2 Kings 22:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The LORD declares He will bring disaster on Jerusalem and its people, fulfilling the words of the book.
What Does 2 Kings 22:16 Mean?
The prophetic word begins with judgment: the LORD will bring calamity upon Jerusalem and its inhabitants, exactly as the book had warned. The curses written in the law for covenant unfaithfulness are not empty words; they will come to pass upon a people who turned away.
God's word proves true whether for blessing or for warning. The very book that exposed Judah's sin now confirms its consequence. Yet even this solemn declaration is an act of faithfulness, for God does not strike without first speaking. His warnings are the measure of His justice, and His justice is never separate from His holiness.
2 Kings 22:16 in the Original Language
raah (רָעָה), 'evil' -- calamity or disaster, here the judgment that follows broken covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 22:16
What does 2 Kings 22:16 mean?
The LORD declares He will bring disaster on Jerusalem and its people, fulfilling the words of the book.