Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,

2 KINGS 19:17KJV
Know the Bible

2 Kings 19:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 19:17 mean?

2 Kings 19:17 is a statement acknowledging that it is true—the kings of Assyria have destroyed many nations and their lands. The verse is an honest admission of the power and success of Assyria’s rulers in conquering other peoples.

In this verse, King Hezekiah of Judah is praying to the LORD (God), recognizing the real threat posed by Assyria. Hezekiah is not denying the danger; instead, he is admitting how powerful Assyria has been, which sets the stage for his plea for God’s help. This moment comes during a crisis, as Jerusalem faces invasion by the Assyrian army.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 19:17

  • "truth" (אֱמֶת, ’emet): This word means "truth" or "reality." Hezekiah is being straightforward with God, not sugarcoating the situation.
  • "destroyed" (חָרַב, charav): This verb means "to lay waste" or "to devastate." It emphasizes the thoroughness with which Assyria has conquered other lands.
  • "nations" (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This word refers to "peoples" or "nations," highlighting that Assyria’s conquests were widespread, affecting many different groups.

Why 2 Kings 19:17 matters

  • This verse shows Hezekiah’s honesty in prayer; he does not pretend the threat is less than it is, but brings the full reality before God.
  • By admitting Assyria’s power, Hezekiah sets up a contrast between human strength and God’s ability to save, which is a key theme in the surrounding story.
  • The verse helps readers understand the seriousness of the situation facing Jerusalem and why Hezekiah’s trust in the LORD is so significant.

Where else these words appear

“truth” Hebrew H551 · used in 9 verses

  • Ruth 3:12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
  • Job 12:2 No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.
  • Job 34:12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

“destroyed” Hebrew H2717 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
  • Isaiah 37:18 Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries,
  • Jeremiah 51:36 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

“Assyria” Hebrew H804 · used in 138 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 23:29 In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
  • Isaiah 36:13 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.