Old Testament

2 Chronicles 21:11

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Moreover, he built high places in the mountains of Judah and led the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah to do the same.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto.

What 2 Chronicles 21:11 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, we see a king who chose to build places of worship on high mountains, which was against the teachings of his faith. These high places were often associated with idol worship and immoral practices. By encouraging the people of Jerusalem to engage in these activities, he led them away from their true beliefs. This king not only influenced the city but also pressured the entire nation of Judah to follow his lead. His actions represent a significant turning point, as he prioritized personal power and popularity over spiritual integrity. The consequences of his decisions would ripple through the community, affecting their relationship with their faith and each other. This story serves as a reminder of the impact leaders can have on their people, for better or worse. It challenges us to consider how our choices influence those around us, especially when it comes to moral and ethical decisions. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of staying true to one's values, even in the face of pressure.

How to apply 2 Chronicles 21:11 to your life

Reflect on the influences in your life. Are there leaders or peers guiding you toward positive or negative choices? Consider how your actions might impact others. Strive to be a positive influence, encouraging those around you to uphold their values and integrity. Your choices matter more than you think, so choose wisely and lead by example.

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.

A painting of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Moses

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, 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.

Jericho

The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.

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 Plans

Ask AI about 2 Chronicles 21:11

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 21:11

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 21:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 21:11 describes a king who built high places for worship in Judah, leading the people away from their faith. His actions encouraged idol worship and immoral practices, showing how a leader's choices can significantly impact a community's spiritual integrity.

What is the significance of high places in 2 Chronicles 21:11?

High places in 2 Chronicles 21:11 refer to elevated sites used for worship, often associated with pagan rituals. The king's decision to build these places represented a departure from true worship and led the people into practices that contradicted their faith.

How does 2 Chronicles 21:11 relate to leadership?

2 Chronicles 21:11 illustrates the powerful impact a leader can have on their followers. The king's choices led the people away from their beliefs, emphasizing the responsibility leaders have to guide their communities toward positive values.

What lessons can we learn from 2 Chronicles 21:11?

From 2 Chronicles 21:11, we learn the importance of making ethical choices and being aware of our influence on others. It reminds us to uphold our values and integrity, especially when faced with pressure from leaders or peers.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.