2 Kings 20:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 20:3 mean?

2 Kings 20:3 records King Hezekiah’s heartfelt prayer to God after hearing he will soon die. Hezekiah pleads with the LORD to remember how he has lived faithfully, with a sincere heart, doing what is right, and he breaks down in deep sorrow.

Hezekiah is speaking directly to God after the prophet Isaiah tells him to set his house in order because he will not recover from his illness. In this moment of crisis, Hezekiah reminds God of his past faithfulness and integrity, using language that highlights his honesty (“in truth”) and wholehearted devotion (“with a perfect heart”). The verse ends with Hezekiah’s intense grief, showing how deeply the news affects him.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 20:3

• “beseech” (אָנָּה, ’an·nāh, H577): This word is a strong plea or urgent request, showing Hezekiah’s desperation and humility as he prays.
• “truth” (אֱמֶת, ’emeth, H571): This word means faithfulness, reliability, or sincerity. Hezekiah is not just claiming to be honest but to have lived with genuine faithfulness before God.
• “perfect” (שָׁלֵם, shalēm, H8003): This word means whole or complete. Hezekiah is saying his heart has been undivided and fully devoted to God, not just outwardly obedient.
• “wept sore” (בָּכָה, bakhah, H1058; גָּדוֹל, gadol, H1419): The phrase means he wept greatly or bitterly, emphasizing the depth of Hezekiah’s emotion and distress.

Why 2 Kings 20:3 matters

• This verse shows that even faithful people can feel desperate and plead honestly with God, not hiding their emotions or fears.
• Hezekiah’s prayer is not a boast but a reminder of his relationship with God, showing that personal integrity and faithfulness matter deeply in times of crisis.
• The verse sets up the dramatic reversal in the story, where God responds to Hezekiah’s prayer, highlighting the power of sincere, heartfelt prayer in the biblical narrative.