Old Testament
2 Kings 16:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He burned his burnt offering and his grain offering, poured out his drink offering, and splashed the blood of his peace offerings on the altar.
Compare translations
And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the altar.
What 2 Kings 16:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a king performing rituals to honor God. He offers a burnt offering, which symbolizes total dedication, and a grain offering, representing gratitude for God's provision. The drink offering is poured out, signifying a commitment to God. Finally, he splashes the blood from his peace offerings on the altar, which symbolizes reconciliation and peace with God. These actions reflect a deep desire to connect with the divine and seek favor. The rituals are not just about the acts themselves but about the heart behind them. They show a longing for relationship and acknowledgment of God's role in life. This moment illustrates the importance of worship and the various ways people express their devotion. It reminds us that our offerings, whether physical or spiritual, should come from a place of sincerity and love for God, aiming to strengthen our bond with Him and seek His guidance in our lives. Each act of worship is a step toward deeper understanding and connection.
How to apply 2 Kings 16:13 to your life
Consider how you express your devotion to God in your daily life. Are there ways you can offer gratitude or seek peace? Reflect on your intentions behind your actions and strive to deepen your relationship with the divine through sincere worship and commitment. Every small act counts in building that connection with God.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings 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 Kings 16:13
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 Kings 16:13
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of burnt offerings in the Bible?
Burnt offerings in the Bible symbolize total dedication and surrender to God. They were completely consumed by fire, indicating that the offerer was giving their all to God. This act of worship reflects a desire to be in right relationship with God and to seek His favor, demonstrating commitment and devotion.
What do grain offerings represent in 2 Kings 16:13?
Grain offerings represent gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision in one's life. They were often made alongside burnt offerings to express thankfulness for the blessings received. In 2 Kings 16:13, the grain offering signifies the king's recognition of God's sustenance and his desire to honor God through acts of worship.
How does the drink offering relate to worship?
The drink offering, poured out as a libation, symbolizes a commitment to God and the pouring out of one's life in service and devotion. It represents the believer's desire to dedicate their entire being to God, much like the other offerings. In the context of worship, it emphasizes the importance of giving oneself fully to God.
What does splashing the blood of peace offerings signify?
Splashing the blood of peace offerings on the altar signifies reconciliation and the restoration of a relationship with God. It symbolizes the joy and peace that comes from being in right standing with God. This act reflects the importance of seeking peace and harmony in one's relationship with the divine.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.