King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:13 Mean?

2 Kings 18:13 in the King James Version says “Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Jud...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them. Sennacherib: Heb. Sanherib”

2 Kings 18:13 · KJV

Context

11

And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes:

12

Because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD their God, but transgressed his covenant, and all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and would not hear them, nor do them.

13

Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them. Sennacherib: Heb. Sanherib

14

And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.

15

And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house.

Read 2 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

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 18 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Reforms and Assyrian Threat) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from Assyria. 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 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
  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 · 15 words
וּבְאַרְבַּע֩1 of 15

“Now in the fourteenth”

H702

four

עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה2 of 15
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָ֜ה3 of 15

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מֶֽלֶךְ4 of 15

“king”

H4428

a king

חִזְקִיָּ֗ה5 of 15

“Hezekiah”

H2396

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

עָלָ֞ה6 of 15

“come up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

סַנְחֵרִ֤יב7 of 15

“did Sennacherib”

H5576

sancherib, an assyrian king

מֶֽלֶךְ8 of 15

“king”

H4428

a king

אַשּׁוּר֙9 of 15

“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

עַ֣ל10 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל11 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרֵ֧י12 of 15

“cities”

H5892

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

יְהוּדָ֛ה13 of 15

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

הַבְּצֻר֖וֹת14 of 15

“against all the fenced”

H1219

to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)

וַֽיִּתְפְּשֵֽׂם׃15 of 15

“and took”

H8610

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

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 18:13 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 18:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 36:1-22Hosea 12:1-2Isaiah 10:5Isaiah 8:7-82 Chronicles 32:1-23Isaiah 7:17-25

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
View all places in 2 Kings 18 →

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