2 Kings 3:18
2 Kings 3:18 in Multiple Translations
This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.
And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.
And this is but a light thing in the sight of Jehovah: he will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.
And this will be only a small thing to the Lord: in addition he will give the Moabites into your hands.
The Lord views this as something trivial to do; and he will also make you victorious over the Moabites.
But this is a small thing in the sight of the Lord: for he will giue Moab into your hande.
'And this hath been light in the eyes of Jehovah, and he hath given Moab into your hand,
This is an easy thing in the LORD’s sight. He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.
And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.
And this is a small thing in the sight of the Lord: moreover he will deliver also Moab into your hands.
That is not difficult for Yahweh to do. But he will do more than that. He will also enable you to defeat the army of Moab.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 3:18
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 3:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נָקַ֥ל
זֹ֖את
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
וְ/נָתַ֥ן
אֶת
מוֹאָ֖ב
בְּ/יֶדְ/כֶֽם
וְ/נָקַ֥ל
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
זֹ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/נָתַ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מוֹאָ֖ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
בְּ/יֶדְ/כֶֽם
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
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 3:18
וְ/נָקַ֥ל
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
Conj | V-Niphal-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.
זֹ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/נָתַ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
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.
מוֹאָ֖ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
בְּ/יֶדְ/כֶֽם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 3:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 3:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:18
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:18
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:18
- Sermons on 2 Kings 3:18
Context — Moab’s Rebellion
16and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’
17For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’
18This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.
19And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.” 20The next morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water suddenly flowed from the direction of Edom and filled the land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 32:27 | “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me? |
| 2 | Luke 1:37 | For no word from God will ever fail. ” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 32:17 | “Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! |
| 4 | 2 Kings 20:10 | “It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.” |
| 5 | Mark 10:27 | Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” |
| 6 | Ephesians 3:20 | Now to Him who is able to do so much more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, |
| 7 | 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.” |
| 8 | Ezekiel 8:17 | “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see this? Is it not enough for the house of Judah to commit the abominations they are practicing here, that they must also fill the land with violence and continually provoke Me to anger? Look, they are even putting the branch to their nose! |
| 9 | Isaiah 7:1–9 | Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind. Then the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out with your son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct that feeds the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field, and say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying: ‘Let us invade Judah, terrorize it, and divide it among ourselves. Then we can install the son of Tabeal over it as king.’ But this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘It will not arise; it will not happen. For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people. The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.’” |
| 10 | 1 Kings 20:13 | Meanwhile a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Do you see this entire great army? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand this very day, and you will know that I am the LORD.’” |
2 Kings 3:18 Summary
This verse means that God can do big things easily, even if they seem hard to us. The Israelites were going to fight a war against the Moabites, and God promised to help them win, which is similar to the promise in Exodus 14:14, where God says He will fight for us. We can trust God to do the same for us when we face challenges, and we should remember that with God, nothing is impossible, as Jesus says in Matthew 19:26.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that something is a 'simple matter' in God's sight?
This phrase means that what may seem impossible or difficult to us is easy for God to accomplish, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17, where the prophet declares that nothing is too hard for God.
How can we trust that God will deliver our enemies into our hand?
We can trust God's promises, like the one in Deuteronomy 20:4, which says that God will fight for us and give us victory over our enemies, just as He did for the Israelites in this verse.
What is the relationship between faith and the fulfillment of God's promises?
Faith is essential to seeing God's promises fulfilled in our lives, as stated in Hebrews 11:6, which says that without faith, it is impossible to please God, and as demonstrated by the Israelites' faith in God's promise to deliver the Moabites into their hand.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
This verse shows that spiritual warfare is not just about human strength or strategy, but about trusting in God's power and promises, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, which describes the armor of God and the importance of trusting in His power to overcome spiritual enemies.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God to do what seems impossible?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting God for the 'simple matters' in my life, just as the Israelites did in this verse?
- What are some promises of God that I can claim and trust in, just as the Israelites claimed the promise of victory over the Moabites?
- How can I demonstrate my faith in God's power and promises, like the Israelites did by following God's instructions to dig ditches in the valley?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:18
And this is but a light thing in the sight of the Lord,.... To give them such a plenty of water in such an extraordinary manner: he would do for them what was greater, not only save them from falling
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:18
And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:18
This is but a small favour in comparison of what he intends to you for Jehoshaphat’ s sake. He will give you more than you ask or expect. For they were so weakened and discouraged with the great drought, that they had no hopes of proceeding in the offensive war, and thought it sufficient, if it were possible, to defend themselves from the Moabites, .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:18
2 Kings 3:18 And this is [but] a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.Ver. 18. And this is but a light thing.] A great thing it was in itself considered - else Lysimachus would never have parted with his kingdom for a cup of water, to save his life; but behold a greater, and admire the goodness of God to an undeserving people.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:18
(18) Is but a light thing.—Will be a light thing (1 Kings 16:31). He will deliver the Moabites.—The contrary of Jehoram’s expectation (2 Kings 3:10; 2 Kings 3:13).
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:18
18. And this is but a light thing] For the expression cf. below ch. 2 Kings 20:10. What God gives, He gives to the full. He will not only guide the forces of nature so that the bodily wants of the armies shall be supplied, but will crown their expedition with success.
Sermons on 2 Kings 3:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God Can Fix Anything by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God to fix anything that has gone wrong in our lives. He starts by reminding the congregation that everyone needs something fix |
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Our God Can Fix Anything by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that no matter how far gone someone may seem, they are never too far gone for God to fix. He shares a story of a father who went to great le |
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Pastor Chuck Smith's Last Sermon - Be Strong in the Faith by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the importance of faith and not staggering at the promises of God, using the example of Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promise of a child despite seemi |
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Can These Bones Live? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's ways and plans are beyond human understanding. He highlights God's strength, mercy, and willingness to forgive and give strength |
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Help for Those That Seek It by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of believing in a Creator and seeing God in creation. He highlights that believing in a Creator gives life meaning and |
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Go Therefore - Part 2 by Erlo Stegen | This sermon delves into the theme of doubt even in the presence of Jesus, exploring why some doubted despite witnessing His miracles and power. It reflects on how doubt can creep i |
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Edition 2 - the Pentecostal Baptism Restored by William Seymour | The Apostolic Faith Movement in Los Angeles is experiencing a powerful outpouring of the Holy Ghost, with many individuals receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in ton |