King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 33:6 Mean?

2 Chronicles 33:6 in the King James Version says “And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.”

2 Chronicles 33:6 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

4

Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.

5

And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.

6

And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

7

And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:

8

Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.

Read 2 Chronicles 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God's mercy even to the worst sinner who truly repents. 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 · 20 words
וְהוּא֩1 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הֶֽעֱבִ֨יר2 of 20

“And he caused”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת3 of 20
H853

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

בֶן4 of 20

“his children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בָּאֵשׁ֙5 of 20

“the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

בְּגֵ֣י6 of 20

“in the valley”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

בֶן7 of 20

“his children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הִנֹּ֔ם8 of 20

“of Hinnom”

H2011

hinnom, apparently a jebusite

וְעוֹנֵ֤ן9 of 20

“also he observed times”

H6049

figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., practise magic

וְנִחֵשׁ֙10 of 20

“and used enchantments”

H5172

properly, to hiss, i.e., whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate

וְֽכִשֵּׁ֔ף11 of 20

“and used witchcraft”

H3784

properly, to whisper a spell, i.e., to inchant or practise magic

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת12 of 20

“and dealt”

H6213

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

א֖וֹב13 of 20

“with a familiar spirit”

H178

properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)

וְיִדְּעוֹנִ֑י14 of 20

“and with wizards”

H3049

properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost

הִרְבָּ֗ה15 of 20

“much”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת16 of 20

“and dealt”

H6213

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

הָרַ֛ע17 of 20

“evil”

H7451

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

בְּעֵינֵ֥י18 of 20

“in the sight”

H5869

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

יְהוָ֖ה19 of 20

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

לְהַכְעִיסֽוֹ׃20 of 20

“to provoke him to anger”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

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 33:6 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 33:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 28:3Leviticus 18:21Leviticus 19:26Leviticus 19:312 Kings 21:6Leviticus 20:6

Places in This Verse

Valley of HinnomValley · Modern: Hinnom Valley · 31.77°N, 35.23°E12 verses across 5 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 33 →

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