King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 16:2 Mean?

2 Kings 16:2 in the King James Version says “Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was rig...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.”

2 Kings 16:2 · KJV

Context

1

In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.

2

Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.

3

But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.

4

And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.

Read 2 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.

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.

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 · 18 words
בֶּן1 of 18

“old”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֶשְׂרִ֤ים2 of 18

“Twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שָׁנָ֔ה3 of 18

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אָחָ֣ז4 of 18

“was Ahaz”

H271

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

מָלַ֖ךְ5 of 18

“and reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וְשֵׁשׁ6 of 18

“sixteen”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה7 of 18
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָ֔ה8 of 18

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מָלַ֖ךְ9 of 18

“and reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם10 of 18

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְלֹֽא11 of 18
H3808

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

עָשָׂ֣ה12 of 18

“and did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַיָּשָׁ֗ר13 of 18

“not that which was right”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֵ֛י14 of 18

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֥ה15 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהָ֖יו16 of 18

“his God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

כְּדָוִ֥ד17 of 18

“like David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִֽיו׃18 of 18

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 16:2 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 16:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 28:1-41 Kings 9:41 Kings 3:142 Chronicles 29:22 Kings 14:32 Kings 18:3

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 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