King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:41 Mean?

2 Kings 17:41 in the King James Version says “So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.

2 Kings 17:41 · KJV


Context

39

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

40

Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner.

41

So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.

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 · 22 words
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ׀1 of 22
H1961

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

הַגּוֹיִ֣ם2 of 22

So these nations

H1471

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

הָאֵ֗לֶּה3 of 22
H428

these or those

יְרֵאִים֙4 of 22
H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֶת5 of 22
H853

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

יְהוָ֔ה6 of 22

the LORD

H3068

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

וְאֶת7 of 22
H853

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

פְּסִֽילֵיהֶ֖ם8 of 22

their graven images

H6456

an idol

הָי֣וּ9 of 22
H1961

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

עֹֽבְדִ֑ים10 of 22

and served

H5647

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

גַּם11 of 22
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בְנֵיהֶ֗ם12 of 22

and their children's

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְנֵיהֶ֗ם13 of 22

and their children's

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְנֵיהֶ֗ם14 of 22

and their children's

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר15 of 22
H834

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

עֹשִׂ֔ים16 of 22

as did

H6213

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

אֲבֹתָם֙17 of 22

their fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הֵ֣ם18 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

עֹשִׂ֔ים19 of 22

as did

H6213

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

עַ֖ד20 of 22
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֥וֹם21 of 22

they unto this day

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

הַזֶּֽה׃22 of 22
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


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 17:41 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 17:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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