King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 21:3 Mean?

2 Kings 21:3 in the King James Version says “For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and mad... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 21:3 · 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.

5

And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 21: Unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 · 24 words
וַיָּ֗שָׁב1 of 24

again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וַיִּ֙בֶן֙2 of 24

For he built up

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת3 of 24
H853

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

הַבָּמ֔וֹת4 of 24

the high places

H1116

an elevation

אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 24
H834

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

אִבַּ֖ד6 of 24

had destroyed

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

חִזְקִיָּ֣הוּ7 of 24

which Hezekiah

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

אָבִ֑יו8 of 24

his father

H1

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

וַיָּ֨קֶם9 of 24

and he reared up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

מִזְבְּחֹ֜ת10 of 24

altars

H4196

an altar

לַבַּ֗עַל11 of 24

for Baal

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

עָשָׂ֗ה12 of 24

and made

H6213

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

אֲשֵׁרָה֙13 of 24

a grove

H842

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר14 of 24
H834

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

עָשָׂ֗ה15 of 24

and made

H6213

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

אַחְאָב֙16 of 24

Ahab

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

מֶ֣לֶךְ17 of 24

king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל18 of 24

of Israel

H3478

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

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙19 of 24

and worshipped

H7812

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

לְכָל20 of 24
H3605

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

צְבָ֣א21 of 24

all the host

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם22 of 24

of heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖ד23 of 24

and served

H5647

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

אֹתָֽם׃24 of 24
H853

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


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 21:3 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 21:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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