2 Chronicles 14:3
2 Chronicles 14:3 in Multiple Translations
He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles.
For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:
for he took away the foreign altars, and the high places, and brake down the pillars, and hewed down the Asherim,
For he took away the altars of strange gods and the high places, and had the upright stones broken and the wood pillars cut down;
He took down the foreign altars and high places, smashed their sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles.
For he tooke away the altars of the strange gods and the hie places, and brake downe the images, and cut downe the groues,
and turneth aside the altars of the stranger, and the high places, and breaketh the standing-pillars, and cutteth down the shrines,
for he took away the foreign altars and the high places, broke down the pillars, cut down the Asherah poles,
For he took away the altars of the strange gods , and the high places, and broke down the images, and cut down the groves:
And broke the statues, and cut down the groves.
His workers got rid of the altars to worship foreign gods that were on the high hills. They smashed the sacred stone pillars and cut down the poles for worshiping the goddess Asherah.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 14:3
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 14:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
לִֽ/יהוּדָ֔ה
לִ/דְר֕וֹשׁ
אֶת
יְהוָ֖ה
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
אֲבוֹתֵי/הֶ֑ם
וְ/לַ/עֲשׂ֖וֹת
הַ/תּוֹרָ֥ה
וְ/הַ/מִּצְוָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִֽ/יהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
Prep | N-proper
לִ/דְר֕וֹשׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֲבוֹתֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
וְ/לַ/עֲשׂ֖וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/תּוֹרָ֥ה
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
Art | N-fs
וְ/הַ/מִּצְוָֽה
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
Conj | Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 14:3
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
לִֽ/יהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
Prep | N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
לִ/דְר֕וֹשׁ
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.
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֲבוֹתֵי/הֶ֑ם
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.
וְ/לַ/עֲשׂ֖וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
הַ/תּוֹרָ֥ה
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
וְ/הַ/מִּצְוָֽה
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
Conj | Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 14:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 14:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 14:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 14:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:3
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 14:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:3
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 14:3
Context — Asa Reigns in Judah
1Then Abijah rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Asa reigned in his place, and in his days the land was at peace for ten years.
2And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God.
3He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles.
4He commanded the people of Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandments. 5He also removed the high places and incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and under him the kingdom was at peace.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 7:5 | Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire. |
| 2 | Exodus 34:13 | Rather, you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and chop down their Asherah poles. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 23:14 | He smashed the sacred pillars to pieces, cut down the Asherah poles, and covered the sites with human bones. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 15:12–14 | He banished the male shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. He also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley. The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 15:17 | The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 7:25 | You must burn up the images of their gods; do not covet the silver and gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it; for it is detestable to the LORD your God. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 14:22–24 | And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and by the sins they committed they provoked Him to jealous anger more than all their fathers had done. They also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. There were even male shrine prostitutes in the land. They imitated all the abominations of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. |
| 8 | Leviticus 26:30 | I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars, and heap your lifeless bodies on the lifeless remains of your idols; and My soul will despise you. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 23:6 | He brought the Asherah pole from the house of the LORD to the Kidron Valley outside Jerusalem, and there he burned it, ground it to powder, and threw its dust on the graves of the common people. |
| 10 | Judges 6:25–28 | On that very night the LORD said to Gideon, “Take your father’s young bull and a second bull seven years old, tear down your father’s altar to Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold. And with the wood of the Asherah pole you cut down, take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering.” So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city, he did it by night rather than in the daytime. When the men of the city got up in the morning, there was Baal’s altar torn down, with the Asherah pole cut down beside it and the second bull offered up on the newly built altar. |
2 Chronicles 14:3 Summary
[This verse is talking about how King Asa removed all the false places of worship in Judah, so that the people could focus on worshiping the one true God. He wanted to get rid of anything that would distract them from God, just like we're called to do in Romans 12:1-2. By removing these idols, King Asa was showing his love and commitment to God, and we can do the same by removing anything in our lives that takes our focus away from Him. This can be a challenging task, but it's an important part of living a life that is pleasing to God, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the foreign altars and high places that King Asa removed?
These were places where the people of Judah worshiped false gods, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 12:2-3, and were a form of idolatry that the Lord commanded the Israelites to destroy.
What were the sacred pillars and Asherah poles?
The sacred pillars were likely monuments to false gods, and the Asherah poles were symbols of the goddess Asherah, as mentioned in 2 Kings 13:6, and were both objects of idolatrous worship.
Why was it important for King Asa to remove these objects of idolatry?
Removing these objects was crucial because they represented a form of rebellion against the one true God, as stated in Exodus 20:3-5, and by removing them, King Asa was demonstrating his commitment to worshiping the Lord alone.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that, just like King Asa, we must remove any idols or things that distract us from worshiping the one true God, as commanded in Matthew 22:37-38, and seek to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'foreign altars' or idols in my life that I need to remove in order to focus on worshiping God?
- How can I, like King Asa, demonstrate my commitment to worshiping the one true God in my daily life?
- What are some ways that I can 'seek the Lord' and observe His commandments, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 14:4?
- How can I balance the desire to remove idols from my life with the need to show love and compassion to those who may be caught up in idolatry?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 14:3
For he took away the altars of the strange gods,.... Or of a strange people, of the Zidonians, Ammonites, and Moabites, which had remained from the times of Solomon, and which he built for his wives,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 14:3
For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: Brake down the images - of Baal (see the note at 2 Chronicles 34:4; Leviticus 26:30).
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:3
2 Chronicles 14:3 For he took away the altars of the strange [gods], and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:Ver. 3. And the high places.] Erected to idols; not the other.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 14:3
3. the altars of the strange gods] R.V. the strange altars. the images] R.V. the pillars, LXX. τὰςστήλας. The “pillar” or “obelisk,” Heb. Maηηηbβh, was a monolith standing by an altar as a symbol of the god worshipped at the altar. In later days an image took the place of the pillar, i.e. the mere symbol was succeeded by the likeness of the god. (W. R. Smith, Religion of the Semites, p. 203 ff.) and cut down the groves] R.V. and hewed down the Asherim. An Ashκrah (pl. Ashκrim and Ashκroth) was probably a wooden pole which was planted beside an altar as the symbol of a deity. It appears to have been a survival of tree-worship, as the Maηηηbβh was a survival of stone-worship.
The ashκrah of itself did not represent any particular deity, but it could be carved to bear the symbol of any special god or goddess, e.g. of Astarte. (W. R. Smith, Religion of the Semites, p. 186 ff.)
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:3
3. Took away… the high places — This statement, repeated in 2 Chronicles 14:5, seems to be contradicted in 2 Chronicles 15:17, where it is said “the high places were not taken away out of Israel.”
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 14:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Asa Did . . . Right in the Eyes by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of living righteously in the eyes of the Lord, as exemplified by King Asa, who took bold actions to remove idolatry from his kingdom. Despite h |
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(Exodus) Exodus 34:10-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses God's covenant with Moses for the children of Israel. God promises to do marvelous works that have never been seen before, to protect the Isra |
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Watch by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh delivers a powerful sermon on the reign of King Asa, emphasizing the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and complete trust in God. Asa's story serves as a solemn wa |
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Nevertheless! by James Smith | James Smith preaches on the profound impact of the word 'NEVERTHELESS' in conveying comfort, encouragement, and strength from God's Word. Through various passages, he highlights ho |
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Acts 17_pt2 by Bill Gallatin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unity and harmony that will be experienced in the kingdom age. He highlights that God has a special plan and purpose for each individual |
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What Time I Am Afraid, I Will Trust in Thee by A.B. Simpson | The preacher delves into the meaning of stumbling (ptaio) in the New Testament, emphasizing its figurative use to denote error, sin, and failure to keep God's law. Through the stud |
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(Through the Bible) Leviticus 16-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the moral decay and corruption in society, particularly in relation to the portrayal of sinful acts in movies. He emphasizes that God's peopl |