For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin.

2 KINGS 17:21KJV
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2 Kings 17:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 17:21 mean?

2 Kings 17:21 explains that Israel was separated from the royal family of David, and the people chose Jeroboam, son of Nebat, as their king. Jeroboam led Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a serious sin.

This verse is part of a summary explaining why the northern kingdom of Israel fell. The writer is describing how, after the united kingdom split, the ten northern tribes broke away ("rent Israel from the house of David") and made Jeroboam king. Jeroboam then introduced practices that led the people away from worshipping the LORD alone, which the text calls "a great sin."

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 17:21

  • "rent" (קָרַע, qāraʿ): This word means to tear or split apart. Here, it describes the dramatic division of the kingdom, emphasizing that Israel's break from David's line was not a peaceful transition but a tearing away.
  • "drave" (נָדַח, nādaḥ): This word means to drive away or push aside. It highlights that Jeroboam actively led the people away from following the LORD, not just by accident but by deliberate action.
  • "sin" (חָטָא, ḥāṭāʾ and חַטָּאָה, ḥaṭṭāʾāh): Both words are used here, reinforcing the seriousness of Israel's wrongdoing. The repetition underlines that this was not a minor mistake but a significant turning away from God.

Why 2 Kings 17:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the division of Israel and Judah was not just a political event but had deep spiritual consequences, especially because of Jeroboam's choices.
  • It emphasizes personal responsibility, showing that Jeroboam's actions directly influenced the nation's relationship with God.
  • The verse connects the fall of Israel back to a specific turning point, helping readers understand the cause-and-effect between leadership decisions and national destiny in the biblical narrative.

Where else these words appear

“drave” Hebrew H5077 · used in 3 verses

  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
  • Amos 6:3 Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;

“sin” Hebrew H2401 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.
  • Exodus 32:30 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.
  • Psalms 32:1 A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

“Nebat” Hebrew H5028 · used in 25 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 22:52 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin:
  • 2 Kings 15:18 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

“drave” Hebrew H5080 · used in 51 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.
  • Job 6:13 Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?
  • Jeremiah 29:14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.