King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 22:19 Mean?

2 Kings 22:19 in the King James Version says “Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against t... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.

2 Kings 22:19 · KJV


Context

17

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

18

But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard;

19

Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.

20

Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 22: Rediscovery of God's word brings renewal. 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 22 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Josiah's Reform Begins) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. 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 22 regarding rediscovery of god's word brings renewal?
  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 · 27 words
יַ֠עַן1 of 27
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

רַךְ2 of 27

was tender

H7401

to soften (intransitively or transitively), used figuratively

לְבָ֨בְךָ֜3 of 27

Because thine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וַתִּכָּנַ֣ע׀4 of 27

and thou hast humbled

H3665

properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish

לְפָנָ֑י5 of 27

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָֽה׃6 of 27

the LORD

H3068

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

שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי7 of 27

me I also have heard

H8085

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבַּרְתִּי֩9 of 27

what I spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עַל10 of 27
H5921

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

הַמָּק֨וֹם11 of 27

against this place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּ֜ה12 of 27
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְעַל13 of 27
H5921

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

יֹֽשְׁבָ֗יו14 of 27

and against the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לִֽהְי֤וֹת15 of 27
H1961

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

לְשַׁמָּה֙16 of 27

thereof that they should become a desolation

H8047

ruin; by implication, consternation

וְלִקְלָלָ֔ה17 of 27

and a curse

H7045

vilification

וַתִּקְרַע֙18 of 27

and hast rent

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

אֶת19 of 27
H853

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

בְּגָדֶ֔יךָ20 of 27

thy clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וַתִּבְכֶּ֖ה21 of 27

and wept

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

לְפָנָ֑י22 of 27

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְגַ֧ם23 of 27
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אָֽנֹכִ֛י24 of 27
H595

i

שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי25 of 27

me I also have heard

H8085

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

נְאֻם26 of 27

thee saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃27 of 27

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 22:19 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 22:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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