King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 16:20 Mean?

2 Kings 16:20 in the King James Version says “And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in h...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 16:20 · KJV

Context

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

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 13 words
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב1 of 13

“slept”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

אָחָז֙2 of 13

“And Ahaz”

H271

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

עִם3 of 13
H5973

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

אֲבֹתָ֖יו4 of 13

“with his fathers”

H1

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

וַיִּקָּבֵ֥ר5 of 13

“and was buried”

H6912

to inter

עִם6 of 13
H5973

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

אֲבֹתָ֖יו7 of 13

“with his fathers”

H1

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

בְּעִ֣יר8 of 13

“in the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

דָּוִ֑ד9 of 13

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ10 of 13

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

חִזְקִיָּ֥הוּ11 of 13

“and Hezekiah”

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

בְנ֖וֹ12 of 13

“his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃13 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

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 16:20 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 16:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 1:1Matthew 1:91 Chronicles 3:132 Chronicles 28:27-29:12 Kings 18:1Micah 1:1

Places in This Verse

City of DavidSettlement · Modern: City of David · 31.77°N, 35.24°E46 verses across 7 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