And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.

2 CHRONICLES 21:19KJV
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2 Chronicles 21:19 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 21:19 mean?

2 Chronicles 21:19 describes the painful and humiliating death of King Jehoram after two years of severe illness, during which his intestines came out because of his sickness, leading to his death. The people did not honor him with a traditional burning, as they had done for previous kings, showing their lack of respect for him.

This verse is part of the account of Jehoram, king of Judah, whose reign was marked by evil deeds and turning away from God. The writer is summarizing the end of Jehoram’s life, emphasizing both the severity of his disease and the dishonor he received in death, which was unusual for a king in Judah.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 21:19

  • "bowels" (מֵעֶה, me‘eh): This word refers to the intestines or inner organs. The verse uses it to describe the physical effects of Jehoram’s illness in a very graphic way, highlighting the severity of his suffering.
  • "burning" (שְׂרֵפָה, s'refah): This word means a ceremonial burning, not cremation, but a ritual burning of spices or materials to honor a king at his death. The absence of this for Jehoram signals that he was not respected or mourned as his ancestors were.
  • "sore" (רַע, ra‘): This word means "evil" or "bad." Here, it describes the nature of Jehoram’s diseases as particularly severe or grievous, underlining the idea that his suffering was extraordinary.

Why 2 Chronicles 21:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehoram’s death was not only physically terrible but also socially shameful, as he was denied the honors usually given to kings.
  • The detail about the lack of burning connects to the wider theme in Chronicles of God’s judgment on unfaithful rulers and the consequences of turning away from God.
  • It helps the reader understand the seriousness with which the Chronicler views the legacy of kings, showing that a dishonorable death and burial reflected a failed and disrespected reign.

Where else these words appear

“diseases” Hebrew H8463 · used in 5 verses

  • Deuteronomy 29:22 So that the generation to come of your children that shall rise up after you, and the stranger that shall come from a far land, shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses which the LORD hath laid upon it;
  • Psalms 103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
  • Jeremiah 14:18 If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

“burning” Hebrew H8316 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
  • Numbers 19:6 And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.
  • Isaiah 9:5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.

“sickness” Hebrew H2483 · used in 22 verses

  • Deuteronomy 7:15 And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.
  • 2 Kings 13:14 Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.
  • Isaiah 1:5 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

“reason” Hebrew H5973 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Genesis 48:12 And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
  • 1 Samuel 2:21 And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.