2 Chronicles 12:14
2 Chronicles 12:14 in Multiple Translations
And Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD.
And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.
And he did that which was evil, because he set not his heart to seek Jehovah.
And he did evil because his heart was not true to the Lord.
But Rehoboam did what was evil because he did not commit himself to following the Lord.
And he did euill: for hee prepared not his heart to seeke the Lord.
and he doth the evil thing, for he hath not prepared his heart to seek Jehovah.
He did that which was evil, because he didn’t set his heart to seek the LORD.
And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.
But he did evil, and did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord.
Rehoboam’s mother’s name was Naamah. She was from the Ammon people-group. Rehoboam did evil things because he did not try to find out what Yahweh wanted him to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 12:14
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 Chronicles 12:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֖עַשׂ
הָ/רָ֑ע
כִּ֣י
לֹ֤א
הֵכִין֙
לִבּ֔/וֹ
לִ/דְר֖וֹשׁ
אֶת
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יַּ֖עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | Adj
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הֵכִין֙
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
לִבּ֔/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
לִ/דְר֖וֹשׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
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 Chronicles 12:14
וַ/יַּ֖עַשׂ
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/רָ֑ע
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.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הֵכִין֙
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
לִבּ֔/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
לִ/דְר֖וֹשׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
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.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 12:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 12:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 12:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 12:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:14
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 12:14
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 12:14
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 12:14
Context — Rehoboam’s Reign and Death
12Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the anger of the LORD turned away from him, and He did not destroy him completely. Indeed, conditions were good in Judah.
13Thus King Rehoboam established himself in Jerusalem and reigned. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen from all the tribes of Israel in which to put His Name. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite.
14And Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD.
15Now the acts of Rehoboam, from first to last, are they not written in the records of Shemaiah the Prophet and of Iddo the Seer concerning the genealogies? There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam throughout their days. 16And Rehoboam rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Abijah reigned in his place.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 19:3 | However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.” |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 16:13 | Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. |
| 4 | Isaiah 45:19 | I have not spoken in secret, from a place in a land of darkness. I did not say to the descendants of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a wasteland.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I say what is right. |
| 5 | Isaiah 55:6–7 | Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 33:31 | So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. |
| 7 | Psalms 78:37 | Their hearts were disloyal to Him, and they were unfaithful to His covenant. |
| 8 | Psalms 105:3–4 | Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 30:19 | who sets his heart on seeking God—the LORD, the God of his fathers—even if he is not cleansed according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.” |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 11:16 | Those from every tribe of Israel who had set their hearts to seek the LORD their God followed the Levites to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD, the God of their fathers. |
2 Chronicles 12:14 Summary
[This verse tells us that Rehoboam did evil because he didn't make seeking God a priority, which is a reminder for us to always put God first in our lives, as stated in Matthew 6:33. When we don't seek God, we can easily turn to doing wrong things, just like Rehoboam did. To avoid this, we need to intentionally seek God with all our heart, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:13, and make sure we are following His commands, as written in Psalm 119:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rehoboam do evil if he had previously humbled himself before God?
Rehoboam's actions were a result of not setting his heart to seek the Lord, as stated in 2 Chronicles 12:14, which is a clear indication that his heart was not fully committed to following God, much like the warning given in Deuteronomy 8:11-14 about forgetting God's laws when prospering.
What does it mean to 'set his heart to seek the Lord'?
To set one's heart to seek the Lord means to intentionally and wholeheartedly pursue a relationship with God, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13, where it says that those who seek Him with all their heart will find Him.
Is it possible for a person who has previously followed God to turn away and do evil?
Yes, it is possible, as seen in the case of Rehoboam and also in the examples of King Saul and Solomon in the Bible, where it is written that 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge' in Proverbs 1:7, and turning away from this fear can lead to evil actions.
What can we learn from Rehoboam's mistake?
We can learn the importance of consistently seeking God and setting our hearts to follow Him, as emphasized in Psalm 119:10, where the psalmist asks God to help him seek Him with all his heart, so that he may not wander from His commands.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be turning away from seeking God, and how can I intentionally pursue a deeper relationship with Him?
- How can I ensure that my heart is set on seeking the Lord, even when faced with prosperity or challenges?
- What are some practical steps I can take to seek God wholeheartedly, as Rehoboam failed to do?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson from Rehoboam's life to my own walk with God, and what changes can I make to prioritize seeking Him?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 12:14
And he did evil,.... Committed idolatry, relapsed into that, his humiliation not being hearty and sincere: because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord; by prayer and supplication, and by an
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 12:14
And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:14
Prepared not, or directed not, or settled not, &c, i.e. although he humbled himself, and seemed penitent for a season, and professed the true religion and worship of God; yet he quickly relapsed into his former sins, because he was not sincere nor serious in his actions, and his heart was not right with God.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:14
2 Chronicles 12:14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.Ver. 14. Because he prepared not.] Some good resolutions he had, but they were flashy and fleeting: he drew them not into execution, but was soon off all again; his quicksilver was not fixed. See 2 Chronicles 12:6.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:14
(14) And he did evil.—Syriac adds “before the Lord.” The nature of his evil-doing is explained immediately: “for he directed not his heart to seek Jehovah.” This estimate of Rehoboam’s conduct seems to refer to the early years of his reign, which ended in the catastrophe of Shishak’s invasion. 1 Kings 14:22, says, “And Judah did evil in the eyes of Jehovah “; and then goes on to tell of the acts of apostacy which brought that judgment upon the nation. The phrase “direct or prepare the heart to seek the Lord,” recurs 2 Chronicles 19:3; 2 Chronicles 30:19; Ezra 7:10. The book.—History.Concerning genealogies.—For registration (lehithyahçsh). On the authorities here named, see the Introduction. The important particulars about the reign which are not given in Kings, e.g., the fortification of the southern cities, the migration of the priests, and Rehoboam’s private relations, were probably drawn by the chronicler from these sources. First and last.—The former and the latter. (See on, 2 Chronicles 17:3.) And there were wars.—And the wars of Rehoboam and Jeroboam [continued] all the days, i.e., throughout the reign. So 1 Kings 14:30, “Now there had been war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days.” Reuss is wrong in regarding this as “a contradiction” of 2 Chronicles 11:4. What Shemaiah forbade was a particular attempt to recover the obedience of the northern kingdom by force of arms. The permanent attitude of the rival kings could hardly be other than hostile, especially as Jeroboam appears to have instigated the Egyptian invasion of Judah; and this hostility must often have broken out into active injuries.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 12:14
14. he prepared not his heart] R.V. he set not his heart. The phrase implies steady purpose.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 12:14
He prepared not his heart ... - See the margin. Rehoboam’s sin was want of earnestness and consistency.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 12:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Prepared Heart by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the word of God to bring hope and transformation to broken hearts. He shares the story of a young man who, despite being surrou |
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He Did Not Set His Heart by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and his reign as king. The sermon emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and th |
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Only Those Prepared Here by Thomas Shepard | Thomas Shepard preaches about the importance of being ready and prepared in this life for Christ to enjoy eternal communion with Him. He emphasizes that men are naturally unfit for |
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He Did Evil, Because He Prepared Not His Heart by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of preparing one's heart to seek the Lord, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles 12:14. He warns that without a fixed determination to follow God's wil |
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Ii Chronicles 12:14 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the failures of King Rehoboam, emphasizing that his downfall stemmed from a failure to seek the Lord for wisdom and guidance. Instead of relying on God's coun |
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Jehoshaphat's Reform by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield preaches on the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 19:1-11, highlighting the importance of recognizing and repenting from sin, and the fruits of righteousness that |
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Are You Ready for a Relationship? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experie |