Question 1

What does 2 Kings 13:6 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 13:6

Accepted Answer

"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.

Question 3

Why 2 Kings 13:6 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

2 Kings 13:6 (KJV)