King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:37 Mean?

2 Kings 17:37 in the King James Version says “And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you, ye shall observe to do f... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 17:37 · KJV


Context

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.

39

But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
וְאֶת1 of 17
H853

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

הַֽחֻקִּ֨ים2 of 17

And the statutes

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וְאֶת3 of 17
H853

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

הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֜ים4 of 17

and the ordinances

H4941

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

וְהַתּוֹרָ֤ה5 of 17

and the law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

וְהַמִּצְוָה֙6 of 17

and the commandment

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 17
H834

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

כָּתַ֣ב8 of 17

which he wrote

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

לָכֶ֔ם9 of 17
H0
תִּשְׁמְר֥וּן10 of 17

for you ye shall observe

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לַֽעֲשׂ֖וֹת11 of 17

to do

H6213

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

כָּל12 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיָּמִ֑ים13 of 17

for evermore

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְלֹ֥א14 of 17
H3808

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

תִֽירְא֖וּ15 of 17

and ye shall not fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֱלֹהִ֥ים16 of 17

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

אֲחֵרִֽים׃17 of 17

other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc


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 17:37 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 17:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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