But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, which were better than thyself:

2 CHRONICLES 21:13KJV
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2 Chronicles 21:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 21:13 mean?

2 Chronicles 21:13 says that King Jehoram of Judah acted like the kings of Israel by leading Judah and Jerusalem into unfaithfulness, similar to the actions of Ahab’s family, and that he killed his own brothers, who were better than he was. The verse is a strong accusation against Jehoram, highlighting both his spiritual betrayal and his violence against his own family.

This verse is spoken by a prophet delivering God’s message to Jehoram. The prophet is confronting Jehoram for abandoning the ways of Judah’s faithful kings and instead copying the corrupt practices of Israel’s rulers, especially the infamous house of Ahab. The charge includes both idolatry (described as “whoring”) and the murder of his brothers, making clear the seriousness of Jehoram’s actions.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 21:13

  • “whoring” (זָנָה, zanah): This word often describes turning away from God to worship other gods, using the image of unfaithfulness in a marriage. Here, it emphasizes how Jehoram led the people into spiritual betrayal.
  • “whoredoms” (זָנוּת, zenut): This is a related word, stressing repeated or ongoing acts of unfaithfulness. The verse compares Judah’s behavior to the notorious idolatry of Ahab’s family in Israel.
  • “better” (טוֹב, tov): This word means “good” or “better.” The verse points out that Jehoram’s murdered brothers were morally superior, underlining the injustice and gravity of his actions.

Why 2 Chronicles 21:13 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Jehoram’s main failure was not just personal sin, but leading an entire nation astray, following the negative example of Israel’s kings rather than Judah’s.
  • By mentioning the house of Ahab, the verse connects Jehoram’s behavior to a well-known period of corruption and idolatry, making the warning more pointed for readers familiar with Israel’s history.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of Jehoram’s violence against his own family, showing that his actions broke both spiritual and moral boundaries, which helps explain the severe consequences that follow in the story.

Where else these words appear

“Ahab” Hebrew H256 · used in 81 verses

  • 1 Kings 16:28 So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 21:3 And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.
  • 2 Kings 9:7 And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

“whoring” Hebrew H2181 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 34:31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
  • 1 Kings 3:16 Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
  • Ezekiel 16:31 In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;