King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 21:6 Mean?

2 Chronicles 21:6 in the King James Version says “And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife:...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD.”

2 Chronicles 21:6 · KJV

Context

4

Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

5

Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.

6

And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD.

7

Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever. light: Heb. lamp, or, candle

8

In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king. dominion: Heb. hand

Read 2 Chronicles 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Complete apostasy bringing divine judgment. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֵּ֜לֶךְ1 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ׀2 of 18

“in the way”

H1870

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

מַלְכֵ֣י3 of 18

“of the kings”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל4 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר5 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ6 of 18

“and he wrought”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בֵּ֣ית7 of 18

“the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אַחְאָ֔ב8 of 18

“of Ahab”

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

כִּ֚י9 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בַּת10 of 18

“for he had the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אַחְאָ֔ב11 of 18

“of Ahab”

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

הָ֥יְתָה12 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לּ֖וֹ13 of 18
H0
אִשָּׁ֑ה14 of 18

“to wife”

H802

a woman

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ15 of 18

“and he wrought”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הָרַ֖ע16 of 18

“that which was evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּעֵינֵ֥י17 of 18

“in the eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָֽה׃18 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 21:6 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 21:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 18:12 Kings 8:181 Kings 12:28-30Nehemiah 13:25-262 Chronicles 22:21 Kings 16:25-33

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2 Chronicles 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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