2 Kings 12:3
2 Kings 12:3 in Multiple Translations
Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there.
But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
Howbeit the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
But the high places were not taken away; the people went on making offerings and burning them in the high places.
Even so, the high places were not removed—the people went on sacrificing and presenting burnt offerings at these places.
But the hie places were not taken away: for the people offred yet and burnt incense in the hie places.
only, the high places have not turned aside, still are the people sacrificing and making perfume in high places.
However, the high places were not taken away. The people still sacrificed and burned incense in the high places.
But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
But yet he took not away the high places: for the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
But the places where the people worshiped Yahweh on the tops of hills were not destroyed, and they continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense at those places, instead of at the place that God had chosen for them in Jerusalem.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 12:3
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 Kings 12:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֨עַשׂ
יְהוֹאָ֧שׁ
הַ/יָּשָׁ֛ר
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
יְהוָ֖ה
כָּל
יָמָ֑י/ו
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
הוֹרָ֔/הוּ
יְהוֹיָדָ֖ע
הַ/כֹּהֵֽן
וַ/יַּ֨עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹאָ֧שׁ
Yᵉhôwʼâsh
H3060
Jehoash
N-proper
הַ/יָּשָׁ֛ר
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Art | Adj
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יָמָ֑י/ו
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הוֹרָ֔/הוּ
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
יְהוֹיָדָ֖ע
Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ
H3077
Jehoiada
N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵֽן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
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 12:3
וַ/יַּ֨עַשׂ
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.
יְהוֹאָ֧שׁ
Yᵉhôwʼâsh
H3060
"Jehoash"
N-proper
Jehoash was the name of two Israelite kings, including a king of Israel who was the son of Jehoahaz and father of Jeroboam. His name means given by the Lord, and he is also referred to as Joash.
Definition: A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.9; son of: Jehoahaz (H3059); father of: Jeroboam (H3379H); also called Jehoash at 2Ki.13.10,25; 14.8,9,11,13,15,16,17; Another name of yo.ash (יוֹאָשׁ "Joash" H3101J) § Jehoash = "given by the Lord" 1) son of king Ahaziah and the 8th king of Judah 2) son of king Jehoahaz and the 12th king of the northern kingdom of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Jehoash. Compare H3101 (יוֹאָשׁ). See also: 2 Kings 12:1; 2 Kings 13:25; 2 Kings 14:17.
הַ/יָּשָׁ֛ר
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Art | Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
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.
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
יָמָ֑י/ו
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
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.
הוֹרָ֔/הוּ
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
יְהוֹיָדָ֖ע
Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ
H3077
"Jehoiada"
N-proper
Jehoiada means Jehovah knows, and was the name of three Israelites, including a high priest who helped King David and hid Joash from Athaliah. He is mentioned in Jeremiah 29:26.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.29.26 § Jehoiada = "Jehovah knows" 1) father of Benaiah, David's mighty warrior 2) leader of the priests who joined David at Hebron 3) high priest at the time of Athaliah's usurpation of the throne of Judah; hid Joash, the king's son, for six years and eventually replaced him on the throne of Judah 4) second priest, or sagan, to Seraiah the high priest
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Jehoiada. Compare H3111 (יוֹיָדָע). See also: 2 Samuel 8:18; 1 Chronicles 11:24; Jeremiah 29:26.
הַ/כֹּהֵֽן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 12:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 12:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 12:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 12:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:3
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 12:3
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 12:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:3
- Sermons on 2 Kings 12:3
Context — Joash Repairs the Temple
1In the seventh year of Jehu, Joash became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years. His mother’s name was Zibiah; she was from Beersheba.
2And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days he was instructed by Jehoiada the priest.
3Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there.
4Then Joash said to the priests, “Collect all the money brought as sacred gifts into the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from vows, and the money brought voluntarily into the house of the LORD. 5Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 14:4 | Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away, and the people continued sacrificing and burning incense on the high places. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 22:43 | And Jehoshaphat walked in all the ways of his father Asa; he did not turn away from them, but did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The high places, however, were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 15:14 | The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 15:35 | Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there. Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 18:4 | He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 31:4 | Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 2:20 | “For long ago you broke your yoke and tore off your chains, saying, ‘I will not serve!’ Indeed, on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down as a prostitute. |
2 Kings 12:3 Summary
[This verse tells us that even though King Joash was trying to follow God, the people still had some bad habits that they didn't want to give up, like sacrificing and burning incense at the high places (2 Kings 12:2). It's like when we know what's right, but we still want to do what's wrong - we have to make a choice to obey God and get rid of the things that are holding us back (Hebrews 12:1-2). We can learn from this verse that it's not enough to just do some good things, we need to get rid of all the bad things in our lives and follow God with our whole heart (Matthew 22:37).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the high places mentioned in 2 Kings 12:3?
The high places were locations where the Israelites would offer sacrifices and burn incense, often to idols, which was against God's commands (Deuteronomy 12:2-3, Ezekiel 6:3).
Why did the people continue sacrificing and burning incense at the high places?
The people continued these practices because they had not fully turned away from their idolatrous ways, despite King Joash's efforts to follow God (2 Kings 12:2, 2 Chronicles 24:17-18).
Is it important to remove all forms of idolatry from our lives, just like the high places were supposed to be removed?
Yes, as believers, we are called to remove all forms of idolatry from our lives and to worship God alone, just as He commanded the Israelites to do (Exodus 20:3-5, 1 John 5:21).
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual compromise?
This verse highlights the danger of spiritual compromise, where we may appear to follow God but still hold on to sinful practices, just like the Israelites did with the high places (2 Kings 12:3, Revelation 3:15-16).
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'high places' in my life that I need to surrender to God?
- How can I ensure that I am fully following God's commands and not holding on to any form of idolatry?
- What are some ways that I can practically remove spiritual compromises from my life?
- How can I encourage others to remove high places from their lives and follow God wholeheartedly?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 12:3
But the high places were not taken away,.... Used before the temple was built, or set up in Rehoboam's time, 1 Kings 14:23 contrary to the law of God, which required that sacrifices should only be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 12:3
But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. But the high places were not taken away.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:3
The people were so fondly and strangely addicted to the high places, that the foregoing kings, though men of riper years, and great power and courage, and finally settled in their thrones, could not take them away; and therefore it is not strange if Jehoiada could not now remove them, when the king was very young and tender, and not well settled in his kingdom, and when the people were more corrupt and disorderly through Athaliah’ s maladministration. Sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places to God.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:3
2 Kings 12:3 But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.Ver. 3. But the high places.] Tyrannus ille trium literarum, mos; Custom had so prevailed, that Jehoiada durst not advise the king to cross the people in this superstition, lest it should cause a tumult; lest they should more regard commotioners than commissioners, and be more guided by rage, than by right; violence and obstinacy, like two untamed horses, drawing their desires in a blindfold career, as it fell out here in England when King Edward VI began to reform.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:3
(3) But.—Save that; as at 2 Kings 15:4. (For the statement of the verse, comp. 1 Kings 15:14.) Sacrificed . . . burnt.—Were wont to sacrifice . . . burn. The worship of the high places continued even under the régime of Jehoiada.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:3
Verse 3. The high places were not taken away] Without the total destruction of these there could be no radical reform. The toleration of any species of idolatry in the land, whatever else was done in behalf of true religion, left, and in effect fostered, a seed which springing up, regenerated in time the whole infernal system. Jehoiada did not use his influence as he might have done; for as he had the king's heart and hand with him, he might have done what he pleased.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 12:3
3. But [R.V. Howbeit] the high places were not taken away] Worship having been permitted there before the temple was erected, it was difficult to draw the people away from them, as they would be nearer at hand than the one place set apart for sacrifice, viz. Jerusalem, and they would also have acquired a degree of consecration from long use.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 12:3
The worship on the “high places” seems to have continued uninterruptedly to the time of Hezekiah, who abolished it 2 Kings 18:4. It was, however, again established by Manasseh, his son 2 Kings 21:3.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:3
3. High places were not taken away — And these were a constant temptation to idolatry.
Sermons on 2 Kings 12:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Asa's Good Reign by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield preaches on the life of King Asa, highlighting his reforms and the secret of his victory found in his prayer and perfect heart towards the Lord. Despite Asa's imperfe |
|
Idols and the Lost Vision of God by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan discusses the dangers of idolatry, using the example of the brazen serpent that the Israelites began to worship, which revealed their deep hunger for God despite |
|
|
Israel Reproved by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield preaches on the analysis of Amos 5:4-15, highlighting how God places Himself outside traditional places of blessing to draw corrupt Israel back to Him. The lesson emp |
|
Beyond the Signs by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber preaches on the significance of the bronze serpent in the Bible, emphasizing that God's holiness accompanies His miraculous works, bringing judgment on those who |
|
Ii Kings 18:4 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the significance of Hezekiah's actions in destroying the brazen serpent, which had become an object of worship rather than a symbol of God's deliverance. He e |
|
New Discoveries by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the discovery of new records found, such as the achievements of Sennacherib and the ancient civilization of Ethiopia, which confirm certain pa |
|
America's Greatest Need by Russ Sukhia | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the decline of American churches in recent decades, where the focus has shifted from meaty sermons and doctrinally sound hymns to short, simpl |