King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 20:4 Mean?

2 Kings 20:4 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court , that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, co...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court , that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, court: or, city”

2 Kings 20:4 · King James Version

Context

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

4

And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court , that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, court: or, city

5

Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.

6

And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

Read 2 Kings 20 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיְהִ֣י1 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יְשַֽׁעְיָ֔הוּ2 of 11

“And it came to pass afore Isaiah”

H3470

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

לֹ֣א3 of 11
H3808

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

יָצָ֔א4 of 11

“was gone out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הָצֵ֖יר5 of 11

“court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

הַתִּֽיכֹנָ֑ה6 of 11

“into the middle”

H8484

central

וּדְבַר7 of 11

“that the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

הָיָ֥ה9 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֵלָ֖יו10 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹֽר׃11 of 11

“came to him saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 20:4 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 20:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:82 Kings 22:14

Test Your Knowledge

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

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