King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:31 Mean?

2 Kings 19:31 in the King James Version says “For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts sha...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 19:31 · KJV

Context

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.

33

By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD.

Read 2 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 · 12 words
כִּ֤י1 of 12
H3588

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

מִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙2 of 12

“For out of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

תֵּצֵ֣א3 of 12

“shall go forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

שְׁאֵרִ֔ית4 of 12

“a remnant”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

וּפְלֵיטָ֖ה5 of 12

“and they that escape”

H6413

deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

מֵהַ֣ר6 of 12

“out of mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

צִיּ֑וֹן7 of 12

“Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

קִנְאַ֛ת8 of 12

“the zeal”

H7068

jealousy or envy

יְהוָ֥ה9 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָ֖אוֹת10 of 12
H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה11 of 12

“shall do”

H6213

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

זֹּֽאת׃12 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 19:31 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 19:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 9:7Romans 9:27Romans 11:5Isaiah 10:20Isaiah 59:17Ezekiel 20:9

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
Mount ZionHill · Modern: Mount Zion · 31.77°N, 35.23°E25 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Kings 19 →

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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