King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 16:17 Mean?

2 Kings 16:17 in the King James Version says “And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones.

2 Kings 16:17 · KJV


Context

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.

17

And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones.

18

And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.

19

Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 23 words
וַיְקַצֵּץ֩1 of 23

cut off

H7112

to chop off (literally or figuratively)

הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ2 of 23

And king

H4428

a king

אָחָ֜ז3 of 23

Ahaz

H271

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

אֶת4 of 23
H853

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

הַמִּסְגְּר֣וֹת5 of 23

the borders

H4526

something enclosing, i.e., a margin (of a region, of a panel); concretely, a stronghold

הַמְּכֹנ֗וֹת6 of 23

of the bases

H4350

a pedestal, also a spot

וַיָּ֤סַר7 of 23

and removed

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶם֙8 of 23
H5921

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

ואֶת9 of 23
H853

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

הַכִּיֹּ֔ר10 of 23

the laver

H3595

properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl

וְאֶת11 of 23
H853

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

הַיָּ֣ם12 of 23

the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

הוֹרִ֔ד13 of 23

from off them and took down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מֵעַ֛ל14 of 23
H5921

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

הַבָּקָ֥ר15 of 23

oxen

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת16 of 23

from off the brasen

H5178

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 23
H834

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

תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ18 of 23
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

וַיִּתֵּ֣ן19 of 23

that were under it and put

H5414

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

אֹת֔וֹ20 of 23
H853

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

עַ֖ל21 of 23
H5921

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

מַרְצֶ֥פֶת22 of 23

it upon a pavement

H4837

a pavement

אֲבָנִֽים׃23 of 23

of stones

H68

a stone


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 16:17 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 16:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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