King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:29 Mean?

2 Kings 17:29 in the King James Version says “Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 17:29 · KJV


Context

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.

30

And the men of Babylon made Succothbenoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,

31

And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 17: Covenant judgment and exile. 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 · 18 words
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עָשׂוּ֙2 of 18

had made

H6213

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

גּוֹי֙3 of 18

Howbeit every nation

H1471

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

גּוֹי֙4 of 18

Howbeit every nation

H1471

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

אֱלֹהָ֑יו5 of 18

gods

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

וַיַּנִּ֣יחוּ׀6 of 18

of their own and put

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

בְּבֵ֣ית7 of 18

them in the houses

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַבָּמ֗וֹת8 of 18

of the high places

H1116

an elevation

אֲשֶׁ֤ר9 of 18
H834

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

עָשׂוּ֙10 of 18

had made

H6213

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

הַשֹּׁ֣מְרֹנִ֔ים11 of 18

which the Samaritans

H8118

a shomeronite (collectively) or inhabitants of shomeron

גּוֹי֙12 of 18

Howbeit every nation

H1471

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

גּוֹי֙13 of 18

Howbeit every nation

H1471

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

בְּעָ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם14 of 18

in their cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֲשֶׁ֛ר15 of 18
H834

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

הֵ֥ם16 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יֹֽשְׁבִ֖ים17 of 18

wherein they dwelt

H3427

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

שָֽׁם׃18 of 18
H8033

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


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 17:29 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 17:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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