King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:22 Mean?

2 Kings 18:22 in the King James Version says “But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath ta...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?”

2 Kings 18:22 · KJV

Context

20

Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? sayest: or, talkest vain: Heb. word of the lips I have: or, but counsel and strength are for the war

21

Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him. trustest: Heb. trustest thee

22

But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?

23

Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them. pledges: or, hostages

24

How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

Read 2 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 · 24 words
וְכִֽי1 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר2 of 24

“But if ye say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֔י3 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶל4 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֥ה5 of 24

“in the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ6 of 24

“our God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בָּטָ֑חְנוּ7 of 24

“unto me We trust”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

הֲלוֹא8 of 24
H3808

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

ה֗וּא9 of 24
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֲשֶׁ֨ר10 of 24
H834

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

הֵסִ֤יר11 of 24

“hath taken away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

חִזְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙12 of 24

“Hezekiah”

H2396

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

אֶת13 of 24
H853

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

בָּֽמֹתָ֣יו14 of 24

“is not that he whose high places”

H1116

an elevation

וְאֶת15 of 24
H853

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֣חַ16 of 24

“and whose altars”

H4196

an altar

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר17 of 24

“But if ye say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִֽיהוּדָה֙18 of 24

“to Judah”

H3063

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

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃19 of 24

“and Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לִפְנֵי֙20 of 24

“before”

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֣חַ21 of 24

“and whose altars”

H4196

an altar

הַזֶּ֔ה22 of 24
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

תִּֽשְׁתַּחֲו֖וּ23 of 24

“Ye shall worship”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃24 of 24

“and Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 18:22 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 18:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 31:1Matthew 27:431 Corinthians 2:15Isaiah 36:7Daniel 3:152 Chronicles 32:12

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Kings 18 →

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