King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:26 Mean?

2 Kings 19:26 in the King James Version says “Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field,... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up. of small: Heb. short of hand

2 Kings 19:26 · KJV


Context

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

25

Hast thou not heard long ago how I have done it, and of ancient times that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste fenced cities into ruinous heaps. long: or, how I have made it long ago, and formed it of ancient times? should I now bring it to be laid waste, and fenced cities to be ruinous heaps?

26

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up. of small: Heb. short of hand

27

But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me. abode: or, sitting

28

Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.

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 · 15 words
וְיֹֽשְׁבֵיהֶן֙1 of 15

Therefore their inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

קִצְרֵי2 of 15

were of small

H7116

short (whether in size, number, life, strength or temper)

יָ֔ד3 of 15

power

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

חַ֖תּוּ4 of 15

they were dismayed

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

וַיֵּבֹ֑שׁוּ5 of 15

and confounded

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

הָי֞וּ6 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֵ֤שֶׂב7 of 15

they were as the grass

H6212

grass (or any tender shoot)

שָׂדֶה֙8 of 15

of the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

וִ֣ירַק9 of 15

and as the green

H3419

properly, green; concretely, a vegetable

דֶּ֔שֶׁא10 of 15

herb

H1877

a sprout; by analogy, grass

חֲצִ֣יר11 of 15

as the grass

H2682

grass; also a leek (collectively)

גַּגּ֔וֹת12 of 15

on the housetops

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

וּשְׁדֵפָ֖ה13 of 15

and as corn blasted

H7711

blight

לִפְנֵ֥י14 of 15

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

קָמָֽה׃15 of 15

it be grown up

H7054

something that rises, i.e., a stalk of grain


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 19:26 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 19:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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