King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:3 Mean?

2 Kings 19:3 in the King James Version says “And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the childre... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. blasphemy: or, provocation

2 Kings 19:3 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.

2

And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

3

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. blasphemy: or, provocation

4

It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left. left: Heb. found

5

So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

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

  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 · 19 words
אָמַ֣ר1 of 19

And they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֗יו2 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּ֚ה3 of 19
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר4 of 19

And they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ5 of 19

Hezekiah

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

הַיּ֣וֹם6 of 19

This day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

צָרָ֧ה7 of 19

of trouble

H6869

transitively, a female rival

וְתֽוֹכֵחָ֛ה8 of 19

and of rebuke

H8433

chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)

וּנְאָצָ֖ה9 of 19

and blasphemy

H5007

scorn

הַיּ֣וֹם10 of 19

This day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֑ה11 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כִּ֣י12 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָ֤אוּ13 of 19

are come

H935

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

בָנִים֙14 of 19

for the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַד15 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מַשְׁבֵּ֔ר16 of 19

to the birth

H4866

the orifice of the womb (from which the fetus breaks forth)

וְכֹ֥חַ17 of 19

and there is not strength

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

אַ֖יִן18 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לְלֵדָֽה׃19 of 19

to bring forth

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage


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 19:3 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 19:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study