2 Kings Chapter 20 · Verse 10
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
Original Language Analysis
יְחִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ
And Hezekiah
H3169
יְחִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ
And Hezekiah
Strong's:
H3169
Word #:
2 of 14
jechizkijah, the name of five israelites
נָקֵ֣ל
It is a light thing
H7043
נָקֵ֣ל
It is a light thing
Strong's:
H7043
Word #:
3 of 14
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
לִנְט֖וֹת
to go down
H5186
לִנְט֖וֹת
to go down
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
5 of 14
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
מַֽעֲלֽוֹת׃
degrees
H4609
מַֽעֲלֽוֹת׃
degrees
Strong's:
H4609
Word #:
7 of 14
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִ֔י
H3588
כִ֔י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָשׁ֥וּב
return
H7725
יָשׁ֥וּב
return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
10 of 14
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
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?
Analysis & Commentary
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 20: God's mercy and human presumption. 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.