Old Testament
2 Kings 19:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Here is what the LORD has declared about him: The virgin daughter of Zion despises you and laughs you to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head at you.
Compare translations
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.
What 2 Kings 19:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is speaking about a powerful enemy who has been mocking His people. The 'virgin daughter of Zion' represents Jerusalem, a city that is strong and pure. God is saying that this city looks down on the enemy, laughing at their threats. The imagery of shaking heads shows disdain and confidence. It’s a powerful reminder that God protects His people and that their enemies will ultimately be humiliated. This declaration emphasizes that no matter how intimidating an enemy may seem, they are powerless against God’s will. The laughter and scorn from Zion symbolize hope and strength for those who trust in God. It reassures us that God stands with us against our challenges, and we can find comfort in His protection and support. This verse encourages us to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God is on our side, and that He will bring justice against those who oppose us. We can take heart, for God sees our struggles and will respond in our defense, bringing victory in His time.
How to apply 2 Kings 19:21 to your life
When facing challenges or opposition, remember that God is with you. Like Jerusalem, you can stand strong and confident, knowing that your struggles are seen by God. Trust in His protection and find comfort in His promises. Your faith can turn fear into laughter and scorn against your challenges, just as Zion did against its enemies. Stay steadfast in your belief and watch for God's deliverance in your life. You are not alone.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: The LORD Defends Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:1–37)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Isaiah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Kings 19:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Kings 19:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 19:21 mean?
2 Kings 19:21 conveys God's message that Jerusalem, represented as the 'virgin daughter of Zion,' looks down on its powerful enemy with disdain. It emphasizes God's protection over His people and their ultimate victory over threats.
What is the meaning of 'virgin daughter of Zion' in 2 Kings 19:21?
The phrase 'virgin daughter of Zion' refers to Jerusalem, symbolizing its purity and strength. It indicates that the city stands confidently against its enemies, showing that God defends His people.
How does 2 Kings 19:21 relate to God's protection?
In 2 Kings 19:21, God's declaration shows that He protects His people, as Jerusalem mocks its enemy. This illustrates that no matter how powerful an adversary may seem, they are ultimately powerless against God's will.
What themes are present in 2 Kings 19:21?
Key themes in 2 Kings 19:21 include God's protection over His people, the mockery of their enemies, the strength found in faith, hope for deliverance, and the assurance of divine justice.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.