2 Kings 3:8
2 Kings 3:8 in Multiple Translations
Then he asked, “Which way shall we go up?” “By way of the Desert of Edom,” replied Joram.
And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.
And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way of the wilderness of Edom.
And he said, Which way are we to go? And he said in answer, By the waste land of Edom.
Then he asked, “Which way shall we go?” “We'll take the road through the desert of Edom,” he replied.
Then said he, What way shall we goe vp? And he answered, The way of the wildernesse of Edom.
And he saith, 'Where [is] this — the way we go up?' and he saith, 'The way of the wilderness of Edom.'
Then he said, “Which way shall we go up?” Jehoram answered, “The way of the wilderness of Edom.”
And he said, which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.
And he said: Which way shall we go up? But he answered: By the desert of Edom.
He asked, “On which road shall we march to attack them?” Joram replied, “We will go south to Jerusalem, where your army will join us. Then we will all go south of the Dead Sea, and then turn north through the Edom Desert.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 3:8
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 3:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
אֵי
זֶ֥ה
הַ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ
נַעֲלֶ֑ה
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
מִדְבַּ֥ר
אֱדֽוֹם
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵי
ʼay
H335
where?
Part
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הַ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Art | N-cs
נַעֲלֶ֑ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
מִדְבַּ֥ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
N-ms
אֱדֽוֹם
ʼĔdôm
H123
Edom
N-proper
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 3:8
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵי
ʼay
H335
"where?"
Part
The Hebrew word for where or how, used to ask questions about location or method, as seen in various Bible translations, including how, what, or which way.
Definition: 1) whereto ?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with other adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). See also: Genesis 3:9; Job 2:2; Proverbs 31:4.
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, 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 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הַ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Art | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
נַעֲלֶ֑ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
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.
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
מִדְבַּ֥ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
אֱדֽוֹם
ʼĔdôm
H123
"Edom"
N-proper
Edom was the twin brother of Jacob and the region where he lived. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and his story is told in Genesis 25. Edom is also another name for Esau.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.25; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Israel (H3478); married to Oholibamah (H0173), Judith (H3067), Adah (H5711H) and Mahalath (H4258); father of: Eliphaz (H0464), Reuel (H7467), Jeush (H3266), Jalam (H3281) and Korah (H7141); also called Edom at Gen.25.30; 36.1,8,19,21; 1x,54; Another name of e.sav (עֵשָׂו "Esau" H6215G) § Edom = "red" 1) Edom 2) Edomite, Idumean-descendants of Esau 3) land of Edom, Idumea-land south and south east of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: Edom, Edomites, Idumea. See also: Genesis 25:30; 1 Chronicles 1:54; Psalms 60:2.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 3:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 3:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:8
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:8
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 3:8
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:8
- Sermons on 2 Kings 3:8
Context — Moab’s Rebellion
6So at that time King Jehoram set out from Samaria and mobilized all Israel.
7And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” “I will go,” replied Jehoshaphat. “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.”
8Then he asked, “Which way shall we go up?” “By way of the Desert of Edom,” replied Joram.
9So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals. 10“Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malachi 1:2–3 | “I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals. ” |
| 2 | Numbers 21:4 | Then they set out from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, in order to bypass the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient on the journey |
2 Kings 3:8 Summary
[In 2 Kings 3:8, King Joram is trying to decide which way to go to fight against the king of Moab, and he asks for advice on the best route to take. This shows that even leaders need guidance and direction, just like we do, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6. King Joram decides to go by way of the Desert of Edom, which will lead to some challenges and surprises, but also opportunities for God to show His power and provision, as seen in Exodus 13:18 and Isaiah 40:3. As we navigate our own paths in life, we can remember to seek God's guidance and trust in His sovereignty, just like King Jehoshaphat did in this story.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Joram suggest going by way of the Desert of Edom?
King Joram likely suggested this route because it was a more direct path to Moab, as seen in 2 Kings 3:8, and it would allow them to launch a surprise attack on the Moabites, similar to the strategy used in 2 Samuel 10:6-19.
What can we learn from King Joram's decision-making process in this verse?
We can learn that even in times of uncertainty, God is guiding our steps, as stated in Proverbs 16:9, and we should seek His counsel in all our decisions, just like King Jehoshaphat did in 2 Kings 3:7.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of 2 Kings 3?
This verse sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the rest of the chapter, as the kings' decision to go by way of the Desert of Edom leads to a series of challenges and interactions with God, ultimately demonstrating His power and provision, as seen in 2 Kings 3:15-27.
What does this verse reveal about the character of King Joram?
This verse shows that King Joram was likely a strategic thinker, but it also highlights his limitations and the need for God's guidance, as seen in his later reactions to the challenges they face, and as warned in Psalm 127:1-2, unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to make difficult decisions, and how did I seek God's guidance in those moments?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking God's counsel, as seen in this verse, to my own decision-making process?
- What are some ways that God is guiding my steps, even when I am unsure of the path ahead, and how can I trust in His sovereignty, as stated in Romans 8:28?
- In what ways can I learn from King Joram's example, both positively and negatively, and how can I grow in my own faith and trust in God as a result?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:8
And he said, which way shall we go up.... That is, Jehoram said so to Jehoshaphat, consulting with him which was the best way to take to the land of Moab, whether the shortest way, over Jordan; or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:8
And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom. Which way shall we go? ... through the wilderness of Edom.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:8
He said; either Jehoshaphat; or rather, Jehoram; for the following answer may seem to be Jehoshaphat’ s. Through the wilderness of Edom; which though it was much the longer way, yet they thought it best; partly to secure the king or viceroy of Edom, of whom they might have some suspicion, from that passage, , and to carry both him and his soldiers along with them into the war, both to get their assistance, and to prevent them from, making a war of diversion against Judah, whilst Jehoshaphat was engaged against Moab; and partly that they might invade Moab on their weakest side, and where they least expected them. God also thus disposed their hearts to make way for the following miracle.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:8
2 Kings 3:8 And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.Ver. 8. The way through the wilderness of Edom.] Imprudens erat hoc responsum et concilium. Jehoshaphat spoke this impoliticly; and no wonder, since he consulted not time enough with God, by his prophets. Jehoshaphat is usually an Epimetheus, a postmaster, an after wit.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:8
(8) And he said—i.e., Jehoram said. Which way.—They might cross the Jordan, and attack the northern frontier of Moab, or they might round the southern end of the Dead Sea, and invade Moab from the side of Edom. The former was the shortest route for both kings. But Moab’s strongest defences were on the north frontier, and the allies would be liable to attacks from the Syrians in Ramoth-gilead (2 Kings 8:28). The longer and more difficult southern road may have been chosen partly on these grounds, and partly because Jehoshaphat wished to march as far as might be within his own territory, and to get a contingent from Edom, which was at this time subject to him (1 Kings 22:48), and perhaps to hold it in check. Moreover, the Moabites were less likely to be on their guard on the southern border, which was more difficult of access. And he answered.—Said—i.e., Jehoshaphat.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:8
Verse 8. Through the wilderness of Edom.] Because he expected the king of Edom to join them, as we find he did; for, being tributary to Judah, he was obliged to do it.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:8
8. And he said, Which way shall we go up?] These are the words of Jehoram, who leaves to his ally, the elder monarch, the decision of the line of march. They might have crossed the Jordan to the north of the Dead Sea and so come upon Moab from the north, but they would have had more difficulty then in bringing the king of Edom and his army along with them. The LXX. has ‘Which way shall I go up?’ through the wilderness of Edom] It would seem from 1 Kings 22:47 (see note there) that the Edomite royal family had come to an end, and that Jehoshaphat claimed the rights over that land which had been held in former times by Solomon. Hence the ‘deputy’ spoken of in that passage as ‘king of Edom’ would be one set up and maintained on his throne by the king of Judah. We can see from this how the way through Edom would be easy and would commend itself to Jehoshaphat.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 3:8
The readiest and most natural “way” was across the Jordan near Jericho into the Arboth-Moab, and then along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea to Moab proper, the tract south of the Arnon.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:8
8. Through the wilderness of Edom — That is, around the southern end of the Dead Sea, so as to attack the Moabites from the south.
Sermons on 2 Kings 3:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Sin That Makes God Cry by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how the people of God had become weary and bored with their worship and service. They doubted God's love for them and questioned where the ev |
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Abraham, My Friend: 02 in the Beginning god... by Ron Bailey | This sermon is the second installment in a series on the life of Abraham, focusing on the theme of beginnings. The speaker emphasizes that every Christian biography should begin wi |
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God's Calls by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of turning away from the call of God. He shares a story about a father who had done everything for his son, but the son wasted hi |
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Malachi #2: I Have Loved You by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Malachi and how God addresses the problems of his people. The speaker explains that God goes beyond dealing with the symptoms and |
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The Danger of Loving a Theological System More Than the Savior by Daniel L. Akin | In this sermon, Danny Akin addresses the issue of extreme Calvinism and its negative impact on believers. He emphasizes the importance of loving Jesus and his church above any theo |
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Studies in Esther - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | Major Ian Thomas explores the Book of Esther, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in biblical exegesis. He introduces key characters: King Ahasuerus representing human pers |
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The Divine Attitude by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound love of God for His people as expressed through the prophet Malachi, who declares, 'I have loved you, saith the Lord.' Despite Israel's c |