King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 16:13 Mean?

2 Kings 16:13 in the King James Version says “And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his pea...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 16:13 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

15

And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by.

Read 2 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. 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 · 16 words
וַיַּקְטֵ֤ר1 of 16

“And he burnt”

H6999

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

אֶת2 of 16
H853

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

עֹֽלָתוֹ֙3 of 16

“his burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְאֶת4 of 16
H853

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

מִנְחָת֔וֹ5 of 16

“and his meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וַיַּסֵּ֖ךְ6 of 16

“and poured”

H5258

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

אֶת7 of 16
H853

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

נִסְכּ֑וֹ8 of 16

“his drink offering”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

וַיִּזְרֹ֛ק9 of 16

“and sprinkled”

H2236

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

אֶת10 of 16
H853

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

דַּֽם11 of 16

“the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

הַשְּׁלָמִ֥ים12 of 16

“of his peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

אֲשֶׁר13 of 16
H834

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

ל֖וֹ14 of 16
H0
עַל15 of 16
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃16 of 16

“upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

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 16:13 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 16:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 1:1-3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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