2 Kings 19:21
This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.
Original Language Analysis
הַדָּבָ֔ר
This is the word
H1697
הַדָּבָ֔ר
This is the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 18
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֥ר
hath spoken
H1696
דִּבֶּ֥ר
hath spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 18
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עָלָ֑יו
H5921
עָלָ֑יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לָֽעֲגָ֣ה
thee and laughed thee to scorn
H3932
לָֽעֲגָ֣ה
thee and laughed thee to scorn
Strong's:
H3932
Word #:
9 of 18
to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly
בְּתוּלַת֙
concerning him The virgin
H1330
בְּתוּלַת֙
concerning him The virgin
Strong's:
H1330
Word #:
11 of 18
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
בַּ֖ת
the daughter
H1323
בַּ֖ת
the daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
12 of 18
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
צִיּ֔וֹן
of Zion
H6726
צִיּ֔וֹן
of Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
13 of 18
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
אַֽחֲרֶ֙יךָ֙
at thee
H310
אַֽחֲרֶ֙יךָ֙
at thee
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
רֹ֣אשׁ
her head
H7218
רֹ֣אשׁ
her head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
15 of 18
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הֵנִ֔יעָה
hath shaken
H5128
הֵנִ֔יעָה
hath shaken
Strong's:
H5128
Word #:
16 of 18
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
Cross References
Lamentations 2:13What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach is great like the sea: who can heal thee?Job 16:4I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.Jeremiah 14:17Therefore 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.Matthew 27:39And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,Psalms 109:25I became also a reproach unto them: when they looked upon me they shaked their heads.Lamentations 2:15All that pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 19 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (God Delivers Jerusalem) 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 19 regarding faith vindicated through divine intervention?
- 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
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Analysis & Commentary
This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 19: Faith vindicated through divine intervention. 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.