2 Kings 16:12
2 Kings 16:12 in Multiple Translations
When the king came back from Damascus and saw the altar, he approached it and presented offerings on it.
And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon.
And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king drew near unto the altar, and offered thereon.
And when the king came from Damascus, he saw the altar; and he went up on it and made an offering on it.
When the king came back from Damascus he saw the altar. He went over to it and made offerings on it.
So when the King was come from Damascus, the King sawe the altar: and the King drewe neere to the altar and offered thereon.
And the king cometh in from Damascus, and the king seeth the altar, and the king draweth near on the altar, and offereth on it,
When the king had come from Damascus, the king saw the altar; and the king came near to the altar, and offered on it.
And when the king had come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered on it.
And when the king was come from Damascus, he saw the altar and worshipped it: and went up and offered holocausts, and his own sacrifice.
When the king returned from Damascus, he saw the altar. He went to it
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 16:12
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 16:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
מִ/דַּמֶּ֔שֶׂק
וַ/יַּ֥רְא
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
אֶת
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ
וַ/יִּקְרַ֥ב
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
עַל
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
וַ/יַּ֥עַל
עָלָֽי/ו
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
מִ/דַּמֶּ֔שֶׂק
Dammeseq
H1834
Damascus
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יַּ֥רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּקְרַ֥ב
qârab
H7126
to present
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms
וַ/יַּ֥עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | 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 16:12
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מִ/דַּמֶּ֔שֶׂק
Dammeseq
H1834
"Damascus"
Prep | N-proper
Damascus, the capital city of Syria, is mentioned in the Bible as an important trading center. It is located northeast of Jerusalem and is referenced in several biblical stories.
Definition: § Damascus = "silent is the sackcloth weaver" an ancient trading city, capital of Syria, located in the plain east of Hermon, 130 (205 km) miles northeast of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Damascus. See also: Genesis 14:15; 2 Chronicles 28:5; Isaiah 7:8.
וַ/יַּ֥רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
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.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-ms
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.
וַ/יִּקְרַ֥ב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-ms
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.
וַ/יַּ֥עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 16:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 16:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 16:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 16:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:12
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 16:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:12
- Sermons on 2 Kings 16:12
Context — The Idolatry of Ahaz
10Then 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.
11And Uriah the priest built the altar according to all the instructions King Ahaz had sent from Damascus, and he completed it before King Ahaz returned.
12When the king came back from Damascus and saw the altar, he approached it and presented offerings on it.
13He offered his burnt offering and his grain offering, poured out his drink offering, and splattered the blood of his peace offerings on the altar. 14He 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 26:16–19 | But when Uzziah grew powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 28:25 | 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. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 13:1 | Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incense, there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 28:23 | 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. |
| 5 | Numbers 18:4–7 | They are to join you and attend to the duties of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent; but no outsider may come near you. And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting. But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.” |
2 Kings 16:12 Summary
In this verse, King Ahaz is presenting offerings on a new altar that he had built, which was modeled after one he saw in Damascus. This act of worship was likely a mixture of true worship and idolatrous practices, which is a warning to us to be careful not to compromise our faith or values. As Christians, we are called to worship God in spirit and truth, as Jesus said in John 4:24, and to be mindful of the example of King Ahaz, who prioritized pleasing the Assyrian king over pleasing God. By seeking God's guidance and wisdom, and by being careful to worship Him in a way that is pleasing to Him, we can avoid the dangers of idolatry and compromise, and instead experience the joy and freedom of true worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Ahaz build an altar like the one he saw in Damascus?
King Ahaz was likely trying to appease the Assyrian king Tiglath-pileser by adopting some of his religious practices, which is a form of idolatry condemned in Deuteronomy 12:30-31 and Exodus 20:3-5.
Is it okay to learn from other cultures and incorporate their practices into our worship?
While it's important to be respectful of other cultures, as Christians we are called to worship God in spirit and truth, as Jesus said in John 4:24, and to be careful not to incorporate idolatrous practices into our worship, as warned in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
What can we learn from King Ahaz's actions in this verse?
King Ahaz's actions demonstrate the danger of compromising our faith and values in order to fit in with the world, as warned in Romans 12:2 and 1 John 2:15-17, and the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all our decisions, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-8.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible's teaching on worship?
This verse highlights the importance of worshiping God in a way that is pleasing to Him, as taught in Leviticus 10:1-3 and Hebrews 12:28-29, and the need to be careful not to add or subtract from God's commands, as warned in Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be compromising my faith or values in order to fit in with the world, and what steps can I take to correct this?
- How can I ensure that my worship is pleasing to God, and what practices or habits can I adopt to help me stay focused on Him?
- What are some potential consequences of incorporating idolatrous or worldly practices into my worship, and how can I protect myself from these dangers?
- In what ways can I seek God's guidance and wisdom in my decisions, and how can I trust in His sovereignty and provision even when things seem uncertain or difficult?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 16:12
And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar,.... Looked at it, and liked it, being exactly according to the pattern he had sent: and the king approached the altar, and offered
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 16:12
And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:12
To wit, a sacrifice, and that not unto God, but unto the Syrian idols, as appears from ,24, to whom that altar was appropriated. Whether he offered by himself, or by a priest, is not certain.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:12
2 Kings 16:12 And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon.Ver. 12. And the king approached to the altar.] Urijah suffering him so to do; whereas that zealous priest Azariah would not endure his grandfather Uzziah, a far better man, to offer sacrifice.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:12
(12) The king approached to the altar, and offered thereon.—So the Targum renders. But all the other versions: “The king approached to the altar, and went up thereon.” (Comp. 1 Kings 12:32-33.) It thus appears that Ahaz, like Uzziah, personally exercised the priestly function of sacrifice.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 16:12
12. and the king approached to [R.V. drew near unto] the altar] The rendering adopted by R.V. is much the most frequent in A.V. Except in this verse ‘approach’ is not used of ‘drawing near’ to an altar, but always ‘come near’ or ‘draw near’. and offered thereon] At such an altar he might be his own priest. The LXX. does not represent these words.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:12
12. Saw the altar — That is, the new altar which Urijah had just completed, according to the pattern sent him from Damascus, and had erected, apparently, near the entrance into the court.
Sermons on 2 Kings 16:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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If My People Humble Themselves - Part 2 by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the destructive nature of pride, highlighting personal struggles with pride and the impact it has on relationships, families, and spiritual life. It emphasi |
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The Deception of Pride by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the dangers of pride in his sermon 'The Deception of Pride,' explaining how it can lead to a lack of love, critical attitudes, and a false sense of securit |
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Objections Answered by George Cutting | George Cutting preaches about the importance of aligning our lives with God's Word, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility in correcting our ways according to Scripture. |
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Honour Your Youthful Bishop by Ignatius of Antioch | Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of showing reverence and obedience to spiritual leaders, regardless of their age, highlighting examples from the lives of Daniel, Samu |
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Seeing the Lord and Seeing Ourselves by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks delves into the story of King Uzziah, highlighting his rise to power at a young age, his initial righteousness, and his downfall due to pride and self-sufficiency. |
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Don't Miss Your Miracle by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to God and being open to His calling. He shares personal anecdotes of individuals who were impacte |
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Tragedy of Deflected Aims by William Fitch | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tragedy of deflected aims and the importance of staying focused on the will of God. He emphasizes that the Bible is full of human stories |