Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

2 CHRONICLES 19:3KJV
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2 Chronicles 19:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 19:3 mean?

2 Chronicles 19:3 records a message to King Jehoshaphat that recognizes good alongside his wrongdoing. Although he has been rebuked, the king is also credited with removing objects used in the worship of other gods and with setting his heart on seeking God.

Jehu, the messenger, speaks these words to Jehoshaphat after criticizing his alliance with the wicked King Ahab in verse 2. The word “Nevertheless” marks the turn from that rebuke to the good found in Jehoshaphat.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 19:3

  • “groves” — אֲשֵׁרָה (asherah): The word refers to objects associated with the worship of a goddess, often understood as wooden poles. “Groves” in the KJV can sound like groups of trees, but the objects in view were used in worship.
  • “prepared” — כּוּן (kun): The word carries the sense of making something ready or setting it firmly in place. Applied to Jehoshaphat’s heart, it pictures a settled direction rather than a passing thought.
  • “seek” — דָּרַשׁ (darash): The word can mean to seek or inquire. Here it describes Jehoshaphat’s desire to turn to God for guidance.

Why 2 Chronicles 19:3 matters

  • The message distinguishes between Jehoshaphat’s actions. Jehu rebukes his alliance with Ahab in verse 2, while recognizing different actions as good in verse 3.
  • The verse looks at both public action and inner purpose. Removing the groves affected the land, while preparing his heart concerned the king’s own intentions.
  • The good “found in thee” is connected to particular actions. Jehu names what Jehoshaphat had done rather than offering a general compliment.

Where else these words appear

“Nevertheless” Hebrew H61 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
  • 1 Kings 1:43 And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:17 Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the LORD their God only.

“groves” Hebrew H842 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
  • 1 Kings 18:19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:16 And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.

“away” Hebrew H1197 · used in 90 verses

  • Exodus 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
  • 2 Samuel 22:9 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
  • Isaiah 30:33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.