2 Kings 6:21
2 Kings 6:21 in Multiple Translations
And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”
And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
And the king of Israel, when he saw them, said to Elisha, My father, am I to put them to the sword?
When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”
And the King of Israel sayde vnto Elisha when he sawe them, My father, shall I smite them, shall I smite them?
And the king of Israel saith unto Elisha, at his seeing them, 'Do I smite — do I smite — my father?'
The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, “My father, shall I strike them? Shall I strike them?”
And the king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them ? shall I smite them ?
And the king of Israel said to Eliseus, when he saw them: My father, shall I kill them?
When the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “Sir, shall I tell my soldiers to kill them? Shall we kill all of them?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 6:21
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 6:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
מֶֽלֶךְ
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
אֶל
אֱלִישָׁ֔ע
כִּ/רְאֹת֖/וֹ
אוֹתָ֑/ם
הַ/אַכֶּ֥ה
אַכֶּ֖ה
אָבִֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֱלִישָׁ֔ע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
Elisha
N-proper
כִּ/רְאֹת֖/וֹ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אוֹתָ֑/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
הַ/אַכֶּ֥ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Part | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אַכֶּ֖ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אָבִֽ/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | 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 6:21
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
אֱלִישָׁ֔ע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
"Elisha"
N-proper
Elisha was a famous prophet in the Bible who lived during the time of the divided kingdom. His name means God is salvation, and he is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16. Elisha succeeded Elijah as a great prophet.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.19.16; son of: Shaphat (H8202H) Also named: Elissaios (Ἐλισσαῖος "Elisha" G1666) § Elisha = "God is salvation" the great prophet who succeeded Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Elisha. See also: 1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 5:20; 2 Kings 13:21.
כִּ/רְאֹת֖/וֹ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
אוֹתָ֑/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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/אַכֶּ֥ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Part | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אַכֶּ֖ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אָבִֽ/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 6:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 6:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:21
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:21
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 6:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:21
- Sermons on 2 Kings 6:21
Context — Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans
19And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria.
20When they had entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open the eyes of these men that they may see.” Then the LORD opened their eyes, and they looked around and discovered that they were in Samaria.
21And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”
22“Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” 23So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 5:13 | Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?” |
| 2 | 2 Kings 8:9 | So Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him a gift of forty camel loads of every good thing from Damascus. And he went in and stood before him and said, “Your son Ben-hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” |
| 3 | 2 Kings 2:12 | As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two. |
| 4 | Luke 22:49 | Those around Jesus saw what was about to happen and said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 24:19 | When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day. |
| 6 | Luke 9:54–56 | When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. And He and His disciples went on to another village. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 24:4 | So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up secretly and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 13:14 | When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 26:8 | Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!” |
2 Kings 6:21 Summary
In this verse, the king of Israel is faced with a decision about what to do with the captured Arameans, and he looks to Elisha for guidance. Elisha's response in the next verse shows that God wants the king to show mercy and kindness to his enemies, which is a powerful reminder of God's heart for us to love and forgive others, as seen in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:31. This verse encourages us to think about how we can show kindness and compassion to those around us, even if they may not deserve it, and to trust in God's sovereignty over all things, as seen in Isaiah 40:15-17. By following Elisha's example, we can learn to trust in God's plan and show mercy to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king of Israel ask Elisha if he should kill the captured Arameans?
The king asked Elisha this question because he saw the Arameans as enemies who had been causing trouble for Israel, and he wanted to know if he should take revenge on them, as seen in 2 Kings 6:21, but Elisha's response in 2 Kings 6:22 shows that God had other plans.
What does it mean when the king of Israel calls Elisha 'my father'?
When the king of Israel calls Elisha 'my father' in 2 Kings 6:21, it is a sign of respect and recognition of Elisha's spiritual authority, similar to how Jesus is referred to as 'Father' in John 14:8-11.
Is this verse promoting violence or mercy?
This verse is actually setting the stage for Elisha's merciful response in 2 Kings 6:22, where he instructs the king to show kindness to the captured Arameans, which is in line with God's commands to love our enemies in Matthew 5:44 and to treat others with kindness as we would want to be treated in Luke 6:31.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of 2 Kings?
This verse is part of a larger story in 2 Kings about the prophet Elisha and his interactions with the king of Israel, and it highlights Elisha's role as a spiritual leader and advisor, as well as God's sovereignty over the nations, as seen in 2 Kings 6:8-23 and other passages like Isaiah 40:15-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking revenge or retaliation, and how can I show mercy instead, as seen in 2 Kings 6:22?
- How can I, like the king of Israel, recognize and respect the spiritual authority of those God has placed in my life, such as pastors or mentors, and what does this look like in practical terms?
- In what ways can I demonstrate kindness and compassion to those who may be considered 'enemies' or outsiders, as Elisha instructs the king to do in 2 Kings 6:22-23, and what does this mean for my relationships with others?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's character and His heart for the nations, as seen in 2 Kings 6:8-23 and other passages like Psalm 67:1-7?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:21
And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them,.... The Syrian army thus in his hands: my father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:21
And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:21
Elisha had doubtless sent notice of his intentions to the king of Israel, that he might accordingly prepare himself. My father: now he gives him this title of reverence and affection, because of a great and present benefit he received from him; though otherwise he hated him, and would not hearken to his counsel. Shall I smite them? the repetition of the question shows his great desire to smite them, and that with utter destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:21
2 Kings 6:21 And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite [them]? shall I smite [them]?Ver. 21. My father, shall I smite them?] He calleth the prophet, "My father," either in a compliment, as Jeremiah 3:4, or else in a sudden pang, which was soon over. See 2 Kings 6:31.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:21
(21) My father.—Comp. 2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 8:9 (“Thy son Ben-hadad”), 2 Kings 13:14. Shall I smite them,? shall I smite them?—Or, May I smite? may I smite, my father? The repetition expresses the king’s eagerness to slay his powerless enemies. He asks the prophet’s permission. (Comp. 2 Kings 4:7.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:21
Verse 21. My father, shall I smite] This was dastardly; the utmost he could have done with these men, when thus brought into his hand, was to make them prisoners of war.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:21
21. My father] The form of address is strange from the mouth of the king even though he be described (2 Kings 3:2) as better than his father and his mother. It is however one more token of the great influence exercised in Israel by the prophets Elijah and Elisha. In the present instance Jehoram could hardly undertake to smite the prisoners brought into his hands by the prophet without Elisha’s consent, though his repeated question ‘Shall I smite them? Shall I smite them?’ shews how eager he was to destroy them.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 6:21
My father - A term of respect used by Jehoram in his joy at seeing an army of Syrians delivered up to him by the prophet. That the king’s character was not changed appears from 2 Kings 6:31-32. Shall I smite them?
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:21
21. Shall I smite them — Perhaps this question was prompted by the remembrance of Ahab’s great mistake in not smiting the king of Syria when he had him in his power, and for which mistake he was so
Sermons on 2 Kings 6:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Serious Remonstrance by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity and importance of the message he is about to deliver. He acknowledges that some may be expecting something new or complex, bu |
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(Men Who Saw God) 5. Our Vision for Others by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses his threefold vision. Firstly, he talks about his calling to do evangelistic work with the National Young Life Campaign and how his vision has |
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The Third Pennsylvania Sermon by Count Zinzendorf | Count Zinzendorf preaches about the importance of being clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ to avoid the judgment of rejection. He emphasizes the danger of spiritual arrog |
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Motives to Love Jesus by Thomas Doolittle | Thomas Doolittle preaches about the unparalleled excellence, suitability, satisfaction, durability, and necessity of loving Jesus above all else. He emphasizes how Jesus is the mos |
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The Ways of God by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that the ways of God often appear foolish to human reasoning, as illustrated by Naaman's initial refusal to follow the prophet's simple instruction for hea |
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Ii Kings 5:13 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith preaches on the story of Naaman, illustrating how leprosy symbolizes sin, which is incurable by human efforts and progressively fatal. Despite Naaman's honorable status |
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Letter 103 by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches to Mrs. Tims about the journey of seeking truth and healing, likening it to the story of Naaman in the Bible. He encourages her to embrace the process of spir |