King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 20:5 Mean?

2 Kings 20:5 in the King James Version says “Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard t... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 20:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
שׁ֣וּב1 of 26

Turn again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אָמַ֤ר2 of 26

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל3 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִזְקִיָּ֣הוּ4 of 26

Hezekiah

H2396

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

נְגִיד5 of 26

the captain

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

עַמִּ֗י6 of 26

of my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כֹּֽה7 of 26
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֤ר8 of 26

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָֽה׃9 of 26

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵי֙10 of 26

the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

דָּוִ֣ד11 of 26

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֔יךָ12 of 26

thy father

H1

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

שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙13 of 26

I have heard

H8085

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

אֶת14 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תְּפִלָּתֶ֔ךָ15 of 26

thy prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

רָאִ֖יתִי16 of 26

I have seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת17 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דִּמְעָתֶ֑ךָ18 of 26

thy tears

H1832

weeping

הִנְנִי֙19 of 26
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

רֹ֣פֶא20 of 26

behold I will heal

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

לָ֔ךְ21 of 26
H0
בַּיּוֹם֙22 of 26

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י23 of 26

thee on the third

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

תַּֽעֲלֶ֖ה24 of 26

thou shalt go up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בֵּ֥ית25 of 26

unto the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָֽה׃26 of 26

of the LORD

H3068

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


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 20:5 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 20:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study