King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:1 Mean?

2 Kings 19:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.”

2 Kings 19:1 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.

2

And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

3

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. blasphemy: or, provocation

Read 2 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. 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. 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 19 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (God Delivers Jerusalem) 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 19 regarding faith vindicated through divine intervention?
  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 · 12 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּשְׁמֹ֙עַ֙2 of 12

“heard”

H8085

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

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ3 of 12

“And it came to pass when king”

H4428

a king

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ4 of 12

“Hezekiah”

H2396

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

וַיִּקְרַ֖ע5 of 12

“it that he rent”

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

אֶת6 of 12
H853

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

בְּגָדָ֑יו7 of 12

“his clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וַיִּתְכַּ֣ס8 of 12

“and covered”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

בַּשָּׂ֔ק9 of 12

“himself with sackcloth”

H8242

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

וַיָּבֹ֖א10 of 12

“and went”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בֵּ֥ית11 of 12

“into the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃12 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 19:1 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 19:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 18:371 Kings 21:27Isaiah 37:1-7Genesis 37:342 Chronicles 32:20-22Jeremiah 36:24

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 19 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes