King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 21:6 Mean?

2 Kings 21:6 in the King James Version says “And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits an...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.”

2 Kings 21:6 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

7

And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:

8

Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any more out of the land which I gave their fathers; only if they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them.

Read 2 Kings 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

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 · 15 words
וְהֶֽעֱבִ֤יר1 of 15

“pass”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

בְּנוֹ֙3 of 15

“And he made his son”

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

בָּאֵ֔שׁ4 of 15

“through the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְעוֹנֵ֣ן5 of 15

“and observed times”

H6049

figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., practise magic

וְנִחֵ֔שׁ6 of 15

“and used enchantments”

H5172

properly, to hiss, i.e., whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת7 of 15

“and dealt”

H6213

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

א֖וֹב8 of 15

“with familiar spirits”

H178

properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)

וְיִדְּעֹנִ֑ים9 of 15

“and wizards”

H3049

properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost

הִרְבָּ֗ה10 of 15

“much”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת11 of 15

“and dealt”

H6213

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

הָרַ֛ע12 of 15

“wickedness”

H7451

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

בְּעֵינֵ֥י13 of 15

“in the sight”

H5869

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

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

לְהַכְעִֽיס׃15 of 15

“to provoke him to anger”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

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 21:6 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 21:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 17:17Leviticus 18:21Leviticus 19:31Leviticus 19:262 Kings 16:32 Chronicles 33:6

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