Old Testament
2 Kings 21:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What 2 Kings 21:2 means
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.
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
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 21:2
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 21:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.