2 Kings 1:7
2 Kings 1:7 in Multiple Translations
The king asked them, “What sort of man came up to meet you and spoke these words to you?”
And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words?
And he said unto them, What manner of man was he that came up to meet you, and told you these words?
And he said to them, What sort of a man was it who came and said these words to you?
“What was he like, this man who met you and told you all this?” the king asked.
And he saide vnto them, What maner of man was he which came and met you, and tolde you these wordes?
And he saith unto them, 'What [is] the fashion of the man who hath come up to meet you, and speaketh unto you these words?'
He said to them, “What kind of man was he who came up to meet you and told you these words?”
And he said to them, What manner of man was he who came up to meet you, and told you these words?
And he said to them: What manner of man was he who met you, and spoke these words?
The king said to them, “The man who came to meet you and told that to you, what did he look like?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 1:7
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 1:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר
אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם
מֶ֚ה
מִשְׁפַּ֣ט
הָ/אִ֔ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
עָלָ֖ה
לִ/קְרַאתְ/כֶ֑ם
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר
אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם
אֶת
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מֶ֚ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
מִשְׁפַּ֣ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
הָ/אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָלָ֖ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ/קְרַאתְ/כֶ֑ם
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 1:7
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֶ֚ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
מִשְׁפַּ֣ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
הָ/אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָלָ֖ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
לִ/קְרַאתְ/כֶ֑ם
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 1:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Elijah Denounces Ahaziah
5When the messengers returned to the king, he asked them, “Why have you returned?”
6They replied, “A man came up to meet us and said, ‘Go back to the king who sent you and tell him that this is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending these men to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’”
7The king asked them, “What sort of man came up to meet you and spoke these words to you?”
8“He was a hairy man, ” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king. 9Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 28:14 | “What does he look like?” asked Saul. “An old man is coming up,” she replied. “And he is wearing a robe.” So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed facedown in reverence. |
| 2 | Judges 8:18 | Next, Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?” “Men like you,” they answered, “each one resembling the son of a king.” |
2 Kings 1:7 Summary
In this verse, King Ahaziah is trying to figure out who the man was who spoke to his messengers, because he wants to know who dared to speak against him. This shows that King Ahaziah was curious, but also possibly afraid of the prophet's message, which was a warning from the Lord, similar to the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and 1 Samuel 12:14-15. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn the importance of listening to God's messengers and obeying His word, as taught in Romans 2:11 and James 1:22-25, and seek to cultivate a deeper respect for the prophets of the Lord and their messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Ahaziah ask about the appearance of the man who spoke to the messengers?
King Ahaziah asked about the appearance of the man to identify him, possibly because he suspected it was Elijah, a well-known prophet of the Lord, as seen in 2 Kings 1:8, and understood the significance of his message, similar to the prophet's bold declarations in 1 Kings 21:17-24.
What can we learn from King Ahaziah's response to the messengers' report?
King Ahaziah's response shows his curiosity and possibly his fear of Elijah's message, which was a warning from the Lord, as seen in 2 Kings 1:6, and highlights the importance of listening to God's prophets, as taught in Deuteronomy 18:15 and Acts 3:22-23.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of 2 Kings 1?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as it reveals King Ahaziah's interest in the identity of the prophet and sets the stage for his confrontation with Elijah, which ultimately leads to the fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy, as seen in 2 Kings 1:17-18, and demonstrates the authority of God's word, as stated in Isaiah 55:11.
What does this verse teach us about the character of King Ahaziah?
This verse shows that King Ahaziah was a man who was aware of the prophets of the Lord, but did not necessarily fear or obey them, as seen in his actions in 2 Kings 1:9-16, and highlights the contrast between his actions and those of a king who fears the Lord, as described in Proverbs 24:21-22 and Psalm 112:1-10.
Reflection Questions
- What would I do if I received a message from the Lord through a prophet, like King Ahaziah did?
- How can I cultivate a deeper respect for the prophets of the Lord and their messages, as seen in the examples of Elijah and other biblical prophets?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking guidance from the wrong sources, like King Ahaziah did in 2 Kings 1:2-3, and how can I instead seek the Lord's guidance, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:12-14?
- How can I apply the lesson of King Ahaziah's story to my own life, avoiding the mistakes he made and instead following the example of those who fear and obey the Lord, as seen in Psalm 128:1-6 and Matthew 5:3-12?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 1:7
And he said unto them, what manner of man was he,.... What appearance or figure did he make? what his habit or clothing? which came up to meet you, and told you these words? they had related to him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 1:7
And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words? What manner of man was he which came up?
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:7
2 Kings 1:7 And he said unto them, What manner of man [was he] which came up to meet you, and told you these words?Ver. 7. What manner of man was he?] What was his stature, habit, and shape?
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:7
(7) He said.—Spake. (See Note on 2 Kings 1:3.) What manner of man?—See margin. The word mishpat here denotes the external characteristics and visible peculiarities by which a man is distinguished (shβphat) from his fellows. (Comp. our expressions “sort,” “fashion,” “style,” and the Vulgate, “Cujus figurζ et habitus est vir ille?” LXX., ἡκρίσις. Syriac, “appearance,” “look.” Targum, νόμος.)
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 1:7
7. What manner of man was he?] The Hebrew noun which is usually rendered ‘judgement’ is applied sometimes to external appearances of things. Thus Exodus 26:30, ‘Thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee’. From the answer of the messengers it is clear that the dress and external peculiarities are what is here meant. From them Ahaziah was able to judge who the man must be.