King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:35 Mean?

2 Kings 17:35 in the King James Version says “With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to th... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

2 Kings 17:35 · KJV


Context

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:

36

But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice.

37

And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 · 18 words
וַיִּכְרֹ֨ת1 of 18

had made

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

יְהוָ֤ה2 of 18

With whom the LORD

H3068

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

אִתָּם֙3 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְּרִ֔ית4 of 18

a covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וַיְצַוֵּ֣ם5 of 18

and charged

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לֵאמֹ֔ר6 of 18

them saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֥א7 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִֽירְא֖וּ8 of 18

Ye shall not fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֱלֹהִ֣ים9 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

אֲחֵרִ֑ים10 of 18

other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וְלֹֽא11 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁתַּחֲו֣וּ12 of 18

nor bow

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לָהֶ֔ם13 of 18
H0
וְלֹ֣א14 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַֽעַבְד֔וּם15 of 18

yourselves to them nor serve

H5647

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

וְלֹ֥א16 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִזְבְּח֖וּ17 of 18

them nor sacrifice

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

לָהֶֽם׃18 of 18
H0

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 17:35 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 17:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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