King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:33 Mean?

2 Kings 17:33 in the King James Version says “They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence. who...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence. whom: or, who carried them away from thence”

2 Kings 17:33 · KJV

Context

31

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

32

So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

33

They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence. whom: or, who carried them away from thence

34

Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;

35

With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.

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.

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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 · 14 words
אֶת1 of 14
H853

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

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

הָי֣וּ3 of 14
H1961

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

יְרֵאִ֑ים4 of 14
H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וְאֶת5 of 14
H853

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶם֙6 of 14

“their own 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

הָי֣וּ7 of 14
H1961

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

עֹֽבְדִ֔ים8 of 14

“and served”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

כְּמִשְׁפַּט֙9 of 14

“after the manner”

H4941

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

הַגּוֹיִ֔ם10 of 14

“of the nations”

H1471

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

אֲשֶׁר11 of 14
H834

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

הִגְל֥וּ12 of 14

“whom they carried away”

H1540

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

אֹתָ֖ם13 of 14
H853

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

מִשָּֽׁם׃14 of 14
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 17:33 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 17:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 16:132 Kings 17:41Matthew 6:241 Kings 18:21Zephaniah 1:5Hosea 10:2

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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