King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 21:8 Mean?

2 Kings 21:8 in the King James Version says “Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any more out of the land which I gave their fathers; only if they will obser... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 21:8 · KJV


Context

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.

9

But they hearkened not: and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.

10

And the LORD spake by his servants the prophets, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 21: Unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment. 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 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
וְלֹ֣א1 of 24
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֹסִ֗יף2 of 24

any more

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לְהָנִיד֙3 of 24

move

H5110

to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea

רֶ֣גֶל4 of 24

Neither will I make the feet

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 24

of Israel

H3478

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

מִן6 of 24
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה7 of 24

out of the land

H127

soil (from its general redness)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 24
H834

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

נָתַ֖תִּי9 of 24

which I gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַֽאֲבוֹתָ֑ם10 of 24

their fathers

H1

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

רַ֣ק׀11 of 24
H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

אִם12 of 24
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִשְׁמְר֣וּ13 of 24

only if they will observe

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לַֽעֲשׂ֗וֹת14 of 24

to do

H6213

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

כְּכֹל֙15 of 24
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר16 of 24
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה17 of 24

according to all that I have commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

וּלְכָל18 of 24
H3605

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

הַ֨תּוֹרָ֔ה19 of 24

them and according to all the law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אֲשֶׁר20 of 24
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה21 of 24

according to all that I have commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֹתָ֖ם22 of 24
H853

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

עַבְדִּ֥י23 of 24

that my servant

H5650

a servant

מֹשֶֽׁה׃24 of 24

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver


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 21:8 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 21:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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