Old Testament
2 Kings 10:31
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
Jehu was a king who had a significant role in Israel's history, but he fell short in a crucial area.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
But Jehu didn't make any effort to follow the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He never turned away from the sins of Jeroboam that had led Israel into sin.
But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
Jehu was a king who had a significant role in Israel's history, but he fell short in a crucial area. Although he took action against the corrupt practices of his predecessors, he did not fully commit to following God's laws. His heart was not in it, and he continued the sinful traditions established by Jeroboam. This failure to wholeheartedly embrace God's guidance led the nation further away from righteousness. Jehu's actions serve as a reminder that it's not enough to make changes on the surface; true transformation requires a deep commitment to following God's ways. His story illustrates the importance of aligning our hearts with our actions. Without genuine dedication, even good intentions can lead to negative outcomes. Jehu's legacy is a cautionary tale about the dangers of half-hearted faith and the consequences of ignoring God's commands. We are encouraged to reflect on our own lives and consider whether we are fully committed to living according to our beliefs.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 10:31 to your life
Consider your own commitment to your values and beliefs. Are you fully dedicated, or are there areas where you compromise? Reflect on how you can align your actions with your heart's intentions. True change requires more than just surface-level adjustments; it demands a deep, personal commitment to what you believe in. Make that commitment today for lasting impact in your life and others'.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 10:31 mean?
2 Kings 10:31 highlights Jehu's failure to fully commit to following God's laws. Although he took action against the sins of his predecessors, he did not wholeheartedly turn away from the sinful practices established by Jeroboam, which ultimately led Israel further away from righteousness.
What is the significance of Jeroboam in 2 Kings 10:31?
Jeroboam is significant in 2 Kings 10:31 as he established sinful practices that led Israel into sin. Jehu's failure to depart from these sins indicates a lack of true commitment to God's ways, showing how past leaders' actions can influence future generations.
How does 2 Kings 10:31 relate to leadership?
2 Kings 10:31 serves as a cautionary tale for leaders, illustrating that making changes on the surface is not enough. True leadership requires a heartfelt commitment to righteousness and the avoidance of past sins to lead others effectively.
What lessons can we learn from Jehu's actions in 2 Kings 10:31?
Jehu's actions teach us the importance of aligning our hearts with our actions. It reminds us that without genuine dedication to our beliefs, even well-intentioned changes can lead to negative outcomes, emphasizing the need for true transformation.

The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
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