King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, [yet] unto the LORD their God only.
Complete Jewish Bible:
However, the people continued sacrificing on the high places, although only to ADONAI their God.
Berean Standard Bible:
Nevertheless, the people still sacrificed at the high places, but only to the LORD their God.
American Standard Version:
Nevertheless the people sacrificed still in the high places, but only unto Jehovah their God.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Nevertheless{H61} the people{H5971} did sacrifice{H2076} still in the high places{H1116}, yet unto the LORD{H3068} their God{H430} only.
Cross-References (KJV):
2 Chronicles 32:12
- Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?
2 Kings 15:4
- Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places.
2 Chronicles 15:17
- But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.
1 Kings 22:43
- And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; [for] the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.
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Commentary for 2 Chronicles 33:17
2 Chronicles 33:17 is a verse that captures a moment in the religious history of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, specifically during the reign of King Manasseh. The verse reads, "Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, [yet] unto the LORD their God only." This verse reflects the religious syncretism that was prevalent in Judah at the time, where the people, despite some reforms, continued to offer sacrifices at the "high places," which were local, often elevated, sanctuaries or shrines.
The historical context of this verse is set during the latter part of Manasseh's reign, which was notorious for its idolatry and apostasy. Manasseh himself had erected altars to Baal and other pagan gods, even to the extent of placing an Asherah pole and worshiping the host of heaven in the temple of the Lord (2 Chronicles 33:3-5). However, after being taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh repented and was restored to his kingdom. Upon his return, he attempted to undo some of the damage by removing foreign gods and mandating the worship of the Lord, the God of Israel (2 Chronicles 33:15-16).
Despite these reforms, the verse indicates that the people's habits were deeply ingrained, and they continued to use the high places for worship, albeit now directing their sacrifices solely to the Lord. This suggests a partial return to orthodoxy, where the people were willing to worship Yahweh, but not necessarily in the manner or the place that had been prescribed by the Law of Moses, which stipulated that sacrifices should be offered only in the Temple in Jerusalem.
The themes present in this verse include the struggle between true worship and religious compromise, the resilience of cultural practices, and the challenges of religious reform. It highlights the tension between formal religious observance and the heartfelt commitment to the will of God. The verse also speaks to the nature of repentance and change, showing that even when leaders initiate religious reforms, the transformation of a nation's spiritual practices requires time and may only be partially successful.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H61
There are 997 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֲבָל
Transliteration: ʼăbâl
Pronunciation: ab-awl'
Description: apparently from אָבַל through the idea of negation; nay, i.e. truly or yet; but, indeed, nevertheless, verily. - Strong's Number: H5971
There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַם
Transliteration: ʻam
Pronunciation: am
Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people. - Strong's Number: H2076
There are 127 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זָבַח
Transliteration: zâbach
Pronunciation: zaw-bakh'
Description: a primitive root; to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice); kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. - Strong's Number: H1116
There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָּמָה
Transliteration: bâmâh
Pronunciation: bam-maw'
Description: from an unused root (meaning to be high); an elevation; height, high place, wave. - Strong's Number: H3068
There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהֹוָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה. - Strong's Number: H430
There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.