King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 16:3 Mean?

2 Kings 16:3 in the King James Version says “But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abomin...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 16:3 · 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.

5

Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.

Read 2 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. 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 · 18 words
וַיֵּ֕לֶךְ1 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּדֶ֖רֶךְ2 of 18

“in the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

מַלְכֵ֣י3 of 18

“of the kings”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃4 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְגַ֤ם5 of 18
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֶת6 of 18
H853

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

בְּנֵ֥י7 of 18

“the children”

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

הֶֽעֱבִ֣יר8 of 18

“to pass through”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בָּאֵ֔שׁ9 of 18

“the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

כְּתֹֽעֲבוֹת֙10 of 18

“according to the abominations”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

הַגּוֹיִ֔ם11 of 18

“of the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁ֨ר12 of 18
H834

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

הוֹרִ֤ישׁ13 of 18

“cast out”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

יְהוָה֙14 of 18

“whom the LORD”

H3068

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

אֹתָ֔ם15 of 18
H853

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

מִפְּנֵ֖י16 of 18

“from before”

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

בְּנֵ֥י17 of 18

“the children”

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃18 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 16:3 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 16:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 12:31Leviticus 18:212 Kings 21:22 Kings 21:11Psalms 106:37-382 Kings 17:17

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