2 Kings 20:4
2 Kings 20:4 in Multiple Translations
Before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, the word of the LORD came to him, saying,
And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,
And it came to pass, before Isaiah was gone out into the middle part of the city, that the word of Jehovah came to him, saying,
Now before Isaiah had gone out of the middle of the town, the word of the Lord came to him, saying,
Before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, the Lord spoke to him, saying,
And afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle of the court, the worde of the Lord came to him, saying,
And it cometh to pass — Isaiah hath not gone out to the middle court — that the word of Jehovah hath been unto him, saying,
Before Isaiah had gone out into the middle part of the city, the LORD’s word came to him, saying,
And it came to pass, before Isaiah had gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,
And before Isaias was gone out of the middle of the court, the word of the Lord came to him, saying:
Isaiah left the king, but before he had crossed the middle courtyard of the palace, Yahweh gave him a message
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 20:4
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 20:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֣י
יְשַׁעְיָ֔הוּ
לֹ֣א
יָצָ֔א
ה/עיר
חָצֵ֖ר
הַ/תִּֽיכֹנָ֑ה
וּ/דְבַר
יְהוָ֔ה
הָיָ֥ה
אֵלָ֖י/ו
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְשַׁעְיָ֔הוּ
Yᵉshaʻyâh
H3470
Jeshaiah
N-proper
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָצָ֔א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
ה/עיר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
חָצֵ֖ר
châtsêr
H2691
court
N-cs
הַ/תִּֽיכֹנָ֑ה
tîykôwn
H8484
middle
Art | Adj
וּ/דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Conj | N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 20:4
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
יְשַׁעְיָ֔הוּ
Yᵉshaʻyâh
H3470
"Jeshaiah"
N-proper
Jeshaiah means 'Jehovah has saved' and is the name of several Israelites, including a son of Hananiah and a chief of the house of Elam, as mentioned in Nehemiah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.25.3; son of: Jeduthun (H3038); brother of: Obed-edom (H5654), Mattithiah (H4993H), Gedaliah (H1436I), Zeri (H6874), Hashabiah (H2811I) § Isaiah or Jesaiah or Jeshaiah = "Jehovah has saved" 1) son of Hananiah, brother of Pelatiah, and grandson of Zerubbabel 2) a Benjamite 3) son of Athaliah and chief of the house of Elam who returned with Ezra 4) a chief of the descendants of Merari who returned with Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Isaiah, Jesaiah, Jeshaiah. See also: 2 Kings 19:2; 2 Chronicles 32:32; Isaiah 1:1.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָצָ֔א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
ה/עיר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
חָצֵ֖ר
châtsêr
H2691
"court"
N-cs
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
הַ/תִּֽיכֹנָ֑ה
tîykôwn
H8484
"middle"
Art | Adj
Tiykon means middle or central, describing something as being in the middle or midst of something else. It is used to describe physical locations or positions.
Definition: middle
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: middle(-most), midst. See also: Exodus 26:28; 1 Kings 6:8; Ezekiel 42:6.
וּ/דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Conj | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
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 20:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 20:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 20:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 20:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:4
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 20:4
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 20:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:4
Context — Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery
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,
5“Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD. 6I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for My sake and for the sake of My servant David.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 22:14 | So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went and spoke to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 7:8 | And the palace where Solomon would live, set further back, was of similar construction. He also made a palace like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had married. |
2 Kings 20:4 Summary
This verse shows us that God is always ready to respond to our prayers, just like He did for Hezekiah. Before the prophet Isaiah had even left the middle courtyard, God spoke to him with a message for the king. This reminds us that God is a God who hears and answers prayer, as we see in Psalm 34:15 and Jeremiah 33:3. We can trust that God will respond to our prayers, just like He did for Hezekiah, and that He will work all things out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the phrase 'Before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard' in 2 Kings 20:4?
This phrase indicates that God's response to Hezekiah's prayer was immediate, as seen in 2 Kings 20:4, emphasizing God's swift and timely answers to our prayers, as also promised in Psalm 32:8 and Jeremiah 29:12.
How does this verse demonstrate God's character?
This verse shows that God is a God who hears and responds to the prayers of His people, as seen in 2 Kings 20:4-6, and is consistent with His character described in Exodus 34:6-7 and Psalm 86:5.
What can we learn from the fact that 'the word of the LORD came to' Isaiah in this verse?
This phrase teaches us that God communicates with His prophets and people, as seen in 2 Kings 20:4, and is a reminder of the importance of listening to God's voice, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and Isaiah 30:21.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 2 Kings 20?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as it marks the turning point from Hezekiah's prayer to God's response, as seen in 2 Kings 20:4-6, and is a reminder that our prayers can have a significant impact on the outcome of events, as seen in James 5:16-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to pray and seek God's immediate response, like Hezekiah did in 2 Kings 20:2-3?
- How can I, like Isaiah, be a vessel for God's word and message to others, as seen in 2 Kings 20:4?
- What are some ways that God has spoken to me or responded to my prayers in the past, and how can I remember and reflect on those experiences, as encouraged in Psalm 77:10-12?
- In what ways can I, like Hezekiah, demonstrate faith and wholehearted devotion to God, as seen in 2 Kings 20:3, and what are the potential outcomes of such faithfulness, as promised in Matthew 6:33 and Hebrews 11:6?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 20:4
And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court,.... Of the king's palace, which is called the other court within the porch, 1 Kings 7:8 so it is according to the marginal
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 20:4
And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court - of the royal castle.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:4
Into the middle court, to wit, of the king’ s palace; of which See Poole "". Or, into the middle city, as it is in the Hebrew. For some observe that there were three cities, or three parts of this city; one called the city of David in Zion; another called Jebus, or Salem; and a third, which was betwixt these two parts, and united them all into one city, called Jerusalem. This is noted to show God’ s great readiness to hear the sincere and fervent prayers of his children.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:4
2 Kings 20:4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,Ver. 4. Before Isaiah was gone out into the middle court.] So the Chetib. Or, Into the middle of the city; so the Cheri, or margin, hath it. It is probable that the king’ s court was like a city. The Turk’ s seraglio or palace is in circuit more than two miles. Before Isaiah was gone out into the court within the porch, he was sent again with this countermand. Oh, the power of prayer! “ Flectitur iratus voce rogante Deus. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:4
(4) Into the middle court.—This is the reading of some Heb. MSS., and of all the versions. The Hebrew text (city; see margin) is wrong. Before Isaiah had left the precincts of the palace, he was bidden to return. (Keil says that here, as in 2 Kings 10:25, the word rendered “city” denotes “castle,” i.e., the royal residence.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:4
Verse 4. Into the middle court] הצר hatstser, the court. This is the reading of the Masoretic Keri: העיר haair, "of the city," is the reading of the text, and of most MSS.; but the versions follow the Keri.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 20:4
4. into the middle court] R.V. middle part of the city. The variation is due to a difference of reading, the R.V. translating, as is nearly always the case, the Kethib. The LXX. and most of the versions render the Keri, which the A.V. follows. The Kethib has δφιψ, the Keri substitutes ηφψ, which latter is the word for the ‘court’ of the palace in the description of Solomon’s buildings (1 Kings 7:8). But the city of Jerusalem was built on two hills, the western of which was more than a hundred feet higher than the eastern. The expression in the text would apply exactly to the portion lying between these two, and there seems to be no reason for accepting the Keri. It probably has sprung from a desire to represent God as hearing prayer so readily that a favourable answer was given before the prophet was beyond the precincts of the palace. A description of the city will be found in Josephus, B. J. v. 4, 1, seqq. where the three parts of Jerusalem are noticed, the upper city (ἡἄνωπόλις) being Zion, the lower (ἡκάτωπόλις) Akra. Isaiah had, according to the Kethib, gone into the portion between these two.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 20:4
The middle court - i. e., of the royal palace. This is preferable to the marginal reading.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:4
4. The middle court — So the Keri and the ancient versions; but the Kethib seems to be the more ancient reading, the middle of the city, that is, the central part of Jerusalem.