King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 20:6 Mean?

2 Kings 20:6 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 20:6 · King James Version


Context

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.

8

And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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

  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 · 21 words
וְהֹֽסַפְתִּ֣י1 of 21

And I will add

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

עַל2 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָמֶ֗יךָ3 of 21

unto thy days

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

חֲמֵ֤שׁ4 of 21

fifteen

H2568

five

עֶשְׂרֵה֙5 of 21
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָ֔ה6 of 21

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וּמִכַּ֤ף7 of 21

out of the hand

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

מֶֽלֶךְ8 of 21

of the king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁוּר֙9 of 21

of Assyria

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

אַצִּ֣ילְךָ֔10 of 21

and I will deliver

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

וְאֵ֖ת11 of 21
H853

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

הָעִ֣יר12 of 21

thee and this city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּ֑את13 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְגַנּוֹתִי֙14 of 21

and I will defend

H1598

to hedge about, i.e., (generally) protect

עַל15 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָעִ֣יר16 of 21

thee and this city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּ֔את17 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לְמַֽעֲנִ֔י18 of 21
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

וּלְמַ֖עַן19 of 21
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

דָּוִ֥ד20 of 21

David's

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַבְדִּֽי׃21 of 21

for mine own sake and for my servant

H5650

a servant


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 20:6 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 20:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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