Old Testament
2 Kings 21:22
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 has chosen to turn away from the God of his ancestors.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
He turned his back on the LORD, the God of his ancestors, and refused to follow the LORD's ways.
And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a king who has chosen to turn away from the God of his ancestors. Instead of following the path laid out by the Lord, he decides to ignore it completely. This decision reflects a deeper issue of loyalty and faithfulness. By rejecting the ways of the Lord, he not only distances himself from God but also from the wisdom and guidance that comes from that relationship. This act of turning away can lead to dire consequences, both personally and for the people he leads. It serves as a reminder that our choices matter and can impact those around us. The king's refusal to follow God's ways illustrates the struggle many face between tradition and personal choice. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and the potential fallout from abandoning them. This verse encourages us to reflect on our own paths and the decisions we make regarding our faith and values, urging us to remain steadfast in our commitments to what is right.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 21:22 to your life
Consider the influences in your life that may lead you away from your core values. Reflect on the importance of staying true to your beliefs, even when faced with challenges. Make a conscious effort to seek guidance and wisdom in your decisions, ensuring they align with your values and principles. Remember, your choices can impact not just you, but those around you as well. Stay committed to what is right and just in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 21:22 mean?
2 Kings 21:22 describes a king who has chosen to reject the God of his ancestors and ignore His ways. This signifies a break in faith and loyalty, leading to potential negative consequences for both the king and his people.
What is the significance of turning away from God in 2 Kings 21:22?
Turning away from God in this verse highlights the importance of faithfulness and the dangers of abandoning one's beliefs. It serves as a reminder that such choices can lead to personal and communal consequences.
How does 2 Kings 21:22 relate to personal choices?
This verse illustrates the impact of personal choices on one's faith and values. It emphasizes that decisions to follow or reject spiritual guidance can have significant effects on both the individual and those they influence.
What lessons can we learn from 2 Kings 21:22?
From 2 Kings 21:22, we learn the importance of staying true to our beliefs and the potential fallout from abandoning them. It encourages reflection on our choices and their alignment with our core values.

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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