2 Kings 20:2
2 Kings 20:2 in Multiple Translations
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying,
Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,
Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto Jehovah, saying,
Then, turning his face to the wall, he made his prayer to the Lord, saying,
When Hezekiah heard this, he went to pray privately to the Lord, saying
Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying,
And he turneth round his face unto the wall, and prayeth unto Jehovah, saying,
Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the LORD, saying,
Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the LORD, saying,
And he turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying:
Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall and prayed,
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 20:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 20:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּסֵּ֥ב
אֶת
פָּנָ֖י/ו
אֶל
הַ/קִּ֑יר
וַ/יִּ֨תְפַּלֵּ֔ל
אֶל
יְהוָ֖ה
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יַּסֵּ֥ב
çâbab
H5437
to turn
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/קִּ֑יר
qîyr
H7023
wall
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּ֨תְפַּלֵּ֔ל
pâlal
H6419
to pray
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 20:2
וַ/יַּסֵּ֥ב
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/קִּ֑יר
qîyr
H7023
"wall"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.
וַ/יִּ֨תְפַּלֵּ֔ל
pâlal
H6419
"to pray"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.
Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 20:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 20:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 20:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 20:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:2
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 20:2
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 20:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:2
- Sermons on 2 Kings 20:2
Context — Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery
1In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’”
2Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying,
3“Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4Before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, the word of the LORD came to him, saying,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 50:15 | Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
| 2 | Matthew 6:6 | But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. |
| 3 | Isaiah 38:2–3 | Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 8:30 | Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive. |
2 Kings 20:2 Summary
In this verse, Hezekiah shows us what it means to humble ourselves before God and trust in His power and love. When Hezekiah received the news that he was going to die, he didn't give up - instead, he turned to God in prayer and asked for His help. This shows us that even in the toughest times, we can turn to God and trust that He will take care of us (as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Matthew 11:28). By turning his face to the wall and praying, Hezekiah was able to focus on God and seek His comfort and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hezekiah turn his face to the wall to pray?
Hezekiah likely turned his face to the wall to pray because he wanted to be alone with God and focus on his prayer, much like Elijah did in 1 Kings 18:42, and to humble himself before the Lord, as seen in Ezekiel 8:16-18.
What can we learn from Hezekiah's response to the prophecy of his death?
We can learn that even in the face of adversity, we can turn to God in prayer and trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 55:22.
How can we apply Hezekiah's example of prayer to our own lives?
We can apply Hezekiah's example by being honest with God about our fears and concerns, and by trusting in His goodness and love for us, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:25-34.
What role does faith play in Hezekiah's prayer?
Faith plays a significant role in Hezekiah's prayer, as he trusts in God's power and goodness, and asks Him to remember his faithful walk, as seen in 2 Kings 18:3-6 and Hebrews 11:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in your life where you need to turn to God in prayer, and how can you apply Hezekiah's example of humility and trust?
- How do you respond to difficult news or challenging circumstances, and what can you learn from Hezekiah's response to the prophecy of his death?
- In what ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, and how can you express that trust in your prayers?
- What are some ways you can prioritize prayer and quiet reflection in your daily life, and how can you make time to be alone with God?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 20:2
Ver. 2 [See comments on 2 Kings 20:1]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 20:2
Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, Turned his face to the wall.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:2
He turned his face to the wall; either because the temple lay that way; or rather, that by turning his face from the company he might intimate his desire of privacy, and so might with more freedom and fervency pour out his soul to God.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:2
2 Kings 20:2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,Ver. 2. Then he turned his face to the wall.] Not so much out of fear of death, - though nature at death will have a bout with the best; and to die actively is not every man’ s happiness; quis enim vult mori? prorsus nemo, saith one; death in itself is nature’ s slaughter-man, hell’ s harbinger, &c., - nor at all because he was uncertain whither he should go when he died, as Jerome would have it: but Isaiah’ s message of death was so harsh and heavy to him, because he had then died without issue, as appeareth in that Manasseh was but twelve years old at his father’ s death. φοβερωτατονοθανατος, περαςγαρ. - Arist., Ethic., lib. iii. cap. 6.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:2
(2) Then he turned his face.—And he turned his face round (1 Kings 21:4). Hezekiah did so to avoid being disturbed in his prayer; and perhaps because grief instinctively seeks a hiding-place.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 20:2
2. Then he turned his face to the wall] He was in deep sorrow, and would pray without being observed. Ahab did the like, but it was in childish petulance (1 Kings 21:4). If Manasseh was the eldest son of Hezekiah, the king was at this time childless, for Manasseh was but twelve years old at his father’s death. Hence not only his own life, but the succession of the house of David appeared likely to come to an end.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 20:2
He turned his face to the wall - Contrast 1 Kings 21:4. Ahab turned in sullenness, because he was too angry to converse; Hezekiah in devotion, because he wished to pray undisturbed.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:2
2. Turned his face to the wall — Towards the wall of his room, away from all present, so as not to be confused by the sight of men.
Sermons on 2 Kings 20:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Calling on the Name of the Lord by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of calling on the name of the Lord in times of trouble and need. It recounts personal experiences and biblical principles that highl |
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Gold Tried in the Fire by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his deep concern and disappointment with the modern gospel being preached on television. He believes that it is a disgrace to the name of Jes |
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(Basics) 29. Praise Brings Deliverance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God in difficult situations. He shares the story of King Jehoshaphat and how he led the people of Israel to victor |
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The Position of Power by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Jim Simba emphasizes the importance of prayer in our lives. He acknowledges that Satan tries to distract and cut us off from our supply line, which is prayer |
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Visitation by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison. Peter was imprisoned and guarded by four groups of soldiers, but the church fervently praye |
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Becoming True Worshipers by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher describes the vision of the prophet Isaiah, where he saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up. The preacher emphasizes the sovereignty of G |
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Testimony and Message by Venus Brooks | In this sermon, the speaker shares two personal stories of individuals who faced the crisis of death with absolute victory and no fear. The first story is about an 11-year-old girl |