King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 36:16 Mean?

2 Chronicles 36:16 in the King James Version says “But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD aro... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy. remedy: Heb. healing

2 Chronicles 36:16 · KJV


Context

14

Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.

15

And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: by: Heb. by the hand of betimes: that is, continually and carefully

16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy. remedy: Heb. healing

17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand.

18

And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all these he brought to Babylon.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The tragic climax of Israel's rebellion: 'But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.' Progressive hardening - mocking messengers, despising words, misusing prophets - led to the point of 'no remedy' (ein marpe - no healing). This doesn't mean God couldn't forgive but that the nation had passed the point where repentance was possible. The phrase 'wrath arose' depicts divine patience exhausted by persistent covenant violation. This sobering warning appears in Hebrews 6:4-6 about those who persistently reject truth. Yet God's wrath, even in exile, served redemptive purposes, producing a remnant.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon's destruction of Jerusalem and exile (586 BCE) resulted from generations of covenant unfaithfulness. The 'no remedy' point came despite Jeremiah's final warnings (Jeremiah 7, 26). Yet even this judgment preserved a remnant and prepared for restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. What signs might indicate someone is approaching the dangerous 'no remedy' point through persistent rejection of truth?
  2. How should warnings about despising God's Word motivate reverence for Scripture and responsiveness to conviction?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּֽהְי֤וּ1 of 16
H1961

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

מַלְעִבִים֙2 of 16

But they mocked

H3931

to deride

בְּמַלְאֲכֵ֣י3 of 16

the messengers

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים4 of 16

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וּבוֹזִ֣ים5 of 16

and despised

H959

to disesteem

דְּבָרָ֔יו6 of 16

his words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וּמִֽתַּעְתְּעִ֖ים7 of 16

and misused

H8591

to cheat; by analogy, to maltreat

בִּנְבִאָ֑יו8 of 16

his prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

עַ֠ד9 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עֲל֧וֹת10 of 16

arose

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

חֲמַת11 of 16

until the wrath

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

יְהוָ֛ה12 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

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

בְּעַמּ֖וֹ13 of 16

against his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עַד14 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

לְאֵ֥ין15 of 16
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַרְפֵּֽא׃16 of 16

till there was no remedy

H4832

properly, curative, i.e., literally (concretely) a medicine, or (abstractly) a cure; figuratively (concretely) deliverance, or (abstractly) placidity


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 36:16 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 36:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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