King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 16:12 Mean?

2 Kings 16:12 in the King James Version says “And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered ther...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon.”

2 Kings 16:12 · KJV

Context

10

And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof. Damascus: Heb. Dammesek

11

And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.

12

And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon.

13

And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the altar. his peace offerings: Heb. the peace offerings which were his

14

And he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the LORD, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the LORD, and put it on the north side of the altar.

Read 2 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 16 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Ahaz's Apostasy) reflects the historical reality of desperate political alliances and religious syncretism as Judah faced external threats. 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 16 regarding desperate alliances and religious compromise?
  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 · 13 words
וַיָּבֹ֤א1 of 13

“was come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ2 of 13

“And when the king”

H4428

a king

מִדַּמֶּ֔שֶׂק3 of 13

“from Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

וַיַּ֥רְא4 of 13

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ5 of 13

“And when the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת6 of 13
H853

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ7 of 13

“the altar”

H4196

an altar

וַיִּקְרַ֥ב8 of 13

“approached”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ9 of 13

“And when the king”

H4428

a king

עַל10 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ11 of 13

“the altar”

H4196

an altar

וַיַּ֥עַל12 of 13

“and offered”

H5927

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

עָלָֽיו׃13 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 16:12 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 16:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 26:16-192 Chronicles 28:252 Chronicles 28:231 Kings 13:1Numbers 18:4-7

Places in This Verse

DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
View all places in 2 Kings 16 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 16 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes