King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 20:21 Mean?

2 Kings 20:21 in the King James Version says “And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.”

2 Kings 20:21 · King James Version

Context

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?

21

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

Read 2 Kings 20 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 20: God's mercy and human presumption. 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

  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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב1 of 8

“slept”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ2 of 8

“And Hezekiah”

H2396

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

עִם3 of 8
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲבֹתָ֑יו4 of 8

“with his fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ5 of 8

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

מְנַשֶּׁ֥ה6 of 8

“and Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

בְנ֖וֹ7 of 8

“his 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

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃8 of 8
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

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 20:21 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 20:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 32:332 Chronicles 26:232 Kings 21:181 Kings 11:431 Kings 2:101 Kings 14:31

Test Your Knowledge

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

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