Old Testament
2 Kings 19:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his own sons Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with the sword. They escaped to the land of Armenia, and his son Esarhaddon became king in his place.
Compare translations
And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.
What 2 Kings 19:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a dramatic turn of events in the life of a king. While worshiping in the temple of his god, Nisroch, King Sennacherib is betrayed by his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer. They kill him with a sword, showing that even those closest to us can turn against us. After the murder, the sons flee to Armenia, leaving a power vacuum. Esarhaddon, Sennacherib's son, takes over as king. This story highlights themes of betrayal, the fragility of power, and the unexpected twists of fate. It reminds us that no matter how secure we feel, life can change in an instant. The actions of the sons reflect a deep-seated conflict, illustrating how personal grievances can lead to tragic outcomes. Ultimately, this passage serves as a cautionary tale about trust and the consequences of our choices, both personal and political. It encourages us to reflect on our relationships and the potential for betrayal that can exist within them, urging vigilance in our connections with others.
How to apply 2 Kings 19:37 to your life
This passage invites us to consider the nature of our relationships. Are there areas where we might be vulnerable to betrayal? It encourages us to build trust and open communication with those we care about. By doing so, we can create stronger bonds and avoid the pitfalls of conflict and misunderstanding. Reflect on your connections today and nurture them wisely. It’s essential to recognize the potential for change in our lives.
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 19:37
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 19:37
Related Bible verses
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 19:37 mean?
2 Kings 19:37 describes the assassination of King Sennacherib by his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god, Nisroch. This event highlights themes of betrayal and the instability of power, showing how quickly circumstances can change.
What is the significance of Sennacherib's death in 2 Kings 19:37?
The death of Sennacherib signifies a dramatic shift in leadership and illustrates the dangers of betrayal, even from family. It also sets the stage for his son Esarhaddon to become king, emphasizing the unpredictability of political power.
Who are Adrammelech and Sharezer in 2 Kings 19:37?
Adrammelech and Sharezer are the sons of King Sennacherib who conspired to kill him. Their actions reflect deep family conflict and the potential for betrayal within close relationships.
What themes are present in 2 Kings 19:37?
Key themes in 2 Kings 19:37 include betrayal, family conflict, the fragility of power, and unexpected change. The verse serves as a reminder of how quickly trust can be broken and the consequences that can follow.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.