King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:36 Mean?

2 Kings 17:36 in the King James Version says “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, a... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 17:36 · KJV


Context

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.

38

And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
כִּ֣י1 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִֽם2 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֶת3 of 19
H853

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

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 19

But the LORD

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁר֩5 of 19
H834

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

הֶֽעֱלָ֨ה6 of 19

who brought you up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶתְכֶ֜ם7 of 19
H853

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

מֵאֶ֧רֶץ8 of 19

out of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֛יִם9 of 19

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּכֹ֧חַ10 of 19

power

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

גָּד֛וֹל11 of 19

with great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וּבִזְר֥וֹעַ12 of 19

arm

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

נְטוּיָ֖ה13 of 19

and a stretched out

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֹת֣וֹ14 of 19
H853

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

תִירָ֑אוּ15 of 19

him shall ye fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וְל֥וֹ16 of 19
H0
תִֽשְׁתַּחֲו֖וּ17 of 19

and him shall ye worship

H7812

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

וְל֥וֹ18 of 19
H0
תִזְבָּֽחוּ׃19 of 19

and to him shall ye do sacrifice

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)


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 17:36 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 17:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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