For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.

2 KINGS 19:31KJV
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2 Kings 19:31 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 19:31 mean?

2 Kings 19:31 says that a group of survivors, called a "remnant," will come out of Jerusalem and Mount Zion, and that this will happen because of the LORD’s passionate commitment. The verse promises that even though Jerusalem faces great danger, God will make sure some people escape and continue on.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking these words to King Hezekiah of Judah during a crisis: the Assyrian army is threatening Jerusalem. Isaiah assures Hezekiah that Jerusalem will not be completely destroyed. The "remnant" means those who survive the attack, and "the zeal of the LORD of hosts" stresses that God’s own determination and care will make this rescue possible, not human effort.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 19:31

  • "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she'erit): This word means a small group left over after disaster. It highlights that God preserves a faithful group even when most are lost.
  • "zeal" (קִנְאָה, qin'ah): This word carries the sense of intense passion or jealousy. Here, it shows that God’s strong, personal commitment is the driving force behind saving the remnant.
  • "LORD of hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, YHWH tseva'ot): This title for God means "the LORD of armies," underlining God’s power and authority over all forces, not just Israel’s.

Why 2 Kings 19:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jerusalem’s survival is not due to its own strength or strategy, but because of God’s determined action.
  • It connects to a bigger theme in the Bible: God often preserves a "remnant" through times of judgment or crisis, showing both justice and mercy.
  • The verse reassures readers that even in desperate situations, God’s commitment to his people remains strong and effective.

Where else these words appear

“escape” Hebrew H6413 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 32:8 And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.
  • 2 Chronicles 30:6 So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.
  • Isaiah 37:31 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:

“zeal” Hebrew H7068 · used in 41 verses

  • Numbers 5:14 And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:
  • Proverbs 6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
  • Ezekiel 5:13 Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken it in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.

“remnant” Hebrew H7611 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 45:7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
  • Jeremiah 23:3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
  • Ezekiel 11:13 And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?