2 Kings Chapter 20 · Verse 18

Authorized King James Version

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And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

Original Language Analysis

וּמִבָּנֶ֜יךָ And of thy sons H1121
וּמִבָּנֶ֜יךָ And of thy sons
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 1 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲשֶׁ֨ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 2 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֵֽצְא֧וּ that shall issue H3318
יֵֽצְא֧וּ that shall issue
Strong's: H3318
Word #: 3 of 12
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מִמְּךָ֛ H4480
מִמְּךָ֛
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 4 of 12
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 5 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תּוֹלִ֖יד from thee which thou shalt beget H3205
תּוֹלִ֖יד from thee which thou shalt beget
Strong's: H3205
Word #: 6 of 12
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
יִקָּ֑חּ shall they take away H3947
יִקָּ֑חּ shall they take away
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 7 of 12
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
וְהָיוּ֙ H1961
וְהָיוּ֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 8 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
סָֽרִיסִ֔ים and they shall be eunuchs H5631
סָֽרִיסִ֔ים and they shall be eunuchs
Strong's: H5631
Word #: 9 of 12
a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state
בְּהֵיכַ֖ל in the palace H1964
בְּהֵיכַ֖ל in the palace
Strong's: H1964
Word #: 10 of 12
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
מֶ֥לֶךְ of the king H4428
מֶ֥לֶךְ of the king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 11 of 12
a king
בָּבֶֽל׃ of Babylon H894
בָּבֶֽל׃ of Babylon
Strong's: H894
Word #: 12 of 12
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

Analysis & Commentary

And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 20: God's mercy and human presumption. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 20 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Questions for Reflection