King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:11 Mean?

2 Kings 17:11 in the King James Version says “And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrou... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger:

2 Kings 17:11 · KJV


Context

9

And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

10

And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree: images: Heb. statues

11

And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger:

12

For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.

13

Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. by: Heb. by the hand of


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger:

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 17: Covenant judgment and exile. 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 17 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of the Northern Kingdom) reflects the historical reality of the fulfillment of prophetic warnings as the northern kingdom fell to Assyria due to persistent covenant unfaithfulness. 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 17 regarding covenant judgment and exile?
  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 · 15 words
וַיְקַטְּרוּ1 of 15

And there they burnt incense

H6999

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

שָׁם֙2 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בְּכָל3 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּמ֔וֹת4 of 15

in all the high places

H1116

an elevation

כַּגּוֹיִ֕ם5 of 15

as did the heathen

H1471

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

אֲשֶׁר6 of 15
H834

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

הֶגְלָ֥ה7 of 15

carried away

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

יְהוָֽה׃8 of 15

to provoke the LORD

H3068

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

מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם9 of 15

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

וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֙10 of 15

them and wrought

H6213

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

דְּבָרִ֣ים11 of 15

things

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

רָעִ֔ים12 of 15

wicked

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לְהַכְעִ֖יס13 of 15

to anger

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

אֶת14 of 15
H853

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

יְהוָֽה׃15 of 15

to provoke the LORD

H3068

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


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 17:11 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 17:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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