King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 16:18 Mean?

2 Kings 16:18 in the King James Version says “And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.”

2 Kings 16:18 · KJV

Context

16

Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded.

17

And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones.

18

And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.

19

Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

20

And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

Read 2 Kings 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 16 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Ahaz's Apostasy) reflects the historical reality of desperate political alliances and religious syncretism as Judah faced external threats. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 16 regarding desperate alliances and religious compromise?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאֶת1 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מיּסַ֨ךְ2 of 16

“And the covert”

H4329

a portico (as covered)

הַשַּׁבָּ֜ת3 of 16

“for the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

אֲשֶׁר4 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּנ֣וּ5 of 16

“that they had built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בֵּ֣ית6 of 16

“he from the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְאֶת7 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מְב֤וֹא8 of 16

“entry”

H3996

an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with preposition) towards

מֶ֥לֶךְ9 of 16

“and the king's”

H4428

a king

הַֽחִיצ֔וֹנָה10 of 16

“without”

H2435

properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior; figuratively, secular (as opposed to sacred)

הֵסֵ֖ב11 of 16

“turned”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

בֵּ֣ית12 of 16

“he from the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֑ה13 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מִפְּנֵ֖י14 of 16

“for”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מֶ֥לֶךְ15 of 16

“and the king's”

H4428

a king

אַשּֽׁוּר׃16 of 16

“of Assyria”

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

2 Kings 16:18 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 Kings 16:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 11:51 Kings 10:5Ezekiel 46:2

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
View all places in 2 Kings 16 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 16 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes