Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.

2 KINGS 22:19KJV
Know the Bible

2 Kings 22:19 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 22:19 mean?

2 Kings 22:19 means that because the king’s heart was soft and humble before God, and he responded with genuine sorrow when he heard God’s warning about coming judgment, God listened to his prayer. The verse highlights that God noticed the king’s humility and grief, and responded with mercy.

In this verse, God is speaking to King Josiah of Judah through the prophetess Huldah. Josiah had heard the words of the Book of the Law, realized how far the people had strayed, and reacted by tearing his clothes and weeping. God acknowledges Josiah’s sincere response—his “tender heart” and humility—and assures him that his prayer has been heard.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 22:19

  • “heart” (לֵבָב, levav): This word refers to the inner self or will. The verse points out that Josiah’s response came from deep within, not just outward actions.
  • “tender” (רַךְ, rakh): This means soft or sensitive. It shows Josiah was open and responsive to God’s word, not hardened or stubborn.
  • “humbled” (כָּנַע, kana): This word means to bring oneself low or submit. Josiah did not defend himself or his people, but accepted God’s message with humility.
  • “heard” (שָׁמַע, shama): Used twice, this word means to listen with attention and respond. God assures Josiah that just as Josiah listened to God, God has listened to him.

Why 2 Kings 22:19 matters

  • 2 Kings 22:19 clarifies that God values a sincere, humble response to His word more than outward rituals or status.
  • The verse emphasizes that God is attentive to those who approach Him with genuine sorrow and humility, not just those in positions of power.
  • This verse connects to the wider story by showing why Josiah, unlike previous kings, receives a special promise of mercy despite the nation’s guilt.

Where else these words appear

“tender” Hebrew H7401 · used in 8 verses

  • Deuteronomy 20:3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;
  • Job 23:16 For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:
  • Isaiah 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

“humbled” Hebrew H3665 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 26:41 And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:
  • 1 Chronicles 18:1 Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

“curse” Hebrew H7045 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 27:12 My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.
  • Deuteronomy 29:27 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book:
  • Proverbs 27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

“desolation” Hebrew H8047 · used in 39 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:37 And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.
  • Jeremiah 18:16 To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.
  • Jeremiah 49:17 Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.