And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.

2 CHRONICLES 27:2KJV
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2 Chronicles 27:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 27:2 mean?

2 Chronicles 27:2 describes how King Jotham did what was right in God’s eyes, following the good example of his father Uzziah, but unlike his father, Jotham did not enter the temple of the LORD. However, the people of Judah continued to act corruptly during his reign.

This verse is part of a summary about King Jotham’s rule over Judah. The writer notes that while Jotham personally remained faithful and avoided his father’s mistake of unlawfully entering the temple, the general population did not follow his example and continued in wrongdoing. The verse highlights the difference between a leader’s actions and the behavior of the people they lead.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 27:2

  • "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means "upright" or "straight," often used in the Bible to describe moral or ethical correctness. Here, it emphasizes that Jotham’s actions were in line with what God considers good.
  • "corruptly" (שָׁחַת, shachath): This word means to act destructively or ruinously. The verse uses it to show that, despite Jotham’s good leadership, the people’s behavior was still morally damaged or spoiled.

Why 2 Chronicles 27:2 matters

  • The verse clarifies that even a good and faithful leader cannot always change the hearts or actions of the people, showing a distinction between personal faithfulness and communal behavior.
  • By mentioning that Jotham did not enter the temple of the LORD, the verse points back to his father Uzziah’s mistake (which led to Uzziah’s punishment), highlighting Jotham’s wisdom in avoiding the same error.
  • This verse sets up a contrast that runs through the book: the actions of kings versus the spiritual state of the people, a recurring theme in the history of Judah.

Where else these words appear

“Uzziah” Hebrew H5818 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:13 Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:8 And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:23 So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

“temple” Hebrew H1964 · used in 76 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.
  • Nehemiah 6:11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.
  • Ezekiel 41:1 Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle.

“right” Hebrew H3477 · used in 119 verses

  • Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 29:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done.
  • Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

“corruptly” Hebrew H7843 · used in 136 verses

  • Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
  • 2 Samuel 1:14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?
  • Jeremiah 6:5 Arise, and let us go by night, and let us destroy her palaces.