2 Kings 22:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Because Josiah's heart was tender and humbled, weeping before the LORD, the LORD has heard him.
What Does 2 Kings 22:19 Mean?
The LORD commends Josiah's response in detail: his heart was tender, he humbled himself, he tore his clothes and wept when he heard the word of judgment. Because of this, God says, I have heard you. The king's grief did not go unnoticed in heaven.
God treasures a soft and humble heart. Josiah could do nothing to undo his fathers' sins, but he could mourn, and that mourning moved the heart of God. This is the gospel's ancient pattern: the LORD draws near to the broken and contrite, and the one who weeps before Him is never turned away. Tender hearts are heard in heaven.
2 Kings 22:19 in the Original Language
rak (רַךְ), 'tender' -- soft and responsive, a heart easily moved by God's word.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 22:19
What does 2 Kings 22:19 mean?
Because Josiah's heart was tender and humbled, weeping before the LORD, the LORD has heard him.