King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:27 Mean?

2 Kings 17:27 in the King James Version says “Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them g... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land.

2 Kings 17:27 · KJV


Context

25

And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them.

26

Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.

27

Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land.

28

Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the LORD.

29

Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land.

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. 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 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 · 19 words
וַיְצַ֨ו1 of 19

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֶֽלֶךְ2 of 19

Then the king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֜וּר3 of 19

of Assyria

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

לֵאמֹ֗ר4 of 19

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֹלִ֤יכוּ5 of 19
H1980

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

שָׁ֙מָּה֙6 of 19
H8033

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

אֶחָ֤ד7 of 19

thither one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙8 of 19

of the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 19
H834

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

הִגְלִיתֶ֣ם10 of 19

whom ye brought

H1540

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

מִשָּׁ֔ם11 of 19
H8033

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

וְיֵֽלְכ֖וּ12 of 19
H1980

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

וְיֵ֣שְׁבוּ13 of 19

and dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֑ם14 of 19
H8033

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

וְיֹרֵ֕ם15 of 19

there and let him teach

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

אֶת16 of 19
H853

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

מִשְׁפַּ֖ט17 of 19

them the manner

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

אֱלֹהֵ֥י18 of 19

of the 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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃19 of 19

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 17:27 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 17:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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