# high place

## Definition:

The term “high places” refers to the altars and shrines that were used for worshiping idols. They were usually built on higher ground, such as on a hill or mountainside.

* Many of the kings of Israel sinned against God by building altars to false gods on these high places. This led the people to become deeply involved in worshiping idols.
* It often happened that when a God-fearing king started ruling in Israel or Judah, often he would remove the high places or altars in order to stop the worship of these idols.
* However, some of these good kings were careless and did not remove the high places, which resulted in the entire nation of Israel would continue to worship idols.

## Translation Suggestions:

* Other ways to translate this term could include “elevated places for idol worship” or “hilltop idol shrines” or “idol altar mounds.”
* Make sure it is clear that this term refers to the idol altars, not just to the high place where those altars were located.

(See also: [altar](../kt/altar.md), [false god](../kt/falsegod.md), [worship](../kt/worship.md))

## Bible References:

* [1 Samuel 9:12-13](rc://en/tn/help/1sa/09/12)
* [2 Kings 16:4](rc://en/tn/help/2ki/16/04)
* [Amos 4:13](rc://en/tn/help/amo/04/13)
* [Deuteronomy 33:29](rc://en/tn/help/deu/33/29)
* [Ezekiel 6:1-3](rc://en/tn/help/ezk/06/01)
* [Habakkuk 3:19](rc://en/tn/help/hab/03/19)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H1116, H1181, H1354, H2073, H4791, H7311, H7413
