King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 20:14 Mean?

2 Kings 20:14 in the King James Version says “Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 20:14 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And he said, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All the things that are in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.

16

And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD.

Read 2 Kings 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. 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 · 21 words
בָּ֖אוּ1 of 21

“Then came”

H935

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

יְשַׁעְיָ֣הוּ2 of 21

“Isaiah”

H3470

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

הַנָּבִ֔יא3 of 21

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֶל4 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ5 of 21

“unto king”

H4428

a king

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ6 of 21

“Hezekiah”

H2396

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

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙7 of 21

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֜יו8 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מָ֥ה9 of 21
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙10 of 21

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֣ים11 of 21
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָאֵ֗לֶּה12 of 21
H428

these or those

וּמֵאַ֙יִן֙13 of 21

“and from whence”

H370

where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence)

בָּ֖אוּ14 of 21

“Then came”

H935

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

אֵלֶ֔יךָ15 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙16 of 21

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ17 of 21

“Hezekiah”

H2396

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

מֵאֶ֧רֶץ18 of 21

“country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

רְחוֹקָ֛ה19 of 21

“from a far”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

בָּ֖אוּ20 of 21

“Then came”

H935

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

מִבָּבֶֽל׃21 of 21

“even from Babylon”

H894

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

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 20:14 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 20:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 6:18-192 Chronicles 25:15-16Proverbs 25:122 Chronicles 25:7-92 Kings 5:25-26Amos 7:12-13

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in 2 Kings 20 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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