King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:4 Mean?

2 Kings 18:4 in the King James Version says “He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that M... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. images: Heb. statues Nehushtan: that is, A piece of brass

2 Kings 18:4 · KJV


Context

2

Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah.

3

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.

4

He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. images: Heb. statues Nehushtan: that is, A piece of brass

5

He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.

6

For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. from: Heb. from after him


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

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 18 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Reforms and Assyrian Threat) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from Assyria. 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 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
  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 · 28 words
ה֣וּא׀1 of 28
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הֵסִ֣יר2 of 28

He removed

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֶת3 of 28
H853

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

הַבָּמ֗וֹת4 of 28

the high places

H1116

an elevation

וְשִׁבַּר֙5 of 28

and brake

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אֶת6 of 28
H853

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

הַמַּצֵּבֹ֔ת7 of 28

the images

H4676

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

וְכָרַ֖ת8 of 28

and cut down

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

אֶת9 of 28
H853

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

הָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֑ה10 of 28

the groves

H842

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

וְכִתַּת֩11 of 28

and brake in pieces

H3807

to bruise or violently strike

נְחַ֨שׁ12 of 28

serpent

H5175

a snake (from its hiss)

הַנְּחֹ֜שֶׁת13 of 28

the brasen

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

אֲשֶׁר14 of 28
H834

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

עָשָׂ֣ה15 of 28

had made

H6213

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

מֹשֶׁ֗ה16 of 28

that Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

כִּ֣י17 of 28
H3588

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

עַד18 of 28
H5704

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

הַיָּמִ֤ים19 of 28

for unto those days

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

הָהֵ֙מָּה֙20 of 28
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הָי֤וּ21 of 28
H1961

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

בְנֵֽי22 of 28

the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙23 of 28

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מְקַטְּרִ֣ים24 of 28

did burn incense

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

ל֔וֹ25 of 28
H0
וַיִּקְרָא26 of 28

to it and he called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

ל֖וֹ27 of 28
H0
נְחֻשְׁתָּֽן׃28 of 28

it Nehushtan

H5180

something made of copper, i.e., the copper serpent of the desert


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 18:4 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 18:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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