2 Chronicles 31:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →After Hezekiah's Passover festival, the people destroyed idols and pagan altars throughout the land.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 31:1
Hezekiah's spiritual reforms begin with the people actively destroying idolatry.
What Does 2 Chronicles 31:1 Mean?
The Passover celebration ended with a zealous reformation. The assembled Israelites from multiple tribes moved through Judah and Benjamin, and even into Ephraim and Manasseh, systematically breaking idols and tearing down shrines to false gods. This action reflected a genuine turning toward genuine worship. The people then returned home, carrying renewed commitment to the Lord with them.
This destruction of idolatry was thorough and comprehensive, affecting the entire region under Hezekiah's influence. Religious cleansing required active participation from the people themselves, not merely royal decree. Each person returned to his own possessions and cities, meaning the reformation movement was real enough that ordinary Israelites took part without being forced.
2 Chronicles 31:1 in the Original Language
brake (broke) — from Hebrew שָׁבַר (shabar), 'to shatter or break in pieces'; emphasizes decisive destruction of idols.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 31:1
What does 2 Chronicles 31:1 mean?
After Hezekiah's Passover festival, the people destroyed idols and pagan altars throughout the land.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 31:1?
Hezekiah's spiritual reforms begin with the people actively destroying idolatry.