Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, even from Babylon.

2 KINGS 20:14KJV
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2 Kings 20:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 20:14 mean?

2 Kings 20:14 describes the prophet Isaiah coming to King Hezekiah and questioning him about the visitors who had come to see him, specifically asking what they said and where they came from. Hezekiah responds by saying that the men came from a distant country, Babylon.

Isaiah is confronting Hezekiah after he received envoys from Babylon, following Hezekiah’s recovery from illness. The verse shows Isaiah’s concern about Hezekiah’s interactions with foreign powers, setting up the warning Isaiah will give in the following verses. Hezekiah’s answer highlights the significance of Babylon, a nation far away but soon to become a major player in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 20:14

  • "came" (בָּא, bo) appears several times, emphasizing the act of arrival and movement—first of Isaiah to Hezekiah, then of the Babylonian envoys to Hezekiah.
  • "far" (רָחוֹק, rachoq) describes the distance of Babylon, underlining that these visitors are not local but from a remote and significant land.
  • "country" (אֶרֶץ, erets) is a general term for land or nation, here referring specifically to Babylon as a distinct political entity.
  • "Babylon" (בָּבֶל, Bavel) is named directly, marking the first time in this story that the future threat to Judah is identified by name.

Why 2 Kings 20:14 matters

  • This verse marks a turning point where Babylon is introduced as a key player, foreshadowing its later role in Judah’s downfall.
  • Isaiah’s questioning reveals the seriousness of Hezekiah’s actions in showing openness to foreign envoys, which will have consequences.
  • The verse connects Hezekiah’s personal story to the larger narrative of Israel’s future, highlighting how individual choices can impact national destiny.

Where else these words appear

“whence” Hebrew H370 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 29:4 And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.
  • Judges 17:9 And Micah said unto him, Whence comest thou? And he said unto him, I am a Levite of Bethlehemjudah, and I go to sojourn where I may find a place.
  • Job 28:12 But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

“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.

“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 20:3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
  • 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;

“far” Hebrew H7350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 22:4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
  • Isaiah 37:26 Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps.