King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:33 Mean?

2 Kings 19:33 in the King James Version says “By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 19:33 · KJV


Context

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.

34

For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

35

And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.


Commentary

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

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
בַּדֶּ֥רֶךְ1 of 12

By the way

H1870

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

אֲשֶׁר2 of 12
H834

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

יָבֹ֖א3 of 12

and shall not come

H935

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

בָּ֣הּ4 of 12
H0
יָשׁ֑וּב5 of 12

by the same shall he return

H7725

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

וְאֶל6 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעִ֥יר7 of 12

into this city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּ֛את8 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לֹ֥א9 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָבֹ֖א10 of 12

and shall not come

H935

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

נְאֻם11 of 12

saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃12 of 12

the LORD

H3068

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


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 19:33 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 19:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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