King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:12 Mean?

2 Kings 23:12 in the King James Version says “And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars whic... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king beat down, and brake them down from thence, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. brake: or, ran from thence

2 Kings 23:12 · KJV


Context

10

And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.

11

And he took away the horses that the kings of Judah had given to the sun, at the entering in of the house of the LORD, by the chamber of Nathanmelech the chamberlain, which was in the suburbs, and burned the chariots of the sun with fire. chamberlain: or, eunuch, or, officer

12

And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king beat down, and brake them down from thence, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. brake: or, ran from thence

13

And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile. the mount: that is, the mount of Olives

14

And he brake in pieces the images, and cut down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men. images: Heb. statues


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king beat down, and brake them down from thence, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 23: Comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 23 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 Thorough Reforms) 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 23 regarding comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain 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 · 30 words
וְאֶת1 of 30
H853

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

הַֽמִּזְבְּחוֹת֙2 of 30

And the altars

H4196

an altar

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 30
H834

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

עַל4 of 30
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַגָּג֩5 of 30

that were on the top

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

עֲלִיַּ֨ת6 of 30

of the upper chamber

H5944

something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky

אָחָ֜ז7 of 30

of Ahaz

H271

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

אֲשֶׁר8 of 30
H834

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

עָשָׂ֣ה9 of 30

had made

H6213

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

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ10 of 30

did the king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֗ה11 of 30

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וְאֶת12 of 30
H853

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

הַֽמִּזְבְּחוֹת֙13 of 30

And the altars

H4196

an altar

אֲשֶׁר14 of 30
H834

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

עָשָׂ֣ה15 of 30

had made

H6213

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

מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה16 of 30

which Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

בִּשְׁתֵּ֛י17 of 30

in the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

חַצְר֥וֹת18 of 30

courts

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

בֵּית19 of 30

of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה20 of 30

of the LORD

H3068

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

נָתַ֣ץ21 of 30

beat down

H5422

to tear down

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ22 of 30

did the king

H4428

a king

וַיָּ֣רָץ23 of 30

and brake them down

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

מִשָּׁ֔ם24 of 30
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְהִשְׁלִ֥יךְ25 of 30

from thence and cast

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

אֶת26 of 30
H853

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

עֲפָרָ֖ם27 of 30

the dust

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

אֶל28 of 30
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נַ֥חַל29 of 30

of them into the brook

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

קִדְרֽוֹן׃30 of 30

Kidron

H6939

kidron, a brook near jerusalem


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 23:12 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 23:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study