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2 Kings 6:13

2 Kings 6:13 in Multiple Translations

So the king said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send men to capture him.” On receiving the report, “Elisha is in Dothan,”

¶ And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.

And he said, Go and see where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.

Then he said, Go and see where he is, so that I may send and get him. And news came to him that he was in Dothan.

So the king gave the order, “Go and find out where he is so I can send soldiers to capture him.” He was told, “Elisha is in Dothan.”

And he said, Goe, and espie where he is, that I may sende and fetch him. And one tolde him, saying, Beholde, he is in Dothan.

And he saith, 'Go ye and see where he [is], and I send and take him;' and it is declared to him, saying, 'Lo — in Dothan.'

He said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him.” He was told, “Behold, he is in Dothan.”

And he said, Go, and spy where he is , that I may send and bring him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.

And he said to them: Go, and see where he is: that I may send, and take him. And they told him, saying: Behold he is in Dothan.

The king of Syria replied, “Go and find out where he is, and I will send some men there to capture him.” Someone told him, “People say that he is in Dothan town north of Samaria.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 6:13

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 6:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר לְכ֤וּ וּ/רְאוּ֙ אֵיכֹ֣ה ה֔וּא וְ/אֶשְׁלַ֖ח וְ/אֶקָּחֵ֑/הוּ וַ/יֻּגַּד ל֥/וֹ לֵ/אמֹ֖ר הִנֵּ֥ה בְ/דֹתָֽן
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְכ֤וּ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Impv-2mp
וּ/רְאוּ֙ râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אֵיכֹ֣ה ʼêykôh H351 where? Part
ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
וְ/אֶשְׁלַ֖ח shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אֶקָּחֵ֑/הוּ lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וַ/יֻּגַּד nâgad H5046 to tell Conj | V-Hophal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֥/וֹ Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part
בְ/דֹתָֽן Dôthân H1886 Dothan Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 6:13

וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר 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.
לְכ֤וּ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וּ/רְאוּ֙ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֵיכֹ֣ה ʼêykôh H351 "where?" Part
This Hebrew word means 'where' and is used to ask for a location. It appears in various biblical contexts, often in questions or expressions of wonder.
Definition: where!
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: where. See also: 2 Kings 6:13.
ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/אֶשְׁלַ֖ח shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
וְ/אֶקָּחֵ֑/הוּ lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
וַ/יֻּגַּד nâgad H5046 "to tell" Conj | V-Hophal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
ל֥/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
בְ/דֹתָֽן Dôthân H1886 "Dothan" Prep | N-proper
Dothan was a place in northern Palestine, about 12 miles north of Samaria. It was the home of Elisha and is still referenced today.
Definition: § Dothan = "two wells" a place in northern Palestine, 12 miles north of Samaria, the home of Elisha
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Dothan. h See also: Genesis 37:17; 2 Kings 6:13.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 6:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 37:17 “They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan.
2 John 11:47–53 Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one. So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.
3 1 Samuel 23:22–23 Please go and prepare further. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning. Observe and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.”
4 Jeremiah 36:26 Instead, the king commanded Jerahmeel, a son of the king, as well as Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel, to seize Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. But the LORD had hidden them.
5 Acts 23:12–27 When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty of them were involved in this plot. They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him down to you on the pretext of examining his case more carefully. We are ready to kill him on the way.” But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” So the centurion took him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner sent and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.” The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, “What do you need to tell me?” He answered, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul to the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of acquiring more information about him. Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.” So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed him, “Do not tell anyone that you have reported this to me.” Then he called two of his centurions and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea in the third hour of the night. Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.” And he wrote the following letter: Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him when I came with my troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen,
6 Psalms 37:32–33 Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment.
7 Psalms 37:12–14 The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.
8 Matthew 2:4–8 And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’ ” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared. And sending them to Bethlehem, he said: “Go and search carefully for the Child, and when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.”
9 Psalms 10:8–10 He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. They are crushed and beaten down; the hapless fall prey to his strength.

2 Kings 6:13 Summary

In this verse, the king of Aram is trying to capture Elisha, a prophet of God, because he is revealing the king's secret plans. This shows us that there are people who oppose God and His people, but God is always in control and will protect and provide for us, as promised in Psalm 138:7-8. We can trust in God's power and protection, just like Elisha did, and we can be assured that He will always be with us, as stated in Hebrews 13:5. By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, even in the midst of challenges and opposition, and we can be a source of hope and guidance for those around us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the king of Aram want to capture Elisha?

The king of Aram wanted to capture Elisha because he was aware that Elisha, the prophet in Israel, was revealing his secret plans to the king of Israel, as stated in 2 Kings 6:12, and he saw Elisha as a threat to his power and plans, similar to how King Saul saw David as a threat in 1 Samuel 18:8.

What can we learn from the king's reaction to Elisha's prophetic abilities?

The king's reaction teaches us that those who oppose God and His people will stop at nothing to silence them, as seen in Acts 4:29, but God is always in control and will protect and provide for His people, as promised in Psalm 138:7-8.

How does this verse relate to spiritual warfare?

This verse shows us that spiritual warfare is real, and that there are those who seek to harm and destroy God's people, but we can trust in God's power and protection, as stated in Ephesians 6:12 and 2 Thessalonians 3:3.

What can we learn from Elisha's location in Dothan?

Elisha's location in Dothan may seem insignificant, but it shows us that God's prophets and people can be found in various places, and that God can use anyone, anywhere, to fulfill His plans, as seen in Acts 8:26-40.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can be more aware of the spiritual battles that are taking place around me, and how can I trust in God's power and protection?
  2. How can I, like Elisha, be a source of wisdom and guidance for those around me, and how can I trust in God's provision and protection in my own life?
  3. What are some ways that I can be more mindful of the fact that my words and actions have consequences, and that God is always aware of my thoughts and intentions, as seen in 2 Kings 6:12?
  4. How can I, like the king of Aram, be more aware of my own motivations and desires, and how can I surrender them to God's will and plan for my life, as stated in Romans 12:2?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:13

And he said, go, and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him,.... But how could he expect to take him, who could give the king of Israel such intelligence of his designs against him, that he might escape his snares?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:13

And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. Dothan - or Dothaim; a little north of Samaria (see the notes at Genesis 37:17).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:13

That I may send and fetch him; for though I cannot conceal my designs from him, yet I may possibly take him by force; his power being, I doubt not, much inferior to his knowledge. Dothan; a city near Shechem, , and not far from Samaria.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:13

2 Kings 6:13 And he said, Go and spy where he [is], that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, [he is] in Dothan.Ver. 13. That I may send and fetch him.] This, none but a madman would have attempted. Anger is a short madness: whensoever it anteverteth reason, it is sinful.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:13

(13) Fetch.—Take. Dothan.—A contracted dual (equivalent to Dothain LXX., Dothaim). It lay on a hill, twelve Roman miles north-east of Samaria, in a narrow pass (Jdt 4:5; Jdt 7:3; Jdt 8:3), on the caravan route from Gilead to Egypt (Genesis 37:17). The old name survives in a Tell, covered with ruins, south-west of the modern Jenîn.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:13

Verse 13. Behold, he is in Dothan.] This is supposed to be the same place as that mentioned in Genesis 37:17. It lay about twelve miles from Samaria.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:13

13. go and spy] R.V. see. The original is the ordinary verb rendered ‘see’ in other places. that I may send and fetch him] And thus put an end to the source of information enjoyed by the king of Israel. Dothan] Only mentioned in the canonical books of the O.T. here and in the history of Joseph (Genesis 37:17). In the book of Judith (2 Kings 4:6; 2 Kings 7:3; 2 Kings 7:18; 2 Kings 8:3) it occurs in the account of Holofernes’ campaign against Bethulia. It was not far from Shechem. It appears from this narrative that Elisha had a residence there. According to Jerome the place was twelve Roman miles north of Samaria. We can see from this history that the Syrians were able at this time to penetrate very far into the country of Israel.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 6:13

Dothan - See the marginal reference note. It was at no great distance from Shechem. Its ancient name still attaches to a Tel or hill of a marked character (compare 2 Kings 6:17), from the foot of which arises a copious fountain.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:13

13. Go and spy where he is — How blind, to imagine that he who could tell his secret counsels could not also frustrate the movements of his spies.

Sermons on 2 Kings 6:13

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John W. Bramhall Week of Meetings 03 Son Finds Fathers Family by John W. Bramhall In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the eternal and divine perfection of God's work. He highlights that the Father's heart has been revealed through the coming of the Son into
J.C. Ryle The Fourfold Witness by J.C. Ryle J.C. Ryle emphasizes the fourfold witness to Jesus Christ as the Messiah, highlighting the testimonies of God the Father, John the Baptist, Christ's miraculous works, and the Scrip
Zac Poonen Pharisees Are Jealous of Those Who Can Do Miracles That They Cannot Do by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen addresses the jealousy of the Pharisees towards Jesus, who performed miracles that they could not, highlighting their inability to rejoice in God's work due to their pri
George Verwer (The Book of Acts) Session 11 by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker addresses the need for Christians to take action and make a difference in their country through prayer, witness, and distributing literature. The Holy S
George Verwer 6 Blessings + 6 Barriers by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker discusses six blessings and six barriers in the work of OM (Operation Mobilization). The first blessing is the power of the Holy Spirit, which enables b

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