And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:

2 KINGS 17:10KJV
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2 Kings 17:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 17:10 mean?

2 Kings 17:10 describes how the people of Israel set up images and groves as places of worship on every high hill and under every green tree. This verse shows that idol worship had become widespread and common throughout the land.

The verse is part of a passage where the writer explains why Israel was facing judgment and exile. The author is describing to the reader how the Israelites, instead of worshipping only the God of Israel, adopted the religious practices of the nations around them. The "images" and "groves" refer to objects and places used in idol worship, often set up in prominent or lush locations.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 17:10

  • "images" (מַצֵּבָה, matzevah): This word refers to stone pillars or standing stones, often used as objects of worship or memorials in ancient times. Here, it highlights the physical objects the Israelites set up for idol worship.
  • "groves" (אֲשֵׁרָה, asherah): This word points to wooden poles or trees dedicated to the goddess Asherah, a common Canaanite practice. The presence of these groves shows the adoption of foreign religious customs.
  • "high" (גָּבֹהַּ, gavohah) and "hill" (גִּבְעָה, giv'ah): These words together emphasize that the worship sites were placed on elevated ground, which was often thought to be closer to the divine in ancient cultures.
  • "green" (רַעֲנָן, ra'anan) and "tree" (עֵץ, etz): This phrase describes lush, leafy trees, which were seen as sacred spots for worship. The use of "every green tree" underlines how widespread the practice had become.

Why 2 Kings 17:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that idol worship was not limited to a few places but had spread everywhere, making it a national problem rather than just a local one.
  • The mention of both "high hills" and "green trees" shows that the Israelites were eager to find any attractive or prominent place to set up idol worship, ignoring the commands to worship only at the temple.
  • In the wider context, this verse helps explain why the northern kingdom of Israel eventually faced exile—it was not just a political or military issue, but a deep spiritual turning away from their covenant with God.

Where else these words appear

“green” Hebrew H7488 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:
  • Psalms 52:8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
  • Jeremiah 3:6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

“images” Hebrew H4676 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 28:18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
  • Exodus 34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
  • 2 Kings 23:14 And he brake in pieces the images, and cut down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men.

“high” Hebrew H1364 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
  • Psalms 104:18 The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.
  • Jeremiah 2:20 For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.

“groves” 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.