In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign.

2 CHRONICLES 32:24KJV
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2 Chronicles 32:24 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 32:24 mean?

2 Chronicles 32:24 tells how King Hezekiah became extremely ill and, facing death, prayed to the LORD for help. In response, God spoke to Hezekiah and gave him a sign to confirm His answer.

This verse is part of a historical account about King Hezekiah of Judah. The setting is a time when Hezekiah was gravely sick, and his prayer shows his dependence on God. The sign God gave was meant as a clear assurance to Hezekiah that his prayer had been heard and that God would act on his behalf.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 32:24

  • "Prayed" (פָּלַל, palal): This word means to intercede or plead, highlighting that Hezekiah earnestly sought God's intervention rather than offering a casual request.
  • "Sign" (מוֹפֵת, mopheth): This term refers to a miraculous or extraordinary sign, not just a simple indication. It suggests that God provided a visible or undeniable proof of His promise to Hezekiah, which was significant for the king’s reassurance.

Why 2 Chronicles 32:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Hezekiah’s recovery was directly tied to his prayer and God’s personal response, not just a natural recovery or coincidence.
  • The mention of a "sign" emphasizes that God sometimes confirms His promises in tangible ways, especially in moments of crisis or doubt.
  • This event connects to the broader story of Hezekiah’s reign, showing both his vulnerability and his relationship with God, which is a recurring theme in the surrounding chapters.

Where else these words appear

“sign” Hebrew H4159 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 4:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.
  • Deuteronomy 28:46 And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever.
  • Psalms 105:27 They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

“Hezekiah” Hebrew H3169 · used in 42 verses

  • 2 Kings 20:10 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:2 And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:22 Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side.

“sick” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 48:1 And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
  • 2 Kings 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
  • Isaiah 39:1 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.

“prayed” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 1 Kings 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
  • Job 42:10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.