Old Testament
2 Kings 14:4
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see that despite the king's efforts to lead the people in the right direction, there were still high places where people worshipped.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
However, the high places were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.
Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see that despite the king's efforts to lead the people in the right direction, there were still high places where people worshipped. These high places were sites of worship that were not part of the official temple. The people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there, showing a mix of devotion and disobedience. This indicates that while some changes were made, the people's hearts were still tied to old practices. They clung to traditions that were not aligned with the true worship of God. This reflects a struggle between following God's commands and holding onto familiar habits. It serves as a reminder that change can be difficult, and sometimes we may hold onto things that don't truly honor our beliefs. The high places symbolize the distractions and compromises that can exist in our lives, even when we desire to do what is right. It challenges us to examine our own lives for any 'high places' that may need to be addressed for a more authentic faith.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 14:4 to your life
Consider what 'high places' exist in your life—those habits or practices that may distract you from a deeper connection with your beliefs. Reflect on how you can let go of these distractions. Embrace change and seek a more authentic way to express your faith and devotion to what truly matters in your life. Make intentional choices that align with your values and beliefs, fostering a genuine relationship with your faith journey.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 14:4 mean?
2 Kings 14:4 highlights that despite the king's attempts to reform worship practices, the high places remained, indicating that the people continued to engage in unauthorized worship. This reflects a struggle between following God's commands and adhering to old traditions.
What is the significance of high places in 2 Kings 14:4?
High places in 2 Kings 14:4 were sites of worship outside the official temple, symbolizing the people's disobedience and attachment to old practices. Their continued sacrifices there show a mix of devotion and resistance to fully embracing God's commands.
What does the phrase 'burn incense' mean in 2 Kings 14:4?
In 2 Kings 14:4, 'burn incense' refers to a common practice of offering prayers and worship to God or other deities. It signifies the people's ongoing rituals at high places, which were not sanctioned by the central temple worship.
How does 2 Kings 14:4 relate to modern faith practices?
2 Kings 14:4 serves as a reminder to examine our own lives for distractions or practices that may hinder our authentic faith. It encourages individuals to identify and address any 'high places' that conflict with their beliefs.
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.
Unlock the full 2 Kings summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 2 Kings — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 25 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 2 Kings summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.