2 Kings 20:10
2 Kings 20:10 in Multiple Translations
“It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.”
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to decline ten steps: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten steps.
And Hezekiah said in answer, It is a simple thing for the shade to go forward; but let it go back ten degrees.
“It's easy enough for the shadow to go forward ten steps, but not to go back ten steps,” Hezekiah answered.
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadowe to passe forward ten degrees: not so then, but let ye shadow go backe ten degrees.
And Hezekiah saith, 'It hath been light for the shadow to incline ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow turn backward ten degrees.'
Hezekiah answered, “It is a light thing for the shadow to go forward ten steps. No, but let the shadow return backward ten steps.”
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go forward ten degrees: no, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
And Ezechias said: It is an easy matter for the shadow to go forward ten lines: and I do not desire that this be done, but let it return back ten degrees.
Hezekiah replied, “It is easy to cause the shadow to move forward, because that is what it always does. Tell him to cause it to move backward ten steps/degrees.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 20:10
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2 Kings 20:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 20:10
Study Notes — 2 Kings 20:10
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 20:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 20:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 20:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:10
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:10
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 20:10
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 20:10
- Sermons on 2 Kings 20:10
Context — Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery
10“It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.”
11So Isaiah the prophet called out to the LORD, and He brought the shadow back the ten steps it had descended on the stairway of Ahaz. 12At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 3:18 | This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 2:10 | “You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. “Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so.” |
| 3 | John 14:12 | Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. |
| 4 | Mark 9:28–29 | After Jesus had gone into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” Jesus answered, “This kind cannot come out, except by prayer.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 49:6 | He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” |
2 Kings 20:10 Summary
[Hezekiah's response to Isaiah's offer of a sign from the Lord shows that he understood the natural order of things and the miracle that would be required to make the shadow go back, as stated in 2 Kings 20:10. He chose the more difficult option, which would be a greater demonstration of God's power. This response demonstrates Hezekiah's faith and trust in God, similar to the way God worked miracles in the past, such as in the book of Exodus. By trusting God for the impossible, we can see His power and glory in our lives, as promised in Isaiah 40:28-31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Hezekiah's response to Isaiah's offer of a sign from the Lord?
Hezekiah answered that it would be easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps, but not for it to go back ten steps, as stated in 2 Kings 20:10, showing his understanding of the natural order of things and the miracle that would be required to make the shadow go back.
Why did Hezekiah make this specific response to Isaiah?
Hezekiah's response in 2 Kings 20:10 indicates that he understood the significance of the miracle that Isaiah was offering, and he chose the more difficult option, which would be a greater demonstration of God's power, similar to the way God worked miracles in the past, such as in the book of Exodus.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
Hezekiah's response in 2 Kings 20:10 shows that he had faith and trust in God, as he was willing to ask for a sign that would be a clear demonstration of God's power, and he was not afraid to ask for something that seemed impossible, as seen in other examples of faith in the Bible, such as in Hebrews 11:1-40.
What can we learn from Hezekiah's example in this verse?
We can learn from Hezekiah's example in 2 Kings 20:10 that having faith and trust in God means being willing to ask for and expect great things from Him, even when they seem impossible, as stated in Ephesians 3:20 and Jeremiah 32:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God for a miracle, and how can I demonstrate that trust like Hezekiah did?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's power and sovereignty, like Hezekiah showed in his response to Isaiah?
- What are some ways that I can ask God for a sign or a demonstration of His power in my life, and how can I be prepared to respond in faith when He answers?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting God for the impossible, as seen in Hezekiah's response, to my own life and circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 20:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 20:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:10
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:10
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:10
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 20:10
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 20:10
Sermons on 2 Kings 20:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Let the Shadow Return Backward Ten Degrees. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the miraculous event of the shadow returning backward ten degrees, using it as a metaphor for the possibility of reclaiming lost time and experiences in our |
|
Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, Miss Coleman shares a powerful testimony of a father who had a revelation that Jesus is the true Messiah. The father struggled with the idea of admitting his previo |
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The Secret of Miracles Revealed in Jesus's Life by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the role of the Holy Trinity in our lives. God the Father is seated on His throne and is the giver of good and perfect gifts. Jesus, the Son, |
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Radical Christianity Is Normal by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and surrender to God, highlighting the dangers of being lukewarm in one's faith and the need for a true transformation by the |
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In Tribute to Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, Catherine Coogman reflects on her role as a preacher and the responsibility that comes with it. She describes the anticipation and fear she feels before stepping on |
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"Ministry of Jesus to Troubled disciples." Ch. 14 (Keswick Convention 1973) by Eric J. Alexander | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of resting on the wisdom, word, and work of God. He highlights that our faith and confidence should be specific and grounded |
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The Mantle of Elijah - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon focuses on the story of Elijah and Elisha from 2 Kings 2, highlighting the passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha and the desire for a double portion of God's Spir |





