2 Chronicles 28:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ahaz practices child sacrifice, the most extreme violation of God's law.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 28:3
Ahaz's idolatry reaches its most severe form with child sacrifice.
What Does 2 Chronicles 28:3 Mean?
The valley of the son of Hinnom (Gehenna) becomes the site of Ahaz's most egregious sin: burning his own children in the fire to pagan gods. This practice had been explicitly forbidden in Deuteronomy and was considered an abomination. Ahaz is not merely tolerating these practices but actively participating in them as king.
By burning his children, Ahaz violates the most fundamental covenant relationship—the parent-child bond that reflected God's care for His people. The text emphasizes that these are 'abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out,' meaning Ahaz is literally adopting the exact practices that made those nations worthy of destruction.
2 Chronicles 28:3 in the Original Language
Hinnom (הִנֹּם) — the valley where Ahaz performed these sacrifices; later became a symbol for eternal judgment in Jewish teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 28:3
What does 2 Chronicles 28:3 mean?
Ahaz practices child sacrifice, the most extreme violation of God's law.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 28:3?
Ahaz's idolatry reaches its most severe form with child sacrifice.