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.

2 KINGS 20:5KJV
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2 Kings 20:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 20:5 mean?

2 Kings 20:5 records God’s message to King Hezekiah that his prayer has been heard and his tears seen, and that God will heal him; within three days, Hezekiah will be able to go up to the temple of the LORD. This verse shows a direct and compassionate response from God, promising both healing and restored worship.

The prophet Isaiah is told by God to return to Hezekiah, who is gravely ill, and deliver this message of hope. The verse highlights a moment when Hezekiah’s sincere prayer and distress move God to act, reversing an earlier message of impending death. The promise that Hezekiah will go up to the house of the LORD in three days points to a full recovery and a return to public worship, which was central for a king of Judah.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 20:5

  • "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This word means to listen or pay attention. Here, it emphasizes that God is attentive and responsive to personal prayer, not distant or indifferent.
  • "tears" (דִּמְעָה, dim‘ah): The mention of tears underlines the emotional depth of Hezekiah’s plea, showing that God notices not just words but also heartfelt sorrow.
  • "heal" (רָפָא, rapha’): This word means to restore to health or make whole. God’s promise to heal is specific and personal, not just a general blessing.
  • "go up" (עָלָה, ‘alah): Often used for ascending to a high place, here it refers to returning to the temple, which stood on a hill in Jerusalem. This signals not just physical recovery but also spiritual restoration.

Why 2 Kings 20:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s response to prayer can be immediate and deeply personal, countering any idea that God is unmoved by human suffering.
  • The promise of healing within three days sets a concrete sign for Hezekiah, anchoring God’s word in a real, testable outcome rather than vague hope.
  • The connection to the house of the LORD shows that restored health is not just for personal comfort but for renewed participation in worship and community life, which was especially important for a king leading God’s people.

Where else these words appear

“tears” Hebrew H1832 · used in 22 verses

  • Psalms 6:6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
  • Jeremiah 14:17 Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.

“captain” Hebrew H5057 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:27 And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred;
  • 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.

“heal” Hebrew H7495 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.
  • Jeremiah 6:14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

“prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
  • Job 16:17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.
  • Psalms 102:17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.