Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, but walked therein: and there remained the grove also in Samaria.)

2 KINGS 13:6KJV
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2 Kings 13:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 13:6 mean?

2 Kings 13:6 says that even though some things changed in Israel, the people did not stop following the sinful practices started by Jeroboam. They continued in these ways, and the sacred grove (a site for idol worship) still remained in Samaria.

This verse is part of a summary about the spiritual state of Israel during the reign of Jehoahaz. The writer is explaining that, despite any outward improvements or relief from enemies, the core problem of idolatry and the legacy of Jeroboam’s false worship persisted. The mention of the “grove” points to ongoing idol worship in the capital city.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 13:6

  • "departed" (סוּר, sur): This word means to turn aside or remove. Here, it shows that the people did not turn away from the sinful practices.
  • "sins" (חַטָּאָה, chatta’ah) and "sin" (חָטָא, chata’): Both words are related to missing the mark or going astray, often used for moral or religious failure. The verse highlights that the people continued in the same wrong actions as before.
  • "grove" (אֲשֵׁרָה, asherah): This refers to a wooden idol or a sacred pole associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Asherah. The fact that it “remained” (עָמַד, amad) in Samaria shows that idol worship was still a public and accepted practice.

Why 2 Kings 13:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s main problem was not just political or military, but spiritual—persistent idolatry rooted in Jeroboam’s example.
  • The mention of the “grove” in Samaria shows that idol worship was not hidden but openly practiced in the nation’s capital.
  • This helps explain why, despite occasional relief from enemies, Israel continued to struggle; the people’s hearts and practices had not truly changed.

Where else these words appear

“grove” 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 17:6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.

“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.

“Samaria” Hebrew H8111 · used in 101 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:32 For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
  • 2 Kings 10:36 And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty and eight years.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:9 But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.