2 Kings 21:3

Authorized King James Version

For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֗שָׁב

H7725

again

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

וַיִּ֙בֶן֙

H1129

For he built up

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת

H853

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

הַבָּמ֔וֹת

H1116

the high places

an elevation

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

אִבַּ֖ד

had destroyed

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

חִזְקִיָּ֣הוּ

H2396

which Hezekiah

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

אָבִ֑יו

his father

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

וַיָּ֨קֶם

H6965

and he reared up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#10

מִזְבְּחֹ֜ת

H4196

altars

an altar

#11

לַבַּ֗עַל

H1168

for Baal

baal, a phoenician deity

#12

עָשָׂ֗ה

H6213

and made

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

#13

אֲשֵׁרָה֙

H842

a grove

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

#14

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#15

עָשָׂ֗ה

H6213

and made

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

#16

אַחְאָב֙

H256

Ahab

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

#17

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

#18

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

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

#19

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙

H7812

and worshipped

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#20

לְכָל

H3605

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

#21

צְבָ֣א

H6635

all the host

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#22

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#23

וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖ד

H5647

and served

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#24

אֹתָֽם׃

H853

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Maps