King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 16:14 Mean?

2 Kings 16:14 in the King James Version says “And he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the LORD, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 16:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded.

Read 2 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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

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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 · 21 words
וְאֵ֨ת1 of 21
H853

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ2 of 21

“altar”

H4196

an altar

הַנְּחֹשֶׁת֮3 of 21

“also the brasen”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 21
H834

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

פְּנֵ֣י5 of 21

“from the forefront”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֑ה6 of 21

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיַּקְרֵ֗ב7 of 21

“And he brought”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

מֵאֵת֙8 of 21
H853

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

פְּנֵ֣י9 of 21

“from the forefront”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בֵּ֣ית10 of 21

“and the house”

H1004

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

מִבֵּין֙11 of 21
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ12 of 21

“altar”

H4196

an altar

וּמִבֵּ֖ין13 of 21
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

בֵּ֣ית14 of 21

“and the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֑ה15 of 21

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיִּתֵּ֥ן16 of 21

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹת֛וֹ17 of 21
H853

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

עַל18 of 21
H5921

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

יֶ֥רֶךְ19 of 21

“side”

H3409

the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ20 of 21

“altar”

H4196

an altar

צָפֽוֹנָה׃21 of 21

“it on the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

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 16:14 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 16:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 4:1Exodus 40:6Exodus 40:292 Chronicles 1:52 Kings 16:11Matthew 23:35

Test Your Knowledge

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

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