I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.

2 KINGS 19:24KJV
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2 Kings 19:24 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 19:24 mean?

2 Kings 19:24 describes someone boasting that they have dug for and drunk foreign waters, and that with the sole of their feet they have dried up all the rivers of fortified cities. The verse is part of a speech showing pride in overcoming obstacles and claiming power over lands and resources that belonged to others.

The speaker in 2 Kings 19:24 is the king of Assyria, whose words are being reported as he threatens Jerusalem. He is bragging to King Hezekiah and the people of Judah about his past military successes, saying he has conquered distant lands ("strange waters") and overcome the defenses ("rivers of besieged places") of other cities. This verse is meant to highlight the arrogance and self-confidence of the Assyrian king as he challenges the God of Israel.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 19:24

  • "strange" (זָרִים, zarim): This word means "foreign" or "belonging to others." Here, it emphasizes that the waters the speaker claims to have accessed were not his own, but taken from lands he conquered.
  • "sole" (כַּף, kaf) and "feet" (רֶגֶל, regel): These words together paint a vivid picture of someone claiming to have such power that even the touch of their foot can dry up rivers, stressing the boastful exaggeration.
  • "dried" (חָרַב, charav): This verb means to dry up or make desolate, often used for rivers or lands. The speaker is claiming the ability to destroy or neutralize natural defenses, not just human ones.

Why 2 Kings 19:24 matters

  • This verse clears up that the Assyrian king is not just threatening military action, but is also claiming to have overcome natural barriers and resources that would normally protect cities.
  • The emphasis on "strange waters" and "rivers of besieged places" shows the extent of his conquests and the pride he takes in subduing what belongs to others.
  • In the wider passage, this speech sets up the contrast between human arrogance and God's response, highlighting the futility of boasting against the God of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“places” Hebrew H4693 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 19:6 And they shall turn the rivers far away; and the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.
  • Isaiah 37:25 I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.
  • Micah 7:12 In that day also he shall come even to thee from Assyria, and from the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain.

“digged” Hebrew H6979 · used in 5 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Isaiah 22:5 For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.
  • Isaiah 37:25 I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.

“dried” 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.

“rivers” Hebrew H2975 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
  • Exodus 7:24 And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.
  • Isaiah 37:25 I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.