2 Kings 19:21

KJV

This [is] the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the word {H1697} that the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696} concerning him; The virgin {H1330} the daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726} hath despised {H959} thee, and laughed thee to scorn {H3932}; the daughter {H1323} of Jerusalem {H3389} hath shaken {H5128} her head {H7218} at thee {H310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is ADONAI's answer concerning him: 'The virgin daughter of Tziyon despises you; she laughs you to scorn. The daughter of Yerushalayim shakes her head at you.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.

American Standard Version

This is the word that Jehovah hath spoken concerning him: The virgin daughter of Zion hath despised thee and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 19:21 presents a powerful divine oracle delivered by the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah, directly confronting the blasphemous threats of Sennacherib, king of Assyria. This verse encapsulates the LORD's absolute sovereignty and His protective defiance over Jerusalem, personified as "the virgin the daughter of Zion," which scorns and rejects the arrogant Assyrian monarch. It marks the commencement of God's decisive intervention, promising the humiliation of the seemingly invincible foe and the miraculous deliverance of His people, thereby upholding His honor and covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This divine declaration serves as the immediate and climactic answer to King Hezekiah's fervent and humble prayer for deliverance, recorded in [2 Kings 19:15-19](/2_kings/19-15-19 "2 Kings 19:15-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer"). Following Sennacherib's audacious and blasphemous letter, which directly challenged the supremacy of Yahweh, Hezekiah had spread the letter before the LORD in the temple, appealing to God's honor and His covenant with Israel. The preceding narrative details the Assyrian siege, the despair gripping Jerusalem, and Hezekiah's turning to God through Isaiah. Verse 21 initiates God's direct, authoritative prophetic response, setting the stage for the miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army ([2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Destruction of the Assyrian Army")) and Sennacherib's ignominious return and eventual assassination ([2 Kings 19:36-37](/2_kings/19-36-37 "2 Kings 19:36-37 - Sennacherib's Retreat and Death")). It marks a pivotal transition from human desperation and earnest supplication to divine assurance and decisive action.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During this period (circa 701 BCE), the Neo-Assyrian Empire stood as the preeminent superpower, notorious for its brutal military campaigns, systematic deportations, and psychological warfare. Sennacherib had already successfully conquered numerous fortified cities in Judah, including the strategically important Lachish, and Jerusalem itself was under siege. His taunts, meticulously recorded in [2 Kings 18:19-35](/2_kings/18-19-35 "2 Kings 18:19-35 - Rabshakeh's Taunts"), were meticulously crafted to demoralize the populace and undermine their faith in Judah's God, presenting Yahweh as merely another defeated deity among the many gods of conquered nations. Culturally, the personification of cities as women, often referred to as "daughters," was a widespread literary convention in ancient Near Eastern literature. This imagery could symbolize a city's identity, its vulnerability, or, as in this case, its defiant spirit. The specific designation "virgin" for Jerusalem underscored its unique, unviolated status under divine protection, signifying a city not yet "raped" or defiled by foreign conquest.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of 2 Kings and the broader prophetic corpus. First, it emphatically highlights God's **Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that no earthly power, however formidable, can ultimately thwart His divine will or defy His supreme authority. This resonates with the declaration in [Psalm 2:4-5](/psalms/2-4-5 "Psalm 2:4-5 - God Laughs at Kings"), where God laughs at the schemes of rebellious kings. Second, it profoundly underscores the theme of **Divine Reversal and the Humiliation of the Proud**. Sennacherib, who boasted incessantly of his conquests and openly mocked the God of Israel, is informed that Jerusalem, seemingly weak and besieged, will "despise" and "laugh him to scorn"—a dramatic and unexpected reversal of power dynamics, echoing the principle found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Third, the prophecy exemplifies the **Efficacy of Prayer**, as this divine word is a direct and immediate response to King Hezekiah's humble and desperate plea for intervention, demonstrating God's attentiveness to the cries of His people. Finally, it powerfully reinforces Jerusalem's **Special Covenant Status** as God's chosen city, protected by His divine presence and unwavering commitment, a theme consistently echoed throughout prophetic literature, such as in [Isaiah 31:5](/isaiah/31-5 "Isaiah 31:5 - God's Protection of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) signifies more than just a spoken utterance; it encompasses a matter, a thing, an affair, or a decree. In this context, it emphasizes the authoritative and binding nature of God's declaration. It is not merely a suggestion or a prediction, but a definitive statement of God's will and an assured outcome. The "word" of the LORD carries inherent power and certainty, guaranteeing its fulfillment.
* **Virgin (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** This word (H1330) denotes a maiden or a virgin, but here it is used figuratively to personify the city of Jerusalem. Its application to Jerusalem emphasizes the city's purity, its unviolated status, and its divine protection. It signifies that Jerusalem, unlike many other cities in the region, has not yet been conquered or defiled by a foreign army, and by God's decree, it will remain so. The use of "virgin" highlights God's unique covenant relationship with Jerusalem, implying its sacred and inviolable character in His eyes.
* **Despised (Hebrew, _bâzâh'_):** This verb (H959) means to treat with contempt, to disdain, or to scorn. It conveys a strong sense of utter rejection and disregard. When applied to Jerusalem's attitude toward Sennacherib, it indicates that the city, empowered by God, views the Assyrian king's threats as utterly worthless and beneath consideration. This is a profound shift from the fear that previously gripped its inhabitants, demonstrating a divinely infused confidence.
* **Laughed thee to scorn (Hebrew, _lâʻag'_):** This primitive root (H3932) means to deride, mock, or scoff. Used in conjunction with "despised," it expresses intense ridicule and utter contempt. It is not a polite dismissal but a public act of mockery, demonstrating Jerusalem's absolute confidence in God's protection and its disdain for Sennacherib's impotent boasts. This is a powerful divine reversal, as Sennacherib had previously mocked Judah's God, and now he is the object of scorn.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him;":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It makes clear that the ensuing prophecy is not Isaiah's personal opinion or Hezekiah's hopeful wish, but a direct, authoritative declaration from Yahweh (H3068) Himself. The phrase "concerning him" refers directly to Sennacherib, indicating that the following prophecy is a specific judgment against the Assyrian king and his audacious arrogance.
* **"The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn;":** Here, Jerusalem is powerfully personified as "the virgin the daughter of Zion," emphasizing its sacred and unviolated status under God's protection. This seemingly vulnerable entity is depicted as actively expressing profound contempt and mockery towards the mighty Sennacherib. This is a dramatic reversal of power dynamics, where the besieged city, empowered by God, scorns its would-be conqueror, reflecting God's own disdain for human pride and blasphemy.
* **"the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.":** This parallel phrase reinforces the previous one, employing another common gesture of contempt, rejection, and derision. To "shake the head" (H5128, H7218) at someone signifies disapproval, dismissal, and utter disdain, often accompanied by a sense of pity for their foolishness or impotence. This final gesture solidifies the image of Jerusalem's complete and confident rejection of Sennacherib's threats, knowing that God stands as her ultimate defender and vindicator.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is exceptionally rich in **Personification**, presenting Jerusalem as "the virgin the daughter of Zion" and "the daughter of Jerusalem." This device imbues the city with an active, defiant character, transforming it from a passive victim of siege into a confident participant in God's judgment. The city is portrayed as capable of despising, laughing, and shaking her head, actions typically reserved for individuals. **Irony** is powerfully employed, as the seemingly weak and besieged city is depicted as mocking the mighty conqueror, a stark reversal of expected power dynamics. This highlights the ultimate source of power residing not in military might but in divine sovereignty. Furthermore, the entire oracle functions as a form of **Prophetic Speech**, conveying God's direct and authoritative word through His prophet, emphasizing its certain and immutable nature. The use of strong, contemptuous verbs like "despised," "laughed to scorn," and "shaken her head" creates a vivid and emotionally charged image of divine and human disdain for Sennacherib's hubris, serving to underscore the certainty of his humiliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. It demonstrates that true strength lies not in military might or human arrogance, but in humble reliance on the LORD. God's defense of Jerusalem against Sennacherib is a powerful testament to His faithfulness, His ability to humble the proud, and His responsiveness to the prayers of His people. It foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all opposing forces, ensuring that those who trust in Him will ultimately be vindicated and protected. The divine scorn expressed here is a powerful reminder that God will not be mocked.

* [Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - God Laughs at Kings"): "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision."
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"): "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
* [Isaiah 37:22](/isaiah/37-22 "Isaiah 37:22 - Jerusalem's Scorn of Sennacherib"): "This [is] the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound message of 2 Kings 19:21 resonates deeply with believers facing seemingly insurmountable challenges in contemporary life. It serves as a potent reminder that no threat, no opposition, and no human power, however formidable, is beyond the sovereign control of God. When we find ourselves pressed by the "Sennacheribs" of our own lives—be they overwhelming anxieties, systemic injustices, profound personal struggles, or relentless spiritual attacks—our first and most potent recourse is humble, fervent prayer, precisely as King Hezekiah demonstrated. This verse offers the profound assurance that God hears and responds, often with dramatic reversals that defy all human expectation and logic. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of confident faith, knowing that our God is not only able but profoundly willing to defend His own. We are invited to "despise" and "laugh to scorn" the lies, intimidation, and empty boasts of the enemy, not out of our own strength or defiance, but out of an absolute and unwavering trust in the One who stands as our ultimate protector, vindicator, and deliverer. Our confidence is not rooted in our own resilience or strategic prowess, but in the unwavering faithfulness and omnipotence of the LORD.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Sennacheribs"—whether fears, challenges, or adversaries—are currently threatening your peace or faith, and how might you bring them before the LORD in prayer, as Hezekiah did?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to shift from a posture of fear or despair to one of confident "despising" and "laughing to scorn" at the enemy's boasts, trusting implicitly in God's sovereignty?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to rely wholly on God's divine protection and intervention rather than your own limited strength, resources, or strategies when facing overwhelming odds?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jerusalem called "the virgin the daughter of Zion"?**

Answer: This poetic and theological designation emphasizes Jerusalem's unique status and divine protection. "Daughter of Zion" (H1323, H6726) is a common personification of the city and its inhabitants in biblical literature, portraying it as a feminine entity. The addition of "virgin" (H1330) signifies that Jerusalem, at this precise moment, had not been conquered or defiled by a foreign power. It highlights God's covenant faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to preserving His chosen city from violation, underscoring its sacred and inviolable nature in His eyes. It is a powerful declaration that despite the overwhelming Assyrian threat, God would ensure Jerusalem remained unbreached, a virgin city. This imagery is found in other prophetic books, such as [Isaiah 37:22](/isaiah/37-22 "Isaiah 37:22 - Jerusalem's Scorn of Sennacherib") and [Lamentations 2:13](/lamentations/2-13 "Lamentations 2:13 - Daughter of Zion's Desolation").

**What happened to Sennacherib after this prophecy?**

Answer: Following this divine prophecy, the LORD miraculously intervened. That very night, an angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp, causing a catastrophic loss for Sennacherib's army (as recorded in [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - Destruction of the Assyrian Army")). Sennacherib, utterly humiliated and defeated, was forced to retreat from Judah and return to his capital, Nineveh. Years later, while worshipping in the temple of his god Nisroch, he was brutally assassinated by his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, who then fled to the land of Ararat ([2 Kings 19:36-37](/2_kings/19-36-37 "2 Kings 19:36-37 - Sennacherib's Retreat and Death")). This ignominious end precisely fulfilled the LORD's word concerning him, demonstrating God's absolute control over the destinies of nations and kings.

**How does this historical event relate to God's character?**

Answer: This event powerfully reveals several profound aspects of God's character. It demonstrates His **sovereignty** over all nations and their rulers, proving unequivocally that no earthly power can ultimately defy His will or thwart His purposes. It showcases His unwavering **faithfulness** to His covenant promises and His people, even when they are at their weakest and most vulnerable. It highlights His **justice** in humbling the proud and arrogant, particularly those who blaspheme His holy name and challenge His authority. Finally, and perhaps most pastorally, it underscores His profound **responsiveness** to the humble and fervent prayers of His servants, affirming that He hears and acts decisively on behalf of those who trust in Him, providing miraculous deliverance in seemingly impossible situations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The defiant scorn of "the virgin the daughter of Zion" against Sennacherib in [2 Kings 19:21](/2_kings/19-21 "2 Kings 19:21 - Jerusalem's Scorn of Sennacherib") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jerusalem, though seemingly vulnerable and besieged, was divinely protected from an overwhelming earthly foe, so too is the Church, the spiritual "daughter of Zion" and the pure bride of Christ, protected by her King from all spiritual adversaries. Christ Himself is the supreme fulfillment of God's protective promise. He faced down the ultimate "Sennacherib"—Satan, the dominion of sin, and the power of death—not through military might, but through His sacrificial death on the cross and His triumphant resurrection. On the cross, Jesus "despised" the shame and "laughed to scorn" the power of hell, utterly defeating the one who held the power of death ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith"); [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). His resurrection is the ultimate shaking of the head at the enemy's boasts, demonstrating the complete and final victory of life over death ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Through Christ, believers are empowered to stand firm, knowing that the spiritual forces that threaten them have been decisively defeated by their victorious Lord. The Church, as the new Jerusalem, is assured of final triumph because her Head has already conquered, and He continues to intercede for and protect His own until His glorious return and the consummation of His kingdom ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - New Jerusalem Descending"); [Revelation 22:1-5](/revelation/22-1-5 "Revelation 22:1-5 - The River of Life and the Tree of Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Lamentations 2:13

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach [is] great like the sea: who can heal thee?

Job 16:4

I also could speak as ye [do]: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.

Jeremiah 14:17

¶ Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.

Matthew 27:39

And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

Psalms 109:25

I became also a reproach unto them: [when] they looked upon me they shaked their heads.

Psalms 22:7

All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, [saying],