King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:29 Mean?

2 Kings 19:29 in the King James Version says “And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such things as grow of themselves, and in the second year tha...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 19:29 · KJV

Context

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

31

For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this. they: Heb. the escaping

Read 2 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
וְזֶה1 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לְּךָ֣2 of 17
H0
הָא֔וֹת3 of 17

“And this shall be a sign”

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

וְאִכְל֥וּ4 of 17

“and eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה5 of 17

“this year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

סָפִ֔יחַ6 of 17

“such things as grow”

H5599

something (spontaneously) falling off, i.e., a self-sown crop; figuratively, a freshet

וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה7 of 17

“this year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית8 of 17

“of themselves and in the second”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

סָחִ֑ישׁ9 of 17

“that which springeth”

H7823

aftergrowth

וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה10 of 17

“this year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֗ית11 of 17

“of the same and in the third”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

זִרְע֧וּ12 of 17

“sow”

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

וְקִצְר֛וּ13 of 17

“ye and reap”

H7114

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

וְנִטְע֥וּ14 of 17

“and plant”

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

כְרָמִ֖ים15 of 17

“vineyards”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

וְאִכְל֥וּ16 of 17

“and eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

פִרְיָֽם׃17 of 17

“the fruits”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

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 19:29 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 19:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:20-222 Kings 20:8-9Exodus 3:12Luke 2:12Isaiah 37:30Leviticus 25:4-5

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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