Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal.

2 KINGS 23:26KJV
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2 Kings 23:26 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 23:26 mean?

2 Kings 23:26 says that even after King Josiah’s reforms, the LORD did not turn away from his fierce anger against Judah, because of all the ways King Manasseh had provoked Him. The verse highlights that Judah’s past sins, especially under Manasseh, still brought consequences despite later efforts to change.

This verse is part of a summary about King Josiah’s reign. Josiah tried to bring the people back to God by removing idols and restoring worship, but the damage done by his predecessor, Manasseh, was so severe that God’s anger remained. The verse explains why, despite Josiah’s good actions, Judah still faced judgment.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 23:26

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that it is Israel’s covenant God who is acting.
  • fierceness (חֵמָה, chemah): This word means intense heat or fury, stressing the strength of God’s anger in this context.
  • wrath (אַף, aph): Literally “nose” or “anger,” this word often paints a picture of anger that is visible or deeply felt, showing how strongly God felt about Judah’s actions.
  • provocations (כַּעַס, ka’as): This word refers to actions that cause deep offense or anger, underlining that Manasseh’s behavior was not just wrong but deeply provoking to God.

Why 2 Kings 23:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that even sincere reforms cannot always erase the consequences of past actions, especially when those actions were severe and prolonged.
  • 2 Kings 23:26 shows that God’s response to sin can be lasting, and that the leadership of one person (like Manasseh) can have effects that last for generations.
  • The verse connects Josiah’s story to the larger narrative of Judah’s downfall, helping readers understand why judgment still came even after a good king tried to set things right.

Where else these words appear

“provocations” Hebrew H3708 · used in 25 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:19 And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.
  • Job 10:17 Thou renewest thy witnesses against me, and increasest thine indignation upon me; changes and war are against me.
  • Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

“fierceness” Hebrew H2740 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
  • Job 20:23 When he is about to fill his belly, God shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain it upon him while he is eating.
  • Jeremiah 25:38 He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger.

“provoked” Hebrew H3707 · used in 53 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:25 When thou shalt beget children, and children's children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger:
  • 1 Kings 22:53 For he served Baal, and worshipped him, and provoked to anger the LORD God of Israel, according to all that his father had done.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

“kindled” Hebrew H2734 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  • Deuteronomy 6:15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.