King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:21 Mean?

2 Kings 19:21 in the King James Version says “This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laugh...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.”

2 Kings 19:21 · King James Version

Context

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.

21

This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

22

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.

23

By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel. By: Heb. By the hand of tall: Heb. tallness, etc of his Carmel: or, and his fruitful field

Read 2 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
זֶ֣ה1 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הַדָּבָ֔ר2 of 18

“This is the word”

H1697

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

אֲשֶׁר3 of 18
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֥ר4 of 18

“hath spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֖ה5 of 18

“that the LORD”

H3068

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

עָלָ֑יו6 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּזָ֨ה7 of 18

“hath despised”

H959

to disesteem

לְךָ֜8 of 18
H0
לָֽעֲגָ֣ה9 of 18

“thee and laughed thee to scorn”

H3932

to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly

לְךָ֗10 of 18
H0
בְּתוּלַת֙11 of 18

“concerning him The virgin”

H1330

a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state

בַּ֖ת12 of 18

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

צִיּ֔וֹן13 of 18

“of Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

אַֽחֲרֶ֙יךָ֙14 of 18

“at thee”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

רֹ֣אשׁ15 of 18

“her head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הֵנִ֔יעָה16 of 18

“hath shaken”

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

בַּ֖ת17 of 18

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃18 of 18

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 19:21 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 19:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Lamentations 2:13Job 16:4Matthew 27:39Jeremiah 14:17Lamentations 2:15Psalms 109:25

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in 2 Kings 19 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

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