Old Testament
2 Kings 22:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Because they abandoned me and burned incense to other gods, provoking my anger with everything they've done, my wrath will blaze against this place and will not be put out.'"
Compare translations
Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.
What 2 Kings 22:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God expresses deep disappointment because the people have turned away from Him. They have chosen to worship other gods, which angers Him. Their actions are not just mistakes; they are deliberate choices that provoke His wrath. God is clear that this anger is serious and will not simply fade away. The consequences of their actions will be severe, affecting the very place they inhabit. This message serves as a warning about the importance of loyalty and faithfulness. When we prioritize other things over our relationship with God, we risk facing similar consequences. It’s a reminder that our choices matter and can lead to significant outcomes, both for ourselves and our communities. God desires a genuine connection with us, and turning away from Him can lead to a breakdown in that relationship. Understanding this helps us appreciate the importance of staying true to our values and beliefs, ensuring we don’t stray into harmful practices that can lead to regret.
How to apply 2 Kings 22:17 to your life
Reflect on what you prioritize in your life. Are there distractions or influences that pull you away from your core values? Make a conscious effort to realign your focus on what truly matters, nurturing your relationships and commitments. This can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Stay true to your beliefs and values to avoid regret later on. “Keep your heart aligned with what is good.” “Choose wisely.” “Stay connected.”
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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 22:17
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 22:17
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 22:17 mean?
2 Kings 22:17 expresses God's anger towards the people for abandoning Him and worshiping other gods. Their deliberate choices provoke His wrath, indicating that their actions have serious consequences for their community.
What is the significance of forsaking God in 2 Kings 22:17?
Forsaking God in 2 Kings 22:17 highlights the serious nature of turning away from Him. It shows that such actions lead to anger from God and can result in severe consequences for individuals and their surroundings.
What are the consequences mentioned in 2 Kings 22:17?
The consequences mentioned in 2 Kings 22:17 include God's wrath being kindled against the place, indicating that the people's actions will lead to serious repercussions for their community and environment.
How does 2 Kings 22:17 relate to loyalty to God?
2 Kings 22:17 emphasizes the importance of loyalty to God by illustrating that abandoning Him for other gods provokes His anger. It serves as a reminder that faithfulness is crucial to maintaining a strong relationship with Him.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.