King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 3:2 Mean?

2 Kings 3:2 in the King James Version says “And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made. image: Heb. statue”

2 Kings 3:2 · KJV

Context

1

Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

2

And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made. image: Heb. statue

3

Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.

4

And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.

Read 2 Kings 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

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 3 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Moabite Rebellion and God's Deliverance) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. 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 3 regarding god's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness?
  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
עָשָׂ֖ה1 of 15

“And he wrought”

H6213

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

הָרַע֙2 of 15

“evil”

H7451

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

בְּעֵינֵ֣י3 of 15

“in the sight”

H5869

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

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

רַ֕ק5 of 15
H7535

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

לֹ֥א6 of 15
H3808

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

אָבִֽיו׃7 of 15

“but not like his father”

H1

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

וּכְאִמּ֑וֹ8 of 15

“and like his mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וַיָּ֙סַר֙9 of 15

“for he put away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֶת10 of 15
H853

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

מַצְּבַ֣ת11 of 15

“the image”

H4676

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

הַבַּ֔עַל12 of 15

“of Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 15
H834

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

עָשָׂ֖ה14 of 15

“And he wrought”

H6213

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

אָבִֽיו׃15 of 15

“but not like his father”

H1

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

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 3:2 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 3:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 10:181 Kings 21:252 Kings 10:26-28Exodus 23:241 Kings 16:31-332 Kings 21:20

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 3 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes