And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

2 CHRONICLES 32:21KJV
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2 Chronicles 32:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 32:21 mean?

2 Chronicles 32:21 describes how the LORD sent an angel who destroyed the strongest soldiers, leaders, and commanders in the Assyrian king’s camp, forcing the king to return home in disgrace. When the Assyrian king arrived at the temple of his god, his own sons killed him with the sword.

This verse is part of the story of King Hezekiah of Judah, who was threatened by King Sennacherib of Assyria. The verse explains the sudden and dramatic defeat of the Assyrian army, not by human hands, but by divine intervention. The king’s humiliating return and violent death in his own temple show the complete reversal of his fortunes.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 32:21

  • "angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh): This word means “messenger” and is often used for a supernatural being sent by God. Here, it emphasizes that the destruction of the Assyrian army was a direct act of God, not a human military victory.
  • "cut off" (כָּסָה, kasah): This word can mean to cover or to destroy. In this context, it is often understood as wiping out or eliminating, highlighting the total defeat of the Assyrian forces.
  • "shame" (בֹּשֶׁת, boshet): This word means disgrace or humiliation. The phrase “shame of face” underlines the public embarrassment and loss of honor experienced by the Assyrian king.
  • "bowels" (מֵעֶה, me’eh): Literally meaning “internal organs,” this word is used here to refer to the king’s own children or descendants, showing that his death came from within his own family.

Why 2 Chronicles 32:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the defeat of the Assyrians was not due to Judah’s military strength, but to God’s intervention, reinforcing the theme of divine deliverance.
  • The detail about the king’s own sons killing him in the temple of his god highlights the irony and completeness of his downfall, especially after he mocked the God of Israel.
  • The verse connects to the larger narrative showing how faith in God, rather than alliances or military might, was central to Judah’s survival during Hezekiah’s reign.

Where else these words appear

“shame” Hebrew H1322 · used in 29 verses

  • 1 Samuel 20:30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?
  • Psalms 132:18 His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
  • Jeremiah 7:19 Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces?

“off” Hebrew H3582 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 47:18 When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:
  • Job 4:7 Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?
  • Psalms 83:4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

“bowels” Hebrew H4578 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 15:4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
  • 2 Chronicles 21:19 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.
  • Isaiah 49:1 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

“leaders” Hebrew H5057 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.