King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:30 Mean?

2 Kings 19:30 in the King James Version says “And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. remnant...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 19:30 · KJV

Context

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

32

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it.

Read 2 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.

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 · 10 words
וְיָ֨סְפָ֜ה1 of 10

“shall yet again”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

פְּלֵיטַ֧ת2 of 10

“that is escaped”

H6413

deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

בֵּית3 of 10

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוּדָ֛ה4 of 10

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

הַנִּשְׁאָרָ֖ה5 of 10

“And the remnant”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

שֹׁ֣רֶשׁ6 of 10

“take root”

H8328

a root (literally or figuratively)

לְמָ֑טָּה7 of 10

“downward”

H4295

downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes

וְעָשָׂ֥ה8 of 10

“and bear”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

פְרִ֖י9 of 10

“fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

לְמָֽעְלָה׃10 of 10

“upward”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

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 19:30 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 19:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 27:62 Kings 19:4Isaiah 10:20-222 Chronicles 32:22-23Isaiah 1:9Isaiah 37:31-32

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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