Old Testament
2 Chronicles 14:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He removed the altars of the foreign gods and the high places, broke down the images, and cut down the groves.
Compare translations
For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:
What 2 Chronicles 14:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a king who is determined to remove anything that distracts people from worshiping the true God. He takes action by getting rid of altars dedicated to foreign gods, which were places where people would go to worship idols. He also tears down high places, which were elevated spots used for worship, and destroys images that represented these false gods. Additionally, he cuts down groves, which were often associated with pagan worship. This king's actions reflect a commitment to purity in worship and a desire to lead his people back to a focus on the one true God. By eliminating these distractions, he aims to restore a sense of holiness and devotion among his people. His efforts symbolize a fresh start and a return to genuine faith, encouraging others to follow his example in prioritizing their relationship with God above all else. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of removing obstacles that hinder our spiritual growth and connection with the divine.
How to apply 2 Chronicles 14:3 to your life
Consider what distractions might be in your life that pull you away from your relationship with God. Just as the king removed foreign altars, think about what you can eliminate to focus more on your faith. This could be habits, influences, or even relationships that don't support your spiritual journey. Make a conscious effort to prioritize your connection with God above all else. Your spiritual growth depends on it.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Chronicles Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Chronicles 14:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Chronicles 14:3
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Chronicles 14:3 mean?
2 Chronicles 14:3 describes a king who removes altars and images of foreign gods to restore true worship among his people. His actions symbolize a commitment to purity in worship and a desire to lead his people back to the one true God.
What is the significance of removing foreign altars in 2 Chronicles 14:3?
Removing foreign altars in 2 Chronicles 14:3 signifies the king's dedication to eliminating distractions from true worship. It reflects a desire to purify the spiritual practices of the people and redirect their focus to God.
What are high places mentioned in 2 Chronicles 14:3?
High places in 2 Chronicles 14:3 refer to elevated sites used for worship, often associated with pagan practices. The king's action of tearing them down indicates a move towards exclusive worship of the true God.
What does cutting down groves mean in 2 Chronicles 14:3?
Cutting down groves in 2 Chronicles 14:3 refers to the destruction of wooded areas that were often linked to idol worship. This act symbolizes the king's effort to eliminate pagan influences and restore true worship.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.