King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 19:34 Mean?

2 Kings 19:34 in the King James Version says “For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 19:34 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

36

So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.

Read 2 Kings 19 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

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

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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְגַנּוֹתִ֛י1 of 9

“For I will defend”

H1598

to hedge about, i.e., (generally) protect

אֶל2 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעִ֥יר3 of 9

“this city”

H5892

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

הַזֹּ֖את4 of 9
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לְהֽוֹשִׁיעָ֑הּ5 of 9

“to save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

לְמַֽעֲנִ֔י6 of 9
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

וּלְמַ֖עַן7 of 9
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

דָּוִ֥ד8 of 9

“David's”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַבְדִּֽי׃9 of 9

“it for mine own sake and for my servant”

H5650

a servant

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 19:34 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 19:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 11:12-132 Kings 20:61 Kings 15:4Isaiah 31:5Jeremiah 33:26Isaiah 38:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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