King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:10 Mean?

2 Kings 19:10 in the King James Version says “Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerus... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

2 Kings 19:10 · KJV


Context

8

So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish.

9

And when he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against thee: he sent messengers again unto Hezekiah, saying,

10

Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

11

Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly: and shalt thou be delivered?

12

Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

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.

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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 · 21 words
כֹּ֣ה1 of 21
H3541

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר2 of 21

Thus shall ye speak

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִזְקִיָּ֤הוּ4 of 21

to Hezekiah

H2396

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

מֶ֥לֶךְ5 of 21

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָה֙6 of 21

of Judah

H3063

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר7 of 21

Thus shall ye speak

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַל8 of 21
H408

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

יַשִּֽׁאֲךָ֣9 of 21

deceive

H5377

to lead astray, i.e., (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ10 of 21

Let not thy 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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 21
H834

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

אַתָּ֛ה12 of 21
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֹּטֵ֥חַ13 of 21

in whom thou trustest

H982

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

בּ֖וֹ14 of 21
H0
לֵאמֹ֑ר15 of 21

Thus shall ye speak

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֤א16 of 21
H3808

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

תִנָּתֵן֙17 of 21

shall not be delivered

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם18 of 21

Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

בְּיַ֖ד19 of 21

into the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מֶ֥לֶךְ20 of 21

king

H4428

a king

אַשּֽׁוּר׃21 of 21

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


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 19:10 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 19:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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