King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:16 Mean?

2 Kings 19:16 in the King James Version says “LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 19:16 · King James Version


Context

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.

17

Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,

18

And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. cast: Heb. given


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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.

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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הַטֵּ֨ה1 of 17

bow down

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

יְהוָ֛ה2 of 17

LORD

H3068

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

אָזְנְךָ֙3 of 17

thine ear

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

וּשְׁמַ֗ע4 of 17

and hear

H8085

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

פְּקַ֧ח5 of 17

open

H6491

to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant

יְהוָ֛ה6 of 17

LORD

H3068

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

עֵינֶ֖יךָ7 of 17

thine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וּרְאֵ֑ה8 of 17

and see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וּשְׁמַ֗ע9 of 17

and hear

H8085

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

אֵ֚ת10 of 17
H853

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

דִּבְרֵ֣י11 of 17

the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

סַנְחֵרִ֔יב12 of 17

of Sennacherib

H5576

sancherib, an assyrian king

אֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 17
H834

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

שְׁלָח֔וֹ14 of 17

which hath sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לְחָרֵ֖ף15 of 17

him to reproach

H2778

to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

אֱלֹהִ֥ים16 of 17

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

חָֽי׃17 of 17

the living

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin


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 19:16 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 19:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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