King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 20:18 Mean?
“And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
2 Kings 20:18 · KJV
Context
16
And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD.
17
Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.
18
And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
19
Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days? Is it: or, Shall there not be peace and truth, etc
20
And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of 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. 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.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 20 regarding god's mercy and human presumption?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsוּמִבָּנֶ֜יךָ1 of 12
“And of thy sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 12
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֵֽצְא֧וּ3 of 12
“that shall issue”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 12
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תּוֹלִ֖יד6 of 12
“from thee which thou shalt beget”
H3205to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
וְהָיוּ֙8 of 12
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
סָֽרִיסִ֔ים9 of 12
“and they shall be eunuchs”
H5631a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state
בָּבֶֽל׃12 of 12
“of Babylon”
H894babel (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 20:18 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 20:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge