And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD.

2 KINGS 20:16KJV
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2 Kings 20:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 20:16 mean?

2 Kings 20:16 records the prophet Isaiah telling King Hezekiah to listen carefully to a message from God. This verse introduces a solemn announcement, signaling that what follows is not Isaiah’s own opinion but a direct word from the LORD.

Isaiah, a respected prophet, is speaking directly to Hezekiah, the king of Judah, after Hezekiah has shown Babylonian envoys all his treasures. The verse sets the stage for a serious prophecy about the future of Hezekiah’s kingdom, emphasizing that the message comes with divine authority and should be received with full attention.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 20:16

  • "Hear" — שְׁמַע (shema‘): This word means more than just listening; it often carries the sense of paying close attention and being ready to respond. Isaiah is calling Hezekiah not just to hear words, but to take them to heart.
  • "Word" — דָּבָר (davar): This term can mean a spoken message, matter, or event. Here, it stresses that the message is a specific, weighty communication from God, not casual speech.
  • "LORD" — יְהוָה (YHWH, often pronounced Yahweh): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, highlighting that the message comes from the highest authority, not merely from a human prophet.

Why 2 Kings 20:16 matters

  • This verse marks a turning point in the story, signaling that something important is about to be revealed to Hezekiah about his actions and their consequences.
  • The use of "Hear the word of the LORD" underlines the seriousness of the message and prepares the reader to expect a prophecy with lasting impact.
  • Understanding that Isaiah is delivering God’s direct word helps clarify that the coming warning or judgment is not personal opinion or political advice, but a divine revelation.

Where else these words appear

“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;