King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:35 Mean?

2 Kings 15:35 in the King James Version says “Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built th...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.”

2 Kings 15:35 · KJV

Context

33

Five and twenty years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok.

34

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.

35

Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.

36

Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

37

In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.

Read 2 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 15 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Rapid Succession and Instability) 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 15 regarding political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy?
  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 · 16 words
רַ֤ק1 of 16
H7535

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

בַּבָּמ֑וֹת2 of 16

“Howbeit the high places”

H1116

an elevation

לֹ֣א3 of 16
H3808

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

סָ֔רוּ4 of 16

“were not removed”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

ע֗וֹד5 of 16
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

הָעָ֛ם6 of 16

“the people”

H5971

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

מְזַבְּחִ֥ים7 of 16

“sacrificed”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

וּֽמְקַטְּרִ֖ים8 of 16

“and burned incense”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

בַּבָּמ֑וֹת9 of 16

“Howbeit the high places”

H1116

an elevation

ה֗וּא10 of 16
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

בָּנָ֛ה11 of 16

“He built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת12 of 16
H853

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

שַׁ֥עַר13 of 16

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

בֵּית14 of 16

“of the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֖ה15 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

הָֽעֶלְיֽוֹן׃16 of 16

“the higher”

H5945

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

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 15:35 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 15:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 23:202 Kings 12:32 Kings 18:42 Kings 15:42 Chronicles 32:122 Chronicles 27:3-9

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 15 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes