Old Testament
2 Kings 21:2
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 a king who chose to do wrong in the eyes of God.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the children of Israel.
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a king who chose to do wrong in the eyes of God. Instead of following God's ways, he imitated the practices of other nations that God had previously removed from the land. These practices were considered detestable and harmful. The king's actions reflect a disregard for the values that God had established for His people. By turning to these abominations, he led his people away from their true purpose and identity. This choice not only affected him but also had consequences for the entire nation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and the dangers of following the crowd. Ultimately, this verse highlights the significance of making choices that align with one's values and the impact those choices can have on a community. It encourages us to reflect on our own decisions and their alignment with what is good and right in our lives, urging us to seek a path that honors our beliefs and values above all else.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 21:2 to your life
This verse challenges us to consider the influences in our lives. Are we following what is popular or what is right? It's essential to evaluate our choices and ensure they align with our core values. By doing so, we can positively impact ourselves and those around us. Stay true to what you believe in, even when it's difficult.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 21:2 mean?
2 Kings 21:2 describes a king who acted wickedly by adopting the detestable practices of other nations that God had previously removed from Israel. This verse highlights the consequences of turning away from God's commands and the importance of staying true to one's beliefs.
What is the significance of following the abominations in 2 Kings 21:2?
Following the abominations mentioned in 2 Kings 21:2 signifies a rejection of God's values and a choice to imitate harmful practices. This decision not only leads the king astray but also negatively impacts the entire nation.
How does 2 Kings 21:2 relate to personal values?
2 Kings 21:2 serves as a reminder to evaluate our own choices and influences. It encourages individuals to align their actions with their core values rather than following popular trends that may lead them away from what is right.
What lessons can we learn from 2 Kings 21:2?
From 2 Kings 21:2, we learn the importance of making choices that reflect our beliefs and values. It warns against the dangers of following the crowd and highlights the potential consequences of straying from a righteous path.

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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