2 Kings 20:1 Meaning and Explanation
“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Hezekiah falls mortally ill, and Isaiah brings the LORD's word that he will not recover but should put his affairs in order.
What Does 2 Kings 20:1 Mean?
This opens a new episode in the reign of Judah's faithful king Hezekiah, set during the same period as the Assyrian crisis of the previous chapters. The prophet Isaiah arrives with a blunt message: the illness is fatal, and the king should make ready for death.
To 'set thine house in order' is the counsel given to every mortal, for our days are numbered and known to God alone. Yet the verse also shows a God who sends warning in mercy, giving Hezekiah time to turn his heart heavenward. The nearness of death is meant to draw us toward the One who holds life in His hands.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 20:1
What does 2 Kings 20:1 mean?
Hezekiah falls mortally ill, and Isaiah brings the LORD's word that he will not recover but should put his affairs in order.