King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 19:27 Mean?
“But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me. abode: or, sitting”
2 Kings 19:27 · KJV
Context
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.
29
And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such things as grow of themselves, and in the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBut I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.
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.
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.
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
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 19 regarding faith vindicated through divine intervention?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsוְשִׁבְתְּךָ֛1 of 7
“thy abode”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וְצֵֽאתְךָ֥2 of 7
“and thy going out”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
יָדָ֑עְתִּי4 of 7
“But I know”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וְאֵ֖ת5 of 7
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הִֽתְרַגֶּזְךָ֥6 of 7
“and thy rage”
H7264to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)
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 19:27 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 19:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge