King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 22:17 Mean?

2 Kings 22:17 in the King James Version says “Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

2 Kings 22:17 · KJV


Context

15

And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,

16

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:

17

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

18

But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard;

19

Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 22: Rediscovery of God's word brings renewal. 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 22 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Josiah's Reform Begins) 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 22 regarding rediscovery of god's word brings renewal?
  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 · 17 words
תַּ֣חַת׀1 of 17
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

אֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 17
H834

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

עֲזָב֗וּנִי3 of 17

Because they have forsaken

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

וַֽיְקַטְּרוּ֙4 of 17

me and have burned incense

H6999

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

לֵֽאלֹהִ֣ים5 of 17

gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲחֵרִ֔ים6 of 17

unto other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

לְמַ֙עַן֙7 of 17
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הַכְעִיסֵ֔נִי8 of 17

that they might provoke me to anger

H3707

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

בְּכֹ֖ל9 of 17
H3605

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

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה10 of 17

with all the works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יְדֵיהֶ֑ם11 of 17

of their hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְנִצְּתָ֧ה12 of 17

shall be kindled

H3341

to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate

חֲמָתִ֛י13 of 17

therefore my wrath

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

בַּמָּק֥וֹם14 of 17

against this place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּ֖ה15 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְלֹ֥א16 of 17
H3808

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

תִכְבֶּֽה׃17 of 17

and shall not be quenched

H3518

to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)


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 22:17 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 22:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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