2 Kings 23:37
2 Kings 23:37 in Multiple Translations
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his fathers had done.
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.
And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, according to all that his fathers had done.
He did evil in the eyes of the Lord as his fathers had done.
He did evil in the Lord's sight, just as his forefathers had done.
And he did euill in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done.
and he doth the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, according to all that his fathers did.
He did that which was evil in the LORD’s sight, according to all that his fathers had done.
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.
And he did evil before the Lord according to all that his fathers had done.
He did many things that Yahweh says are evil, like his ancestors had done.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 23:37
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 23:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ
הָ/רַ֖ע
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
כְּ/כֹ֥ל
אֲשֶׁר
עָשׂ֖וּ
אֲבֹתָֽי/ו
וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/רַ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | Adj
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כְּ/כֹ֥ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֲבֹתָֽי/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 23:37
וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הָ/רַ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
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.
כְּ/כֹ֥ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
עָשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
אֲבֹתָֽי/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 23:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 23:37 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 23:37
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:37
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:37
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:37
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:37
- Sermons on 2 Kings 23:37
Context — Jehoiakim Reigns in Judah
35So Jehoiakim paid the silver and gold to Pharaoh Neco, but to meet Pharaoh’s demand he taxed the land and exacted the silver and the gold from the people, each according to his wealth.
36Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Zebidah daughter of Pedaiah; she was from Rumah.
37And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his fathers had done.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 33:22–23 | And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done. Amon served and sacrificed to all the idols that his father Manasseh had made, but he did not humble himself before the LORD as his father Manasseh had done; instead, Amon increased his guilt. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 19:5–9 | When she saw that she had waited in vain, that her hope was lost, she took another of her cubs and made him a young lion. He prowled among the lions, and became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men. He broke down their strongholds and devastated their cities. The land and everything in it shuddered at the sound of his roaring. Then the nations set out against him from the provinces on every side. They spread their net over him; he was trapped in their pit. With hooks they caged him and brought him to the king of Babylon. They brought him into captivity so that his roar was heard no longer on the mountains of Israel. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 36:31 | I will punish him and his descendants and servants for their iniquity. I will bring on them, on the residents of Jerusalem, and on the men of Judah, all the calamity about which I warned them but they did not listen.” |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 28:22–25 | In the time of his distress, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD. Since Damascus had defeated him, he sacrificed to their gods and said, “Because the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me.” But these gods were the downfall of Ahaz and of all Israel. Then Ahaz gathered up the articles of the house of God, cut them into pieces, shut the doors of the house of the LORD, and set up altars of his own on every street corner in Jerusalem. In every city of Judah he built high places to offer incense to other gods, and so he provoked the LORD, the God of his fathers. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 33:4–10 | Manasseh also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “My Name will remain in Jerusalem forever.” In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven. He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. Manasseh even took the carved image he had made and set it up in the house of God, of which God had said to David and his son Solomon, “In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will establish My Name forever. I will never again cause the feet of the Israelites to leave the land that I assigned to your fathers, if only they are careful to do all that I have commanded them through Moses—all the laws, statutes, and judgments.” So Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem astray, so that they did greater evil than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites. And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they did not listen. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 26:20–23 | Now there was another man prophesying in the name of the LORD, Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. He prophesied against this city and against this land the same things that Jeremiah did. King Jehoiakim and all his mighty men and officials heard his words, and the king sought to put him to death. But when Uriah found out about it, he fled in fear and went to Egypt. Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt: Elnathan son of Achbor along with some other men. They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who had him put to the sword and his body thrown into the burial place of the common people. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 23:32 | And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his fathers had done. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 22:13–17 | “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion. Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD. “But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.” |
| 9 | Jeremiah 36:23–26 | And as soon as Jehudi had read three or four columns, Jehoiakim would cut them off with a scribe’s knife and throw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll had been consumed by the fire. Yet in hearing all these words, the king and his servants did not become frightened or tear their garments. Even though Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. Instead, the king commanded Jerahmeel, a son of the king, as well as Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel, to seize Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. But the LORD had hidden them. |
2 Kings 23:37 Summary
This verse tells us that King Jehoiakim did evil in the sight of the LORD, just like his fathers before him. This means that he disobeyed God's commands and lived a sinful life, which is a pattern that can be passed down from generation to generation, as seen in Exodus 34:7. As followers of God, we are called to break free from such patterns and live a life that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 5:17. By seeking to honor God and live a righteous life, we can avoid repeating the mistakes of our ancestors and instead, follow God's will for our lives, as guided by Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to do evil in the sight of the LORD?
To do evil in the sight of the LORD means to act in disobedience to God's commands and principles, as outlined in scriptures such as Deuteronomy 6:18 and Proverbs 3:7, which emphasize the importance of following God's will and living a righteous life.
How did Jehoiakim's actions compare to his fathers?
According to 2 Kings 23:37, Jehoiakim did evil just as his fathers had done, indicating a pattern of sinful behavior that was passed down through his family line, as also seen in Exodus 34:7, which warns of the consequences of sin being visited upon future generations.
What is the significance of Jehoiakim's age and reign when he became king?
Jehoiakim's age of twenty-five years old when he became king, as mentioned in 2 Kings 23:36, may indicate a sense of youthful arrogance or inexperience that contributed to his evil actions, as warned against in 1 Timothy 3:6, which advises against appointing young or inexperienced leaders.
How does this verse relate to the concept of generational sin?
This verse highlights the concept of generational sin, where the sinful patterns and behaviors of parents are repeated by their children, as seen in Exodus 20:5, which warns that God punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be following in the footsteps of my own 'fathers' in terms of sinful patterns or behaviors?
- How can I break free from the cycle of generational sin and live a life that is pleasing to God, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 5:17?
- In what ways can I seek to honor God and live a righteous life, despite the influences of my family or cultural background, as exhorted in Romans 12:2?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that I am not repeating the mistakes of my ancestors, and instead, following God's will for my life, as guided by Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 23:37
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done. Amon and Manasseh; see 2 Kings 23:32.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:37
By idolatry, the oppression of his people, and the persecution of the prophets, and other good men, .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:37
2 Kings 23:37 And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.Ver. 37. And he did that which was evil.] To all his former evils he added this, that he slew Urijah the prophet.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:37
THE REIGN OF (2 Kings 23:35 to 2 Kings 24:7). (35) And Jehoiakim gave.—And the silver and the gold did Jehoiakim give . . . He had to pay for his elevation. The raising of the fine of 2 Kings 23:33 is described in this verse. But he taxed . . .—The king kept his pledge to Pharaoh, but not out of his own means. He exacted the money from “the people of the land,” i.e., the people of all classes, levying a fixed contribution even upon the poorest of his subjects. As in 2 Kings 11:14; 2 Kings 14:21; 2 Kings 21:24, Thenius insists that “the people of the land” are the national militia, and he renders: “he exacted the silver and the gold, along with (i.e., by the help of) the people of the land.” But this is, to say the least, very questionable. (See Note on 2 Kings 11:14.) (36) He reigned eleven years.—Not eleven full years. (Comp. Jeremiah 25:1 with 2 Kings 24:12; and Jeremiah 3 with 2 Kings 25:8.) His mother’s name was Zebudah.—So the Hebrew margin and Targum.
Hebrew text, Syriac, Vulg., Arabic, Zebidah. Zebadiah may have been the real name. The mother of Jehoahaz was Hamutal (2 Kings 23:31). Thus Josiah had at least two wives, and probably more. (Comp. 2 Kings 24:15.) He could not have been over fourteen when he begot Jehoiakim. Rumah.—Perhaps Arumah, near Shechem (Judges 9:41), as Josephus has Abumah. This is interesting as a slight indication that Josiah’s power extended over the territory of the former kingdom of Samaria. (37) He did that which was evil . . .—Jeremiah represents him as luxurious, covetous, and violent (Jeremiah 22:13 seq.). He murdered Urijah a prophet (Jeremiah 26:20 seq.). Ewald thinks that he introduced Egyptian animal-worship (Ezekiel 8:7 seq.), which is rendered highly probable by his relation of dependence on Necho.
(Comp. the introduction of Assyrian star-worship under Ahaz.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:37
Verse 37. He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord] He was a most unprincipled and oppressive tyrant. Jeremiah gives us his character at large, Jeremiah 22:13-19, to which the reader will do well to refer. Jeremiah was at that time in the land, and was an eyewitness of the abominations of this cruel king.
Sermons on 2 Kings 23:37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 7:10 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Ahaz in the book of Isaiah. Ahaz was a wicked king who refused to seek a sign from God, showing his lack of interest in Go |
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The Defeated Christian Life by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of neglecting prayer and making excuses for a defeated Christian life. He uses the example of a child who doesn't have time for a qu |
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Ii. Abuses to Be Discussed in Councils by Martin Luther | Martin Luther preaches against the abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly focusing on the corruption, greed, and exploitation of power by the pope, cardinals, and bishop |
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Jeremiah 22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses God's complaints against the leaders and prophets in Jeremiah 22, emphasizing how the kings have exploited their positions for personal gain, leading to spiri |
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A Continual Allowance by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the contrasting lives of Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin, illustrating the consequences of sin and the eventual restoration and redemption offered by God. Th |
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The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Pastor Wilkinson calls on the congregation to come forward and seek deliverance and strength from the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and ke |
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Election by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning Scripture into practical discourse under the influence of God's Spirit. He encourages the audience to set aside th |