King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:14 Mean?

2 Kings 19:14 in the King James Version says “And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.”

2 Kings 19:14 · KJV

Context

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?

13

Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?

14

And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.

15

And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

16

LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.

Read 2 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before 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. 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 · 14 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 14

“received”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ2 of 14

“And Hezekiah”

H2396

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

אֶת3 of 14
H853

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

הַסְּפָרִ֛ים4 of 14

“the letter”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

מִיַּ֥ד5 of 14

“of 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

הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים6 of 14

“of the messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

וַיִּקְרָאֵ֑ם7 of 14

“and read”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וַיַּ֙עַל֙8 of 14

“went up”

H5927

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

בֵּ֣ית9 of 14

“into the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיִּפְרְשֵׂ֥הוּ11 of 14

“and spread”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ12 of 14

“And Hezekiah”

H2396

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

לִפְנֵ֥י13 of 14

“it 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

יְהוָֽה׃14 of 14

“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 19:14 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 19:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 37:14Psalms 123:1-4Psalms 91:1-21 Kings 8:28-30Psalms 74:10-11Ezra 9:5

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