In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 KINGS 20:1KJV
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2 Kings 20:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 20:1 mean?

2 Kings 20:1 describes a time when King Hezekiah became seriously ill, and the prophet Isaiah delivered a message from the LORD telling Hezekiah to prepare for his death because he would not recover. The verse shows a moment of crisis and warning, with a clear message that Hezekiah’s life was coming to an end.

The setting is the kingdom of Judah, where Hezekiah is king. Isaiah, identified as the son of Amoz and a prophet, comes directly to Hezekiah with a message from the LORD. The phrase “Set thine house in order” means Hezekiah is being told to make practical and personal preparations, as his death is imminent. This sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 20:1

  • The word for “sick” is חָלָה (chalah), which means to be weak or ill. This emphasizes that Hezekiah’s condition was severe and not just a minor illness.
  • “Set thine house in order” uses the word צָוָה (tsavah), meaning to command or give instructions. The sense here is not just tidying up, but giving final directions to one’s household or affairs.
  • The word for “die” is מוּת (muth), which is the standard Hebrew term for death, making the message from Isaiah very direct and unmistakable.

Why 2 Kings 20:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Hezekiah’s illness was life-threatening and not just a temporary setback, which explains the urgency of Isaiah’s message.
  • The instruction to “set thine house in order” highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for Hezekiah to prepare both personally and administratively for his death.
  • This moment introduces a turning point in Hezekiah’s story, leading to his famous prayer and the LORD’s response, which are key themes in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“Amoz” Hebrew H531 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:2 And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
  • Isaiah 20:2 At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

“Isaiah” Hebrew H3470 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:2 And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
  • 1 Chronicles 3:21 And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah.
  • Isaiah 13:1 The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

“sick” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 48:1 And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
  • 2 Kings 20:12 At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.
  • Isaiah 39:1 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.

“Hezekiah” Hebrew H2396 · used in 78 verses

  • 2 Kings 16:20 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 20:5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
  • Isaiah 36:16 Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern;