King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 21:2 Mean?

2 Kings 21:2 in the King James Version says “And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out b...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.”

2 Kings 21:2 · KJV

Context

1

Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah.

2

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

3

For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

4

And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

Read 2 Kings 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 21: Unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 21 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Manasseh and Amon's Evil Reigns) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. 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 21 regarding unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment?
  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 · 12 words
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ1 of 12

“And he did”

H6213

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

הָרַ֖ע2 of 12

“that which was evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י3 of 12

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

כְּתֽוֹעֲבֹת֙5 of 12

“after the abominations”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

הַגּוֹיִ֔ם6 of 12

“of the heathen”

H1471

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

אֲשֶׁר֙7 of 12
H834

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

הוֹרִ֣ישׁ8 of 12

“cast out”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

יְהוָ֔ה9 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

מִפְּנֵ֖י10 of 12

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּנֵ֥י11 of 12

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃12 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

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

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 21:2 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 21:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 16:2-42 Kings 21:16Ezekiel 16:51Jeremiah 15:4Leviticus 18:25-292 Kings 21:7

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 21 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes