King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 3:27 Mean?

2 Kings 3:27 in the King James Version says “Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. A... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land.

2 Kings 3:27 · KJV


Context

25

And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about it, and smote it. only in: Heb. until he left its stones in Kirharaseth

26

And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through even unto the king of Edom: but they could not.

27

Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 20 words
וַיִּקַּח֩1 of 20

Then he took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 20
H853

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

בְּנ֨וֹ3 of 20

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

הַבְּכ֜וֹר4 of 20

his eldest

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

אֲשֶׁר5 of 20
H834

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

יִמְלֹ֣ךְ6 of 20

that should have reigned

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

תַּחְתָּ֗יו7 of 20
H8478

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

וַיַּֽעֲלֵ֤הוּ8 of 20

in his stead and offered

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עֹלָה֙9 of 20

him for a burnt offering

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

עַל10 of 20
H5921

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

הַ֣חֹמָ֔ה11 of 20

upon the wall

H2346

a wall of protection

וַיְהִ֥י12 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

קֶֽצֶף13 of 20

indignation

H7110

a splinter (as chipped off)

גָּד֖וֹל14 of 20

And there was great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

עַל15 of 20
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל16 of 20

against Israel

H3478

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

וַיִּסְעוּ֙17 of 20

and they departed

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

מֵֽעָלָ֔יו18 of 20
H5921

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

וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ19 of 20

from him and returned

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לָאָֽרֶץ׃20 of 20

to their own land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 3:27 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 3:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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