Old Testament
2 Kings 21:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, we see a king who chose to go against the good legacy of his father, Hezekiah.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
He rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed. He set up altars for Baal and made a grove, like Ahab king of Israel had done. He also worshiped and served all the host of heaven.
For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a king who chose to go against the good legacy of his father, Hezekiah. Instead of continuing the reforms that removed idol worship, he rebuilt the high places where people worshiped false gods. He constructed altars for Baal, a popular deity, and created a grove, which was a place for pagan rituals. This king also worshiped the stars and other celestial beings, following the example of Ahab, a notorious king of Israel. His actions represent a significant turning away from the faith and practices that honored God. This shift not only affected his own life but also led the people astray, encouraging them to abandon their true faith. The king's choices remind us of the impact leaders can have on their communities, for better or worse. It serves as a warning about the dangers of turning away from what is right and embracing what is wrong, leading to spiritual decline and confusion among the people. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to one's values and beliefs. Explore related idolatry.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 21:3 to your life
Reflect on the influences in your life. Are there areas where you might be tempted to follow the crowd instead of your values? Consider how your choices affect those around you. Strive to be a positive influence, encouraging others to stay true to their beliefs and values. Your actions matter more than you think!
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 21:3 mean?
2 Kings 21:3 describes how King Manasseh rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, reintroducing idol worship and pagan practices in Judah. This verse highlights a significant turning point where the king chose to abandon the reforms of his father and led the people away from their faith in God.
What is the significance of Baal in 2 Kings 21:3?
Baal was a prominent deity worshiped in ancient cultures, often associated with fertility and rain. In 2 Kings 21:3, the construction of altars for Baal signifies a return to idolatry and a rejection of the worship of the true God, which had serious implications for the spiritual state of the nation.
What does 'high places' refer to in 2 Kings 21:3?
In 2 Kings 21:3, 'high places' refers to elevated sites used for worship, often associated with pagan rituals and idol worship. These locations were significant in ancient Israelite religion, and their rebuilding by Manasseh represented a regression from the reforms initiated by his father, Hezekiah.
How did King Manasseh's actions affect Judah according to 2 Kings 21:3?
King Manasseh's actions in 2 Kings 21:3 led to a revival of idol worship and spiritual decline in Judah. By rebuilding high places and worshiping false gods, he influenced the people to abandon their faith, resulting in widespread disobedience to God's commands.
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.