King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 10:29 Mean?

2 Kings 10:29 in the King James Version says “Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, t... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Bethel, and that were in Dan.

2 Kings 10:29 · KJV


Context

27

And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.

28

Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel.

29

Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Bethel, and that were in Dan.

30

And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.

31

But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin. took: Heb. observed not


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Beth-el, and that were in Dan.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 10: Zeal for God without heart transformation. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 10 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Purge Continues) reflects the historical reality of violent political revolution motivated by zeal for Yahweh but lacking genuine heart transformation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 10 regarding zeal for god without heart transformation?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
רַ֠ק1 of 20
H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

חֲטָאֵ֞י2 of 20

Howbeit from the sins

H2399

a crime or its penalty

יָֽרָבְעָ֤ם3 of 20

of Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן4 of 20

the son

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

נְבָט֙5 of 20

of Nebat

H5028

nebat, the father of jeroboam i

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 20
H834

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

הֶֽחֱטִ֣יא7 of 20

to sin

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

אֶת8 of 20
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל9 of 20

who made Israel

H3478

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

לֹא10 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

סָ֥ר11 of 20

departed

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

יֵה֖וּא12 of 20

Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

מֵאַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם13 of 20

not from after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

עֶגְלֵי֙14 of 20

calves

H5695

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

הַזָּהָ֔ב15 of 20

them to wit the golden

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 20
H834

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

בֵּֽית17 of 20
H0
אֵ֖ל18 of 20

that were in Bethel

H1008

beth-el, a place in palestine

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר19 of 20
H834

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

בְּדָֽן׃20 of 20

and that were in Dan

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

2 Kings 10:29 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 Kings 10:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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