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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.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 20:10

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 20:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ יְחִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ נָקֵ֣ל לַ/צֵּ֔ל לִ/נְט֖וֹת עֶ֣שֶׂר מַעֲל֑וֹת לֹ֣א כִ֔י יָשׁ֥וּב הַ/צֵּ֛ל אֲחֹרַנִּ֖ית עֶ֥שֶׂר מַעֲלֽוֹת
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְחִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ Chizqîyâh H2396 Hezekiah N-proper
נָקֵ֣ל qâlal H7043 to lighten V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
לַ/צֵּ֔ל tsêl H6738 shadow Prep | N-ms
לִ/נְט֖וֹת nâṭâh H5186 to stretch Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עֶ֣שֶׂר ʻeser H6235 ten Adj
מַעֲל֑וֹת maʻălâh H4609 thought N-fp
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
כִ֔י kîy H3588 for Conj
יָשׁ֥וּב shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הַ/צֵּ֛ל tsêl H6738 shadow Art | N-ms
אֲחֹרַנִּ֖ית ʼăchôrannîyth H322 backwards Adv
עֶ֥שֶׂר ʻeser H6235 ten Adj
מַעֲלֽוֹת maʻălâh H4609 thought N-fp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 20:10

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְחִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ Chizqîyâh H2396 "Hezekiah" N-proper
Hezekiah was a king of Judah who served Jehovah and removed idolatrous practices. He was the son of Ahaz and Abijah, and a great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet. His name means Jehovah is my strength.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1; father of: Amariah (H0568O) § Hezekiah or Hizkiah or Hizkijah = "Jehovah is my strength" 1) 12th king of Judah, son of Ahaz and Abijah; a good king in that he served Jehovah and did away with idolatrous practices 2) great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet 3) son of Neariah, a descendant of David 4) head of a family of returning exiles in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hizkijah. Compare H3169 (יְחִזְקִיָּה). See also: 2 Kings 16:20; 2 Chronicles 31:20; Proverbs 25:1.
נָקֵ֣ל qâlal H7043 "to lighten" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
לַ/צֵּ֔ל tsêl H6738 "shadow" Prep | N-ms
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
לִ/נְט֖וֹת nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
עֶ֣שֶׂר ʻeser H6235 "ten" Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
מַעֲל֑וֹת maʻălâh H4609 "thought" N-fp
Represents a step or journey upward, like the steps of a stair or a song of ascent, as in Psalm 120-134, which are songs the Israelites sang while traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It symbolizes spiritual ascent.
Definition: what comes up, thoughts
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story. See also: Exodus 20:26; Psalms 126:1; Psalms 120:1.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כִ֔י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָשׁ֥וּב shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
הַ/צֵּ֛ל tsêl H6738 "shadow" Art | N-ms
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
אֲחֹרַנִּ֖ית ʼăchôrannîyth H322 "backwards" Adv
Meaning backwards or the rear, this word describes something located at the back or something that is done in reverse.
Definition: backwards, back part, the rear
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: back (-ward, again). See also: Genesis 9:23; 2 Kings 20:10; Isaiah 38:8.
עֶ֥שֶׂר ʻeser H6235 "ten" Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
מַעֲלֽוֹת maʻălâh H4609 "thought" N-fp
Represents a step or journey upward, like the steps of a stair or a song of ascent, as in Psalm 120-134, which are songs the Israelites sang while traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It symbolizes spiritual ascent.
Definition: what comes up, thoughts
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story. See also: Exodus 20:26; Psalms 126:1; Psalms 120:1.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 20:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (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

  1. 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?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's power and sovereignty, like Hezekiah showed in his response to Isaiah?
  3. 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?
  4. 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

And Hezekiah answered, it is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees,.... That is, it was comparatively so, otherwise to go down ten degrees at once would be extraordinary and miraculous;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 20:10

And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees? No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:10

To go down ten degrees, to wit, in an instant; for that course or motion of the sun is natural for the kind of it, though miraculous for the swiftness of it; but the other would be both ways miraculous.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:10

2 Kings 20:10 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.Ver. 10. It is a light thing,] viz., In comparison of the sun’ s retrogradation, wherein both the substance of the thing and the manner were wholly miraculous, whether it were done in an instant, or in the set course of time, or its ordinary continual motion. See on 2 Kings 20:9.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:10

(10) It is a light thing for the shadow to go down.—Because that was the ordinary course of things. As a natural phenomenon, of course, the sudden extension of the shadow would have been as wonderful as its retrogression; but what is in any way a familiar occurrence must needs seem easier than what has never fallen under observation. To go down.—Rather, to spread. The LXX. has êëῖ ?íáé, another use of the Hebrew verb. The Targum, Syriac, and Arabic render “to go forward” (march).

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 20:10

10. It is a light thing for the shadow to go down [R.V. decline] ten degrees] R.V. steps. The verb is not the same as that translated ‘to go down’ in verse 11. The king’s meaning is that it appears more natural and therefore easier, for the shadow to make a sudden advance in the direction in which it has been already going, than to turn in the contrary way. let the shadow return backward ten degrees] R.V. steps. Thus reversing the order of nature.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 20:10

It is a light thing - It seemed to Hezekiah comparatively easy that the shadow, which had already begun to lengthen, should merely make a sudden jump in the same direction; but, wholly contrary to

Sermons on 2 Kings 20:10

SermonDescription
F.B. Meyer 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
Kathryn Kuhlman 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
Kathryn Kuhlman 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,
Francis Chan 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
Kathryn Kuhlman 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
Eric J. Alexander "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
David Wilkerson 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

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