And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

2 KINGS 20:6KJV
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2 Kings 20:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 20:6 mean?

2 Kings 20:6 records God’s promise to King Hezekiah that He will extend Hezekiah’s life by fifteen years, deliver both Hezekiah and Jerusalem from the Assyrian king, and protect the city for God’s own sake and because of His promise to David. This verse highlights God’s direct intervention in response to Hezekiah’s prayer and His ongoing commitment to Jerusalem and the Davidic line.

In this scene, the prophet Isaiah is delivering God’s message to King Hezekiah, who has been gravely ill and has prayed for healing. God not only grants Hezekiah more years but also assures him of protection from the powerful Assyrian threat. The verse ties God’s actions to His faithfulness to David, emphasizing that God’s promises and purposes for Jerusalem are still in effect.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 20:6

  • "Add" (יָסַף, yasaf): This word means to increase or prolong. Here, it shows that God is not just healing Hezekiah but specifically extending his life by a set number of years.
  • "Deliver" (נָצַל, natsal): This verb means to snatch away or rescue. God’s promise to "deliver" Hezekiah and the city stresses a dramatic rescue from real danger, not just a general blessing.
  • "Defend" (גָּנַן, ganan): This word means to protect or shield. God’s commitment to "defend" Jerusalem points to active, ongoing protection, not just a one-time intervention.
  • "For my servant David’s sake" (דָּוִד, David): Mentioning David connects this promise to the covenant God made with David, underlining that God’s actions are rooted in His faithfulness to past promises.

Why 2 Kings 20:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s help for Hezekiah is not only personal but also national, tied to the fate of Jerusalem and the larger story of Israel.
  • The mention of David shows that God’s promises are long-lasting and not dependent only on the current king’s faithfulness.
  • The verse connects Hezekiah’s healing and Jerusalem’s deliverance, showing that God’s care for individuals and for His people as a whole are closely linked.

Where else these words appear

“defend” Hebrew H1598 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:34 For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
  • Isaiah 37:35 For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
  • Zechariah 9:15 The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar.

“Assyria” Hebrew H804 · used in 138 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 23:29 In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
  • Isaiah 36:13 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.