King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 20:1 Mean?

2 Kings 20:1 in the King James Version says “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. Set: Heb. Give charge concerning thine house

2 Kings 20:1 · KJV


Context

1

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. Set: Heb. Give charge concerning thine house

2

Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,

3

I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. sore: Heb. with a great weeping


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 20: God's mercy and human presumption. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. 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 20 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery) 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 20 regarding god's mercy and human presumption?
  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 · 23 words
בַּיָּמִ֣ים1 of 23

In those days

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

הָהֵ֔ם2 of 23
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

חָלָ֥ה3 of 23

sick

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ4 of 23

was Hezekiah

H2396

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

מֵ֥ת5 of 23

for thou shalt die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וַיָּבֹ֣א6 of 23

came

H935

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

אֵ֠לָיו7 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְשַׁעְיָ֨הוּ8 of 23

Isaiah

H3470

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

בֶן9 of 23

the son

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

אָמ֜וֹץ10 of 23

of Amoz

H531

amots, an israelite

הַנָּבִ֗יא11 of 23

And the prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אָמַ֤ר12 of 23

to him and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֜יו13 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּֽה14 of 23
H3541

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

אָמַ֤ר15 of 23

to him and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙16 of 23

the LORD

H3068

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

צַ֣ו17 of 23

in order

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לְבֵיתֶ֔ךָ18 of 23

Set thine house

H1004

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

כִּ֛י19 of 23
H3588

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

מֵ֥ת20 of 23

for thou shalt die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אַתָּ֖ה21 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְלֹ֥א22 of 23
H3808

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

תִֽחְיֶֽה׃23 of 23

and not live

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive


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 20:1 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 20:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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