2 Kings 20:3
I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֗ה
thee O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
thee O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
זְכָר
remember
H2142
זְכָר
remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
נָ֞א
H4994
נָ֞א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
4 of 18
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִתְהַלַּ֣כְתִּי
now how I have walked
H1980
הִתְהַלַּ֣כְתִּי
now how I have walked
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
7 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לְפָנֶ֗יךָ
before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֗יךָ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בֶּֽאֱמֶת֙
thee in truth
H571
בֶּֽאֱמֶת֙
thee in truth
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
9 of 18
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
שָׁלֵ֔ם
and with a perfect
H8003
שָׁלֵ֔ם
and with a perfect
Strong's:
H8003
Word #:
11 of 18
complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly
וְהַטּ֥וֹב
that which is good
H2896
וְהַטּ֥וֹב
that which is good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
12 of 18
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ
in thy sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ
in thy sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
13 of 18
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
עָשִׂ֑יתִי
and have done
H6213
עָשִׂ֑יתִי
and have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Nehemiah 13:22And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.Nehemiah 13:14Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.Nehemiah 5:19Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.Nehemiah 13:31And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.Luke 1:6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.1 Kings 8:61Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.
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
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 20 regarding god's mercy and human presumption?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 20: God's mercy and human presumption. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.