For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD.

2 CHRONICLES 28:19KJV
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2 Chronicles 28:19 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 28:19 mean?

2 Chronicles 28:19 says that the LORD humbled Judah and allowed them to suffer defeat because King Ahaz led the people into serious unfaithfulness, exposing them to shame and trouble. The verse points to Ahaz’s actions as the reason for Judah’s downfall, highlighting both his leadership failure and the people’s resulting vulnerability.

The Chronicler is describing a time when Judah, under King Ahaz, faced hardship and humiliation. Ahaz, called here “king of Israel” (a phrase sometimes used for the king over God’s people, even when ruling only Judah), is blamed for making Judah “naked”—meaning he left them defenseless and disgraced—by turning away from the LORD. This verse explains that Judah’s suffering was a direct result of Ahaz’s severe disobedience.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 28:19

  • “Brought low” (כָּנַע, kana‘): This word means to humble, subdue, or bring down. Here it shows that Judah’s troubles were not just bad luck but an act of God in response to their king’s actions.
  • “Made naked” (פָּרַע, para‘): This word can mean to expose, make bare, or leave unprotected. The verse uses it to picture Judah as left open to harm because of Ahaz’s choices, not just physically but also spiritually and morally.
  • “Transgressed sore” (מַעַל, ma‘al): This word means to act unfaithfully or to commit a serious breach of trust. The phrase stresses that Ahaz’s sin was not minor; it was a deep betrayal of the LORD.

Why 2 Chronicles 28:19 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Judah’s suffering was not random but directly tied to their king’s unfaithfulness, showing a cause-and-effect relationship between leadership and national well-being.
  • The use of “made Judah naked” emphasizes how sin can leave a community exposed and vulnerable, not just in a military sense but also in terms of honor and spiritual security.
  • By naming Ahaz’s actions as “transgressed sore,” the Chronicler highlights the seriousness of breaking faith with God, setting up the contrast with later kings who would try to lead Judah back to faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“made” Hebrew H6544 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 5:4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
  • Leviticus 21:10 And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;
  • Proverbs 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

“sore” Hebrew H4604 · used in 29 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
  • Joshua 22:20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.
  • Ezra 9:4 Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.

“brought” Hebrew H3665 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 26:41 And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:10 And since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the LORD will build thee an house.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

“transgressed” Hebrew H4603 · used in 35 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 2:7 And the sons of Carmi; Achar, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed.
  • Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.