King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 21:19 Mean?

2 Chronicles 21:19 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness:...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.”

2 Chronicles 21:19 · KJV

Context

17

And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. carried: Heb. carried captive Jehoahaz: also called, Ahaziah, Chap.22.I. or, Azariah, ver.6.

18

And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease.

19

And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.

20

Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings. without: Heb. without desire

Read 2 Chronicles 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Complete apostasy bringing divine judgment. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיְהִ֣י1 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְיָמִ֣ים׀2 of 22

“And it came to pass that in process of time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לְיָמִ֣ים׀3 of 22

“And it came to pass that in process of time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וּכְעֵת֩4 of 22
H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

יָֽצְא֤וּ5 of 22

“after”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַקֵּ֜ץ6 of 22

“the end”

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

לְיָמִ֣ים׀7 of 22

“And it came to pass that in process of time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שְׁנַ֗יִם8 of 22

“of two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

יָֽצְא֤וּ9 of 22

“after”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֵעָיו֙10 of 22

“his bowels”

H4578

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

עִם11 of 22

“by reason”

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

חָלְי֔וֹ12 of 22

“of his sickness”

H2483

malady, anxiety, calamity

וַיָּ֖מָת13 of 22

“so he died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בְּתַֽחֲלֻאִ֣ים14 of 22

“diseases”

H8463

a malady

רָעִ֑ים15 of 22

“of sore”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וְלֹא16 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָ֨שׂוּ17 of 22

“made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

ל֥וֹ18 of 22
H0
עַמּ֛וֹ19 of 22

“And his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כִּשְׂרֵפַ֥ת20 of 22

“for him like the burning”

H8316

cremation

כִּשְׂרֵפַ֥ת21 of 22

“for him like the burning”

H8316

cremation

אֲבֹתָֽיו׃22 of 22

“of his fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 21:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 21:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 16:14Jeremiah 34:5

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