But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

2 CHRONICLES 32:25KJV
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2 Chronicles 32:25 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 32:25 mean?

2 Chronicles 32:25 describes how King Hezekiah did not respond with gratitude or humility after receiving great help and blessing; instead, his pride led to trouble for himself and for the people of Judah and Jerusalem. The verse points out that Hezekiah’s heart became proud, and as a result, God’s anger came upon him and his kingdom.

This verse is part of a historical account where Hezekiah, king of Judah, had experienced deliverance from enemies and healing from illness, but failed to give proper thanks or recognition to God. The chronicler is explaining that Hezekiah’s pride ("his heart was lifted up") was the reason for the coming of divine wrath, affecting not just Hezekiah but also the entire nation under his rule.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 32:25

  • "benefit" (תּוֹבָה, tovah): This word means "goodness" or "kindness." The verse highlights that Hezekiah did not repay or acknowledge the goodness shown to him, emphasizing a lack of gratitude.
  • "heart" (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" refers to the inner self, including thoughts, will, and emotions. The phrase "his heart was lifted up" points to pride or arrogance, not just a fleeting feeling but a deep attitude.
  • "up" (גָּבַהּ, gavah): This word means "to be high" or "exalted." Here, it describes Hezekiah’s heart being "lifted up," which is a Hebrew way of saying he became proud.
  • "wrath" (קֶצֶף, qetsef): This word means "anger" or "wrath," often used for divine anger. The verse stresses that God’s displeasure was a direct result of Hezekiah’s prideful response.

Why 2 Chronicles 32:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that even a good and faithful leader like Hezekiah was not immune to pride, and that spiritual failure can have consequences for a whole community, not just an individual.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by showing a turning point: after great deliverance and blessing, Hezekiah’s pride led to a period of danger, underscoring the importance of humility after success.
  • The mention of God’s wrath on both Hezekiah and his people highlights the responsibility of leaders and how their actions can affect those they lead.

Where else these words appear

“benefit” Hebrew H1576 · used in 17 verses

  • Judges 9:16 Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands;
  • Proverbs 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
  • Isaiah 66:6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.

“wrath” Hebrew H7110 · used in 29 verses

  • Numbers 1:53 But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
  • 2 Chronicles 19:10 And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.
  • Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

“up” Hebrew H1361 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Samuel 10:23 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.
  • Psalms 131:1 A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
  • Ezekiel 17:24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it.

“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.