Old Testament
2 Chronicles 21:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
After all of this, the LORD struck Jehoram with an incurable disease of his intestines.
Compare translations
And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease.
What 2 Chronicles 21:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see the consequences of Jehoram's actions. He was a king who turned away from God and led his people into wrongdoing. After a series of warnings and opportunities to change, God allowed a severe illness to strike him. This disease was not just physical; it symbolized the spiritual decay that had taken root in his life. Jehoram's suffering was a direct result of his choices, illustrating how our decisions can lead to dire consequences. The incurable nature of his disease serves as a reminder that some paths, once taken, can lead to irreversible outcomes. It’s a sobering thought that our relationship with God can impact our lives in profound ways. Ultimately, Jehoram's story is a cautionary tale about the importance of staying true to one's values and the dangers of straying from them. It encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make, reminding us that our actions have lasting effects on our well-being and relationships with others.
How to apply 2 Chronicles 21:18 to your life
Consider the choices you make daily and how they align with your values. Reflect on the potential consequences of straying from what you believe is right. Remember that your actions can have lasting effects, not just on you but also on those around you. Stay true to your principles to avoid regret later on. Seek guidance when faced with difficult decisions to ensure you remain on the right path.
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 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

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 PlansAsk AI about 2 Chronicles 21:18
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 21:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 21:18 mean?
2 Chronicles 21:18 describes how King Jehoram was struck by an incurable disease as a consequence of his actions against God. This verse highlights the severe repercussions of turning away from God and the spiritual decay that can result from such choices.
What is the significance of Jehoram's disease in 2 Chronicles 21:18?
The incurable disease Jehoram suffered symbolizes the consequences of his sinful actions and the spiritual decline in his life. It serves as a warning about how one's decisions can lead to irreversible outcomes.
What can we learn from 2 Chronicles 21:18?
From 2 Chronicles 21:18, we learn that our choices have significant consequences, both physically and spiritually. It emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's values and the dangers of straying from them.
What does the term 'incurable disease' mean in 2 Chronicles 21:18?
The term 'incurable disease' in 2 Chronicles 21:18 indicates a severe and hopeless condition that reflects the seriousness of Jehoram's situation. It underscores the idea that some consequences of our actions cannot be reversed.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.