King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:28 Mean?

2 Kings 19:28 in the King James Version says “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 b...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 19:28 · KJV

Context

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.

30

And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. remnant: Heb. escaping of the house of Judah that remaineth

Read 2 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
יַ֚עַן1 of 16
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

הִתְרַגֶּזְךָ֣2 of 16

“Because thy rage”

H7264

to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)

אֵלַ֔י3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְשַֽׁאֲנַנְךָ֖4 of 16

“against me and thy tumult”

H7600

secure; in a bad sense, haughty

עָלָ֣ה5 of 16

“is come up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בְאָזְנָ֑י6 of 16

“into mine ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

וְשַׂמְתִּ֨י7 of 16

“therefore I will put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

חַחִ֜י8 of 16

“my hook”

H2397

a ring for the nose (or lips)

בְּאַפֶּ֗ךָ9 of 16

“in thy nose”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

וּמִתְגִּי֙10 of 16

“and my bridle”

H4964

a bit

בִּשְׂפָתֶ֔יךָ11 of 16

“in thy lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

וַהֲשִׁ֣בֹתִ֔יךָ12 of 16

“and I will turn thee back”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ13 of 16

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אֲשֶׁר14 of 16
H834

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

בָּ֥אתָ15 of 16

“by which thou camest”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בָּֽהּ׃16 of 16
H0

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 19:28 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 19:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 29:4Ezekiel 38:42 Kings 19:33Amos 4:2Isaiah 30:28Job 41:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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