And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.

2 CHRONICLES 28:22KJV
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2 Chronicles 28:22 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 28:22 mean?

2 Chronicles 28:22 says that during King Ahaz’s time of trouble, instead of turning to God, he sinned even more against the LORD. The verse highlights that Ahaz’s response to hardship was not repentance, but a deepening of his unfaithfulness.

The Chronicler is describing King Ahaz of Judah, who ruled during a period of national crisis. Rather than seeking help from the LORD (H3068), Ahaz increased his wrongdoing (the word for “trespass” is often used for serious acts of disloyalty) when he was distressed. This verse sets up a contrast between what might be expected—turning to God in difficulty—and what Ahaz actually did.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 28:22

  • "Distress" (צָרָה, tsarah, H6887) refers to a time of great trouble or pressure. The word emphasizes that Ahaz was under intense hardship, not just minor difficulties.
  • "Trespass" (מָעַל, maal, H4603) means to act unfaithfully or betray a trust, especially in a relationship with God. This is stronger than just making a mistake; it suggests a deliberate turning away.
  • "More" (יָסַף, yasaf, H3254) means to add or increase. The verse stresses that Ahaz’s wrongdoing didn’t just continue—it actually grew worse during his crisis.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH, H3068) is the personal name of Israel’s God, making it clear that Ahaz’s actions were specifically against the God of his people.

Why 2 Chronicles 28:22 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that hardship always leads people to seek God; in Ahaz’s case, trouble led to even greater rebellion.
  • The verse highlights a key theme in Chronicles: the importance of faithfulness to the LORD, especially in difficult times.
  • By naming Ahaz directly, the writer draws attention to his personal responsibility for Judah’s spiritual decline, setting up a contrast with other kings who responded differently to crisis.

Where else these words appear

“trespass” Hebrew H4603 · used in 35 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 2:7 And the sons of Carmi; Achar, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed.
  • Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.

“Ahaz” Hebrew H271 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:38 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 16:20 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:21 For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.

“distress” Hebrew H6887 · used in 56 verses

  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:28 If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:
  • Psalms 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.