of 11

“And his heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

בְּדַרְכֵ֣י3 of 11

“in the ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְע֗וֹד5 of 11
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

הֵסִ֛יר6 of 11

“moreover he took away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֶת7 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַבָּמ֥וֹת8 of 11

“the high places”

H1116

an elevation

וְאֶת9 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽאֲשֵׁרִ֖ים10 of 11

“and groves”

H842

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

מִֽיהוּדָֽה׃11 of 11

“out of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 17:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 17:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 14:9Psalms 119:12 Chronicles 20:332 Chronicles 15:17Psalms 138:5Psalms 18:21-22

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