2 Kings 17:12
2 Kings 17:12 in Multiple Translations
They served idols, although the LORD had told them, “You shall not do this thing.”
For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.
and they served idols, whereof Jehovah had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.
And they made themselves servants of disgusting things, though the Lord had said, You are not to do this.
They worshiped idols, even though the Lord had told them, “You are not to do this.”
And serued idoles: whereof the Lord had sayd vnto them, Ye shall do no such thing,
and serve the idols, of which Jehovah said to them, 'Ye do not do this thing;'
and they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.”
For they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, Ye shall not do this thing.
And they worshipped abominations, concerning which the Lord had commanded them that they should not do this thing.
Yahweh warned them many times that they should not worship idols, but they did it anyway.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 17:12
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 17:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּֽעַבְד֖וּ
הַ/גִּלֻּלִ֑ים
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
אָמַ֤ר
יְהוָה֙
לָ/הֶ֔ם
לֹ֥א
תַעֲשׂ֖וּ
אֶת
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
הַ/זֶּֽה
וַ/יַּֽעַבְד֖וּ
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/גִּלֻּלִ֑ים
gillûwl
H1544
idol
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אָמַ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לָ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַעֲשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 17:12
וַ/יַּֽעַבְד֖וּ
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
הַ/גִּלֻּלִ֑ים
gillûwl
H1544
"idol"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to an idol, which is an object worshipped as a god. It literally means a log or a round piece of wood, but it's used to describe false gods and idols in the Bible. It's often used in a negative sense to criticize idol worship.
Definition: idols
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: idol. See also: Leviticus 26:30; Ezekiel 18:12; Jeremiah 50:2.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
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.
אָמַ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
יְהוָה֙
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.
לָ/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
לֹ֥א
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.
תַעֲשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
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.
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/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 17:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 17:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 17:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 17:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:12
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 17:12
- Sermons on 2 Kings 17:12
Context — Israel Carried Captive to Assyria
10They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree.
11They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger.
12They served idols, although the LORD had told them, “You shall not do this thing.”
13Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.” 14But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 12:4 | You shall not worship the LORD your God in this way. |
| 2 | Exodus 20:3–5 | You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 4:23–25 | Be careful that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God that He made with you; do not make an idol for yourselves in the form of anything He has forbidden you. For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. After you have children and grandchildren and you have been in the land a long time, if you then act corruptly and make an idol of any form—doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God and provoking Him to anger— |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 4:15–19 | So since you saw no form of any kind on the day the LORD spoke to you out of the fire at Horeb, be careful that you do not act corruptly and make an idol for yourselves of any form or shape, whether in the likeness of a male or female, of any beast that is on the earth or bird that flies in the air, or of any creature that crawls on the ground or fish that is in the waters below. When you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. |
| 5 | Leviticus 26:1 | “You must not make idols for yourselves or set up a carved image or sacred pillar; you must not place a sculpted stone in your land to bow down to it. For I am the LORD your God. |
| 6 | Exodus 34:14 | For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 5:7–9 | You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, |
2 Kings 17:12 Summary
In 2 Kings 17:12, we see that the Israelites were serving idols, even though God had told them not to. This means that they were putting something else in the place of God, which is a form of disobedience. As we see in Exodus 20:3-5, God commands us to have no other gods before Him, and in 1 John 5:21, we are warned against serving idols. We can apply this to our own lives by making sure that we are not putting anything else in the place of God, and by being obedient to His commands, as stated in Deuteronomy 5:7-9 and Joshua 1:7-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific command were the Israelites disobeying in 2 Kings 17:12?
The Israelites were disobeying the command to not serve idols, as stated in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 5:7-9, where God says, 'You shall not make for yourself an idol' and 'You shall not bow down to them or worship them'
How did God communicate His commands to the Israelites?
According to 2 Kings 17:12, God had told the Israelites, 'You shall not do this thing', and in Deuteronomy 4:10, we see that God spoke to the Israelites face to face, and also through His prophets and seers, as mentioned in 2 Kings 17:13
What were the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience?
The consequences of the Israelites' disobedience are not explicitly stated in 2 Kings 17:12, but in 2 Kings 17:18, we see that God was angry with them and removed them from His presence, and in Deuteronomy 28:15-68, we see the many curses that would come upon them for disobeying God's commands
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 2 Kings?
This verse relates to the overall theme of 2 Kings, which is the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as seen in 2 Kings 17:7-23, and the importance of following God's laws, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:1-25 and Joshua 1:7-9
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day idols that I may be serving, and how can I turn away from them to serve the one true God?
- How can I ensure that I am listening to and obeying God's commands, as stated in 2 Kings 17:12 and other Bible verses?
- What are some ways that I can prioritize my relationship with God and avoid the temptation to serve idols, as warned against in 1 John 5:21?
- How can I apply the lessons from 2 Kings 17:12 to my own life, and what changes can I make to be more obedient to God's commands?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 17:12
For they served idols,.... Baalim, as the Targum; dunghill gods, as the word signifies, as they are often called in Scripture; and Sterculius was one of the names of Saturn, an Heathen deity, which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 17:12
And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:12
2 Kings 17:12 For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.Ver. 12. Whereof the Lord had said, Ye shall not.] But they did it the rather; taking occasion by the law, that their sin might appear to be exceeding sinful. Such is the canker of our vile natures, that the more God forbids a thing, the more we bid for it. Nitimur in vetitum semper petimusque negata.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:12
(12) For they served idols.—Rather, and they served the dunglings; a term of contempt used in 1 Kings 15:19; Deuteronomy 29:16, where see Note.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 17:12
12. idols, whereof the Lord had said] The prohibition is given in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:4) and repeated in many parts of the Law (cf. Deuteronomy 4:16; Deuteronomy 5:8; Deuteronomy 27:15). Ye shall not do this thing] The LXX. adds ‘unto the Lord’ ôῷ êõñßῳ. This addition, though unsupported by the Hebrew, is in harmony with Deuteronomy 12:31, where after a warning against the practices of the heathen, it is added, ‘Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God’. Cf. also Deuteronomy 12:4. The golden calves were set up by Jeroboam as a form of worship to Jehovah.
Sermons on 2 Kings 17:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Deliverance - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the magicians in the book of Exodus. He highlights the supernatural powers displayed by both Moses and the magicians, b |
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(The Glory of God) in Motivation by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching about God's glory rather than focusing on principles and rules. He criticizes the tendency of pastors to manipula |
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'Eyes Right' by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript is a message from C.H. Spurgeon delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle. The main theme is the importance of having a clear and focused purpose in life. Spur |
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The Holiness of God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to the reality of God's holiness. He starts by highlighting the commandment in Exodus 20:3 to have no other god |
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Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 3 by Keith Green | In the video, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prioritizing plants and nature. He mentions that living in mansions and exceeding regular limits is not allowed, and encoura |
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When the Holy Spirit Departs by David Wilkerson | In the video, the preacher repeatedly emphasizes the message of "Get out." This phrase is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the message. The preach |
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The Promises of God - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the word of God. He shares his personal experience of receiving a Bible from God, which has brought him peace |