King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:2 Mean?

2 Kings 13:2 in the King James Version says “And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom. followed: Heb. walked after

2 Kings 13:2 · KJV


Context

1

In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years. three: Heb. twentieth year and third year

2

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom. followed: Heb. walked after

3

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days.

4

And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

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 13 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Decline of Israel and Judah) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. 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 13 regarding god's patience with recurring apostasy?
  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 · 17 words
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ1 of 17

And he did

H6213

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

הָרַ֖ע2 of 17

that which was evil

H7451

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

בְּעֵינֵ֣י3 of 17

in the sight

H5869

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

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

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

וַ֠יֵּלֶךְ5 of 17
H1980

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

אַחַ֨ר6 of 17
H310

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

חַטֹּ֜את7 of 17

the sins

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

יָֽרָבְעָ֧ם8 of 17

of Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן9 of 17

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

נְבָ֛ט10 of 17

of Nebat

H5028

nebat, the father of jeroboam i

אֲשֶׁר11 of 17
H834

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

הֶֽחֱטִ֥יא12 of 17

to sin

H2398

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

אֶת13 of 17
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל14 of 17

which made Israel

H3478

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

לֹא15 of 17
H3808

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

סָ֥ר16 of 17

he departed

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּֽנָּה׃17 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses


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 13:2 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 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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