King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:22 Mean?

2 Kings 19:22 in the King James Version says “Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 19:22 · KJV

Context

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

24

I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places. besieged: or, fenced

Read 2 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 14 words
אֶת1 of 14
H853

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

מִ֤י2 of 14
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

חֵרַ֙פְתָּ֙3 of 14

“Whom hast thou reproached”

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;

וְגִדַּ֔פְתָּ4 of 14

“and blasphemed”

H1442

to hack (with words), i.e., revile

וְעַל5 of 14
H5921

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

מִ֖י6 of 14
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

הֲרִימ֣וֹתָ7 of 14

“and against whom hast thou exalted”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

קּ֑וֹל8 of 14

“thy voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

וַתִּשָּׂ֥א9 of 14

“and lifted up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מָר֛וֹם10 of 14

“on high”

H4791

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

עֵינֶ֖יךָ11 of 14

“thine eyes”

H5869

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

עַל12 of 14
H5921

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

קְד֥וֹשׁ13 of 14

“even against the Holy”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃14 of 14

“One of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 19:22 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 19:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 5:24Psalms 71:22Isaiah 30:11-12Isaiah 30:15Jeremiah 51:52 Thessalonians 2:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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