King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:18 Mean?

2 Kings 19:18 in the King James Version says “And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore th... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 19:18 · KJV


Context

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

19

Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.

20

Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. 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 · 16 words
וְנָֽתְנ֥וּ1 of 16

And have cast

H5414

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

אֶת2 of 16
H853

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

אֱלֹהִ֜ים3 of 16

for they were no gods

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

בָּאֵ֑שׁ4 of 16

into the fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

כִּי֩5 of 16
H3588

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

לֹ֨א6 of 16
H3808

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

אֱלֹהִ֜ים7 of 16

for they were no gods

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

הֵ֗מָּה8 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כִּ֣י9 of 16
H3588

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

אִם10 of 16
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֧ה11 of 16

but the work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יְדֵֽי12 of 16

hands

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

אָדָ֛ם13 of 16

of men's

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

עֵ֥ץ14 of 16

wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וָאֶ֖בֶן15 of 16

and stone

H68

a stone

וַֽיְאַבְּדֽוּם׃16 of 16

therefore they have destroyed

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)


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 19:18 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 19:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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