Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

2 CHRONICLES 32:26KJV
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2 Chronicles 32:26 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 32:26 mean?

2 Chronicles 32:26 says that King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem humbled themselves after Hezekiah’s pride, and because of this, God’s anger did not come upon them during Hezekiah’s lifetime. The verse highlights that their humility turned away the judgment that could have fallen on them.

This verse is part of a historical account where Hezekiah, king of Judah, had previously shown pride after God delivered him and Jerusalem from their enemies. The chronicler notes that both Hezekiah and the people recognized their wrong attitude and responded by humbling themselves before God. The focus is on their change of heart, which led to God withholding the punishment that might have otherwise come.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 32:26

  • "humbled" (כָּנַע, kanaʿ): This word means to bring oneself low or to submit. It emphasizes a deliberate act of lowering oneself before God, not just feeling sorry but actively changing attitude and behavior.
  • "pride" (גָּאוֹן, gaʾon): This word refers to arrogance or a sense of self-importance. The verse points out that it was specifically the pride in Hezekiah’s heart that needed to be addressed.
  • "wrath" (חֵמָה, chemah): This word means intense anger or fury. The verse makes clear that God’s wrath was real and imminent, but it was held back because of their humility.
  • "heart" (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of thought and will, not just emotion. The verse is saying Hezekiah’s problem was deep inside, not just outward actions.

Why 2 Chronicles 32:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s response to people is not automatic; humility can change the outcome, even after pride or wrongdoing.
  • The verse shows that both leaders and the community share responsibility for their spiritual state, as both Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem humbled themselves.
  • In the wider context, this verse explains why disaster did not strike Jerusalem during Hezekiah’s reign, connecting humility directly to God’s mercy in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“pride” Hebrew H1363 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
  • Psalms 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
  • Ezekiel 31:10 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;

“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.

“humbled” 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,

“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.