2 Kings 17:41
So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ׀
H1961
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ׀
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 22
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַגּוֹיִ֣ם
So these nations
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֣ם
So these nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
2 of 22
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
יְרֵאִים֙
H3372
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָי֣וּ
H1961
הָי֣וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 22
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עֹֽבְדִ֑ים
and served
H5647
עֹֽבְדִ֑ים
and served
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
10 of 22
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בְנֵיהֶ֗ם
and their children's
H1121
בְנֵיהֶ֗ם
and their children's
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְנֵיהֶ֗ם
and their children's
H1121
בְנֵיהֶ֗ם
and their children's
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְנֵיהֶ֗ם
and their children's
H1121
בְנֵיהֶ֗ם
and their children's
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֹשִׂ֔ים
as did
H6213
עֹשִׂ֔ים
as did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
16 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֲבֹתָם֙
their fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָם֙
their fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
17 of 22
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עֹשִׂ֔ים
as did
H6213
עֹשִׂ֔ים
as did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
19 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
20 of 22
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Zephaniah 1:5And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;Matthew 6:24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.1 Kings 18:21And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 17 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of the Northern Kingdom) reflects the historical reality of the fulfillment of prophetic warnings as the northern kingdom fell to Assyria due to persistent covenant unfaithfulness. 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 17 regarding covenant judgment and exile?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 17: Covenant judgment and exile. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.