King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:31 Mean?

2 Kings 18:31 in the King James Version says “Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me,... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me, and then eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern: Make: or, Seek my favour: Heb. Make with me a blessing cistern: or, pit

2 Kings 18:31 · KJV


Context

29

Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand:

30

Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

31

Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me, and then eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern: Make: or, Seek my favour: Heb. Make with me a blessing cistern: or, pit

32

Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. persuadeth: or, deceiveth

33

Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me, and then eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern:

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 23 words
אַֽל1 of 23
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּשְׁמְע֖וּ2 of 23

Hearken

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶל3 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ4 of 23

not to Hezekiah

H2396

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

כִּי֩5 of 23
H3588

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

כֹ֨ה6 of 23
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֜ר7 of 23

for thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֶ֣לֶךְ8 of 23

the king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֗וּר9 of 23

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

עֲשֽׂוּ10 of 23

Make

H6213

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

אִתִּ֤י11 of 23
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְרָכָה֙12 of 23

an agreement with me by a present

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

וּצְא֣וּ13 of 23

and come out

H3318

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

אֵלַ֔י14 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאִכְל֤וּ15 of 23

to me and then eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אִ֥ישׁ16 of 23

and every one

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

גַּפְנוֹ֙17 of 23

of his own vine

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

אִ֥ישׁ18 of 23

and every one

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

תְּאֵֽנָת֔וֹ19 of 23

of his fig tree

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

וּשְׁת֖וּ20 of 23

and drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

אִ֥ישׁ21 of 23

and every one

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מֵֽי22 of 23

the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

בֹרֽוֹ׃23 of 23

of his cistern

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)


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 18:31 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 18:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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