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2 Kings 21:4

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2 Kings 21:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Manasseh also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem I will put My Name.”

King James Version KJV

And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

American Standard Version ASV

And he built altars in the house of Jehovah, whereof Jehovah said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he put up altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

Free Bible Version FBV

He set up pagan altars in the Lord's Temple, right where the Lord had said, “I will place my name in Jerusalem forever.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also he built altars in the house of the Lord, of the which the Lord saide, In Ierusalem will I put my Name.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he hath built altars in the house of Jehovah, of which Jehovah said, 'In Jerusalem I put My name.'

World English Bible WEB

He built altars in the LORD’s house, of which the LORD said, “I will put my name in Jerusalem.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord said: In Jerusalem I will put my name.

Translation for Translators T4T

He directed his workers to build altars for worshiping foreign gods in the temple of Yahweh, about which Yahweh had said, “It is here in Jerusalem where I want people to worship [MTY] me, forever.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 21:4

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 21:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/בָנָ֥ה מִזְבְּחֹ֖ת בְּ/בֵ֣ית יְהוָ֑ה אֲשֶׁר֙ אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם אָשִׂ֥ים אֶת שְׁמִֽ/י
וּ/בָנָ֥ה bânâh H1129 to build Conj | V-Qal-3ms
מִזְבְּחֹ֖ת mizbêach H4196 altar N-mp
בְּ/בֵ֣ית bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Prep | N-proper
אָשִׂ֥ים sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
שְׁמִֽ/י shêm H8034 name N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 21:4

וּ/בָנָ֥ה bânâh H1129 "to build" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
מִזְבְּחֹ֖ת mizbêach H4196 "altar" N-mp
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
בְּ/בֵ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
אָשִׂ֥ים sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁמִֽ/י shêm H8034 "name" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 21:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 8:29 May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place.
2 2 Samuel 7:13 He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
3 Jeremiah 32:34 They have placed their abominations in the house that bears My Name, and so have defiled it.
4 2 Kings 16:10–16 Then King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria. On seeing the altar in Damascus, King Ahaz sent Uriah the priest a model of the altar and complete plans for its construction. And Uriah the priest built the altar according to all the instructions King Ahaz had sent from Damascus, and he completed it by the time King Ahaz had returned. When the king came back from Damascus and saw the altar, he approached it and presented offerings on it. He offered his burnt offering and his grain offering, poured out his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings on the altar. He also took the bronze altar that stood before the LORD from the front of the temple (between the new altar and the house of the LORD) and he put it on the north side of the new altar. Then King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest, “Offer on the great altar the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering, and the king’s burnt offering and grain offering, as well as the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings of all the people of the land. Sprinkle on the altar all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices. But I will use the bronze altar to seek guidance.” So Uriah the priest did just as King Ahaz had commanded.
5 1 Kings 9:3 And the LORD said to him: “I have heard your prayer and petition before Me. I have consecrated this temple you have built by putting My Name there forever; My eyes and My heart will be there for all time.
6 Deuteronomy 12:5 Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go.
7 Psalms 132:13–14 For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home: “This is My resting place forever and ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired this home.
8 Psalms 78:68–69 But He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which He loved. He built His sanctuary like the heights, like the earth He has established forever.
9 Exodus 20:24 You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.

2 Kings 21:4 Summary

[This verse tells us that Manasseh, the king of Judah, did something very wrong: he built altars to other gods inside the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the special place where God said His Name would be. This was a big mistake, because God had said that He was the only God to be worshiped, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5. By doing this, Manasseh was disobeying God's commands and showing that he did not trust or obey Him. We can learn from Manasseh's mistake by remembering to always put God first and worship Him alone, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-38.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of building altars in the house of the LORD?

Building altars in the house of the LORD was a direct disobedience to God's command, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:11, where He says to bring all sacrifices to the place He chooses, not to build altars to other gods. This act by Manasseh was a clear rebellion against God's will.

How could Manasseh do such evil after his father Hezekiah's good deeds?

The Bible teaches that each person is responsible for their own actions, as seen in Ezekiel 18:20, which says 'the son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.' Manasseh made his own choices, separate from his father's legacy.

What does it mean that the LORD said 'In Jerusalem I will put My Name'?

This phrase, as seen in 2 Kings 21:4, refers to God's declaration that He would make Jerusalem a special place, where His Name would dwell, as also mentioned in 1 Kings 11:36 and 2 Chronicles 33:4. This signifies God's presence and His promise to the people of Israel.

How does this verse relate to the concept of idolatry?

This verse shows the extreme form of idolatry, where Manasseh built altars to other gods inside the house of the LORD, which was meant to be a place of worship for the one true God, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5. This act demonstrates the depth of Manasseh's rebellion against God's commandments.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that we, like Manasseh, might be tempted to mix worship of the one true God with worship of other things or idols in our lives?
  2. How can we ensure that our worship remains pure and focused solely on God, as He commands in Exodus 20:3-5?
  3. What are the consequences of disobeying God's commands, as seen in the life of Manasseh, and how can we learn from his mistakes?
  4. In what ways can we, like the Israelites, be influenced by the world around us to compromise our faith, and how can we protect ourselves against such influences?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 21:4

And he built altars in the house of the Lord,.... In the holy place, as distinct from the courts in the next verse; and these were sacred to the idols of the Gentiles: of which the Lord said, in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 21:4

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. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 21:4

In the house of the Lord, i.e. in the temple itself, in the holy place, because this is distinguished from the courts of the house, . In Jerusalem will I put my name; that place I have peculiarly consecrated to my worship and honour; which made it the greater injustice, and impiety, and sacrilege to alienate it from God, and to dedicate it, or any part of it, especially the temple, to the service of idols, whom God abhorreth.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 21:4

2 Kings 21:4 And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.Ver. 4. And he built altars in the house of the Lord.] Ahaz-like. See on 2 Kings 21:3.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 21:4

(4) He built altars—i.e., idolatrous altars (2 Kings 21:5).In the house of the Lord—i.e., in the two courts of it. This verse contains the general statement of what is particularised in 2 Kings 21:5.In Jerusalem will I put my name.—See 1 Kings 14:21.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 21:4

Verse 4. Built altars] He placed idolatrous altars even in the temple.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 21:4

4. he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which] R.V. whereof &c. It seems most likely that the following verse explains what is meant by this. The altars were in the courts of the temple, not within the temple building. Azariah had intruded himself within the holy place (2 Chronicles 26:16). Even for his most solemn prayer Hezekiah prayed toward the sanctuary. Intrusion within the walls would have been specially noted.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 21:4

The “altars” of this verse seem to be the same with those of 2 Kings 21:5, and consequently were not in the temple building, but in the outer and inner courts.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 21:4

4. Built altars in the house of the Lord — Erected altars to heathen gods even in the temple of Jehovah, as well as in the outer courts, as the next verse informs us.

Sermons on 2 Kings 21:4

SermonDescription
Stephen Kaung The Heavenly Vision by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a heavenly vision in the spiritual realm. He explains that without a vision, people become directionless and lack pu
John Greer A True Revival Meeting by John Greer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. He highlights that unity is a priority and a mark of the Holy Spirit's work. The preacher refers to
John Gill The Eyes of the Lord Upon by John Gill John Gill emphasizes that the eyes of the Lord are always watching over those whose hearts are upright towards Him, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles 16:9. He reflects on King Asa's f
F.B. Meyer I Have Hallowed This House by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine partnership in the act of building, where man constructs outwardly while God sanctifies inwardly. He illustrates this cooperation through the examp
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - 1 Kings by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of calling upon the Lord in times of distress, as exemplified by David's reliance on God for redemption and vindication. He highlights that tru
John Nelson Darby Synopsis of the Books of the Bible - Deuteronomy by John Nelson Darby John Nelson Darby discusses the Book of Deuteronomy, emphasizing its moral warnings and the importance of Israel's obedience to God's commandments as they stand on the brink of Can
T. Austin-Sparks "neither... nor... but..." by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformative nature of worship in his sermon 'neither... nor... but...', highlighting Jesus' declaration that true worship is not confined to spec
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