King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 20:12 Mean?

2 Kings 20:12 in the King James Version says “At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. Berodachbaladan: or, Merodachbaladan

2 Kings 20:12 · KJV


Context

10

And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.

11

And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz. dial: Heb. degrees

12

At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. Berodachbaladan: or, Merodachbaladan

13

And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. precious things: or, spicery armour: or, jewels: Heb. vessels

14

Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, even from Babylon.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
At that time Berodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 20: God's mercy and human presumption. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 · 18 words
בָּעֵ֣ת1 of 18

At that time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֡יא2 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שָׁלַ֡ח3 of 18

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בְּרֹאדַ֣ךְ4 of 18
H0
בַּ֠לְאֲדָן5 of 18

Berodachbaladan

H1255

berodak-baladan, a babylonian king

בֶּֽן6 of 18

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

בַּלְאֲדָ֧ן7 of 18

of Baladan

H1081

baladan, the name of a babylonian prince

מֶֽלֶךְ8 of 18

king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֛ל9 of 18

of Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

סְפָרִ֥ים10 of 18

letters

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

וּמִנְחָ֖ה11 of 18

and a present

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

אֶל12 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִזְקִיָּֽהוּ׃13 of 18

that Hezekiah

H2396

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

כִּ֣י14 of 18
H3588

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

שָׁמַ֔ע15 of 18

for he had heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

כִּ֥י16 of 18
H3588

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

חָלָ֖ה17 of 18

had been sick

H2470

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

חִזְקִיָּֽהוּ׃18 of 18

that Hezekiah

H2396

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


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 20:12 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 20:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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