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2 Kings 3:21

2 Kings 3:21 in Multiple Translations

Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border.

¶ And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border.

Now when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered themselves together, all that were able to put on armor, and upward, and stood on the border.

Now all Moab, hearing that the kings had come to make war against them, got together all who were able to take up arms and went forward to the edge of the country.

All the Moabites had heard that the kings had come to attack them. So everyone who could wear a sword, young and old, was called up and went to guard the border.

And when al the Moabites heard that the Kings were come vp to fight against them, they gathered all that was able to put on harnesse, and vpwarde, and stood in their border.

and all Moab have heard that the kings have come up to fight against them, and they are called together, from every one girding on a girdle and upward, and they stand by the border.

Now when all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, they gathered themselves together, all who were able to put on armor, young and old, and stood on the border.

And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armor, and upward, and stood in the border.

And all the Moabites hearing that the kings were come up to fight against them, gathered together all that were girded with a belt upon them, and stood in the borders.

When the people of Moab heard that the three kings had come with their armies to fight against them, all the men who were able to fight in battles, from the youngest men to the oldest ones, were summoned, and they ◄took their positions/prepared to fight► at the southern border of their land.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 3:21

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 3:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/כָל מוֹאָב֙ שָֽׁמְע֔וּ כִּֽי עָל֥וּ הַ/מְּלָכִ֖ים לְ/הִלָּ֣חֶם בָּ֑/ם וַ/יִּצָּעֲק֗וּ מִ/כֹּ֨ל חֹגֵ֤ר חֲגֹרָה֙ וָ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה וַ/יַּעַמְד֖וּ עַֽל הַ/גְּבֽוּל
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
מוֹאָב֙ Môwʼâb H4124 Moab N-proper
שָֽׁמְע֔וּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
עָל֥וּ ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הַ/מְּלָכִ֖ים melek H4428 King's Art | N-mp
לְ/הִלָּ֣חֶם lâcham H3898 to fight Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
בָּ֑/ם Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּצָּעֲק֗וּ tsâʻaq H6817 to cry Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/כֹּ֨ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
חֹגֵ֤ר châgar H2296 to gird V-Qal
חֲגֹרָה֙ chăgôwr H2290 belt N-fs
וָ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה maʻal H4605 above Conj | Adv | Suff
וַ/יַּעַמְד֖וּ ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַֽל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הַ/גְּבֽוּל gᵉbûwl H1366 border Art | N-ms
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 3:21

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מוֹאָב֙ 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.
שָֽׁמְע֔וּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
כִּֽי 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.
עָל֥וּ ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
הַ/מְּלָכִ֖ים melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לְ/הִלָּ֣חֶם lâcham H3898 "to fight" Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
בָּ֑/ם "" Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּצָּעֲק֗וּ tsâʻaq H6817 "to cry" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
מִ/כֹּ֨ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
חֹגֵ֤ר châgar H2296 "to gird" V-Qal
The Hebrew word chagar means to gird or put on a belt, and is used to describe preparing for battle or work, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to gird, gird on, gird oneself, put on a belt 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to gird 1a2) to gird on, bind on 1a3) to gird oneself
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: be able to put on, be afraid, appointed, gird, restrain, [idiom] on every side. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 45:4.
חֲגֹרָה֙ chăgôwr H2290 "belt" N-fs
A belt or girdle worn around the waist, serving as a loin-covering or armor. It can also refer to a type of clothing or armor. This term is used to describe a piece of clothing or equipment.
Definition: girdle, belt Another spelling of ha.go.rah (חֲגוֹרָה "belt" H2290B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: apron, armour, gird(-le). See also: Genesis 3:7; 2 Samuel 20:8; Isaiah 3:24.
וָ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה maʻal H4605 "above" Conj | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
וַ/יַּעַמְד֖וּ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
עַֽל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/גְּבֽוּל gᵉbûwl H1366 "border" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 3:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ephesians 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,
2 1 Kings 20:11 And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’”

2 Kings 3:21 Summary

This verse, 2 Kings 3:21, tells us that the Moabites heard that the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom were coming to fight against them, so they gathered all their able-bodied men, young and old, to defend their land. This shows that the Moabites were prepared to defend themselves against the attack, just like we should be prepared to defend our faith against spiritual attacks, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-18. We can learn from the Moabites' example by being prepared and vigilant in our own lives, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can face challenges with confidence and trust in God's guidance and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Moabites gather all who could bear arms, young and old, to the border?

The Moabites gathered all who could bear arms because they had heard that the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom had come up to fight against them, as seen in 2 Kings 3:21, and they wanted to defend their land against the impending attack, much like the Israelites did in Judges 20:2 when they assembled to fight against the Benjamites.

What was the Moabites' strategy in gathering at the border?

The Moabites' strategy was to defend their land by stationing their army at the border, preparing to face the kings and their armies, similar to the strategy employed by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4:1-11 when they prepared to fight the Israelites.

How did the Moabites know that the kings had come up to fight against them?

The Moabites had heard the news that the kings had come up to fight against them, likely through scouts, spies, or messengers, as seen in 2 Kings 3:21, and they quickly assembled their army to prepare for battle, much like the Israelites did in Deuteronomy 24:5 when they prepared for war.

What can we learn from the Moabites' response to the threat of attack?

We can learn that preparation and vigilance are important in the face of adversity, as seen in 2 Kings 3:21, and that we should trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6, which remind us to trust in God's guidance and care.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can prepare myself for spiritual battles, just as the Moabites prepared for physical battle?
  2. How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision when faced with challenges or threats, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
  3. What are some examples of times when God has provided for me or protected me in the past, and how can I apply those lessons to my current situation?
  4. How can I apply the principles of preparation and vigilance to my daily life, whether in my relationships, my work, or my spiritual walk?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:21

And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them,.... The kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom: they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward; that were

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:21

And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:21

To put on armour, Heb. to gird on a girdle, i.e. a military girdle, to which the sword was fastened, . In the border, or, in that border, to wit, of their country, which was towards Edom, which way they understood the kings came. Here they stood probably to defend the passages into their country.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:21

2 Kings 3:21 And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border.Ver. 21. They gathered all that were able to put on armour.] In Scotland, they have an ancient custom, in cases of importance, to command the fire cross to be carried; that is, two firebrands set in fashion of a cross, and pitched upon the point of a spear, and proclamation is thereupon made that all men over sixteen years of age, and under sixty, shall come into the field against the common enemy. Life of King Edward VI, by Sir J. Heywood,

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:21

(21) And when . . . heard . . . they gathered.—Now all the Moabites had heard . . . and had gathered themselves: literally, had been summoned, called together (Judges 7:23). All that were able to put on armour.—From every one girding on a girdle, and upwards—i.e., all of adult age, all who could bear arms. It was a levy en masse of the male population for the defence of the country. Stood in.—Had taken their stand on the frontier.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:21

21–27. The Moabites attack the allied armies, but are defeated. The king of Moab sacrifices his eldest son (Not in Chronicles)

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 3:21

And stood in the border - On the north side of the wady, ready to defend their territory.

Sermons on 2 Kings 3:21

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Neil T. Anderson Bondage Breaker - Part 3 by Neil T. Anderson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of temptation and how everyone experiences it. He uses the analogy of a movie called Sand Pebbles to illustrate the challenges faced
Joshua Daniel A Religion Without Righteousness by Joshua Daniel This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of not letting the Word of God be taken away by the devil after hearing it, highlighting the need for true salvation and righ
Zac Poonen (Ephesians) Ephesians 6:12-24 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Ephesians chapter 6 and the spiritual battle against Satan. He uses the imagery of a Roman soldier to illustrate the seven weapons or pieces
Carter Conlon Lord, My Heart Is Open. Help Me by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going the distance and following where God leads. He emphasizes the need to embrace and live in the truth of God's word, al
Willie Mullan (Depressed Disciples) the Manifold Testings by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having the same mindset as Christ and enduring suffering for the sake of the Gospel. He highlights the contrast between th
Steve Mays Be Strong in the Lord by Steve Mays In this sermon, Steve Mays emphasizes the importance of standing strong in the face of spiritual warfare. He highlights the fact that many believers are walking away from God in th
Paris Reidhead The Christian's Complete Armor by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the preacher uses a metaphor of a man trying to direct traffic to illustrate the struggle of trying to make an impact in the world. The man feels small and insignif

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