But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.

2 KINGS 10:31KJV
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2 Kings 10:31 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 10:31 mean?

2 Kings 10:31 gives a mixed verdict on King Jehu of Israel. Although Jehu had acted against the worship of Baal, he failed to give wholehearted attention to the LORD’s law and continued practices that had led Israel into sin.

The phrase “walk in the law” pictures obedience as a way of life, not just a single action. Coming after the LORD’s praise of Jehu in verse 30, this assessment distinguishes Jehu’s success in one task from the direction of his rule as a whole.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 10:31

  • “took no heed” — שָׁמַר (shamar): This word can mean to keep, guard, or take care. Here it presents Jehu’s failure as a lack of care in following the law.
  • “law” — תּוֹרָה (torah): This word can mean instruction as well as law. It points to the LORD’s teaching as the guide Jehu was expected to follow.
  • “heart” — לֵבָב (levav): This word can refer to a person’s inner life, including thought and intention. “With all his heart” describes the full commitment expected of Jehu.

Why 2 Kings 10:31 matters

  • Ending Baal worship did not mean Jehu ended every practice the account called sinful. Verse 29 identifies the continuing “sins of Jeroboam” with the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.
  • The verse treats a king’s conduct as having consequences for the nation. Jeroboam’s sins are described as those “which made Israel to sin,” linking the ruler’s actions with the people’s worship.
  • The praise in verse 30 is specific, not a blanket approval of Jehu’s reign. The LORD commends Jehu for carrying out judgment on Ahab’s family, while verse 31 gives a separate assessment of Jehu’s own conduct.

Where else these words appear

“Jehu” Hebrew H3058 · used in 54 verses

  • 1 Kings 16:1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,
  • 2 Kings 9:22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?
  • 2 Kings 10:30 And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.

“Jeroboam” Hebrew H3379 · used in 95 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.
  • 1 Kings 14:30 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.
  • 2 Kings 15:8 In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.