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2 Kings 6:8

2 Kings 6:8 in Multiple Translations

Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.”

¶ Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.

Now the king of Syria was warring against Israel; and he took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.

At that time the king of Aram was making war against Israel; and he had a meeting with the chiefs of his army and said, I will be waiting in secret in some named place.

The Aramean king was at war with Israel. After consulting with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in this particular place.”

Then the King of Aram warred against Israel, and tooke counsell with his seruants, and said, In such and such a place shalbe my campe.

And the king of Aram hath been fighting against Israel, and taketh counsel with his servants, saying, 'At such and such a place [is] my encamping.'

Now the king of Syria was at war against Israel; and he took counsel with his servants, saying, “My camp will be in such and such a place.”

Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.

And the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying: In such and such a place let us lay ambushes.

Whenever the king of Syria prepared to send his army to fight against Israel, he first consulted his officers, and then told them where they should set up their tents.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 6:8

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 6:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/מֶ֣לֶךְ אֲרָ֔ם הָיָ֥ה נִלְחָ֖ם בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַ/יִּוָּעַץ֙ אֶל עֲבָדָ֣י/ו לֵ/אמֹ֗ר אֶל מְק֛וֹם פְּלֹנִ֥י אַלְמֹנִ֖י תַּחֲנֹתִֽ/י
וּ/מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Conj | N-ms
אֲרָ֔ם ʼĂrâm H758 Aram N-proper
הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms
נִלְחָ֖ם lâcham H3898 to fight V-Niphal
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּוָּעַץ֙ yâʻats H3289 to advise Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
עֲבָדָ֣י/ו ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
מְק֛וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place N-ms
פְּלֹנִ֥י pᵉlônîy H6423 someone Pron
אַלְמֹנִ֖י ʼalmônîy H492 someone Adj
תַּחֲנֹתִֽ/י tachănâh H8466 encampment N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 6:8

וּ/מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Conj | 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.
אֲרָ֔ם ʼĂrâm H758 "Aram" N-proper
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Definition: Aram or Arameans = "exalted" Aram or Syrian nation Another name of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307)
Usage: Occurs in 118 OT verses. KJV: Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians. See also: Genesis 10:22; 2 Kings 8:28; Isaiah 7:1.
הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
נִלְחָ֖ם lâcham H3898 "to fight" V-Niphal
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.
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" Prep | 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.
וַ/יִּוָּעַץ֙ yâʻats H3289 "to advise" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
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.
עֲבָדָ֣י/ו ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
לֵ/אמֹ֗ר 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.
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.
מְק֛וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
פְּלֹנִ֥י pᵉlônîy H6423 "someone" Pron
This Hebrew word refers to a specific person, like someone you can point to. It is used in the Bible to talk about a certain individual. In the KJV, it is often translated as 'such a one'.
Definition: a certain one Also means: pal.mo.ni (פַּלְמוֹנִי "certain" H6422)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: such. See also: Ruth 4:1; 1 Samuel 21:3; 2 Kings 6:8.
אַלְמֹנִ֖י ʼalmônîy H492 "someone" Adj
This Hebrew word means someone or a certain person, without giving a specific name. It is used in the Bible to refer to an unnamed person or place, like in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: someone, a certain one
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: one, and such. See also: Ruth 4:1; 1 Samuel 21:3; 2 Kings 6:8.
תַּחֲנֹתִֽ/י tachănâh H8466 "encampment" N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a camp or encampment, like the one the Israelites set up during their journey through the wilderness, as described in Exodus.
Definition: encamping, encampment
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: camp. See also: 2 Kings 6:8.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 6:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 6:24 Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria.
2 Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
3 Proverbs 20:18 Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.
4 1 Kings 22:31 Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.”
5 Job 5:12–13 He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning.
6 Isaiah 8:10 Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ”
7 Isaiah 7:5–7 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.
8 1 Kings 20:23 Meanwhile, the servants of the king of Aram said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they prevailed over us. Instead, we should fight them on the plains; surely then we will prevail.
9 1 Kings 20:1 Now Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he marched up, besieged Samaria, and waged war against it.
10 1 Kings 20:34 Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away.

2 Kings 6:8 Summary

[The king of Aram was trying to attack Israel, but his plans were not going to work because God was in control, as seen in 2 Kings 6:8. The king thought he could win by setting up his camp in a certain place, but God had other plans, as demonstrated in 2 Kings 6:9-10. This story reminds us that God is always in control, even when we don't understand what's happening, as stated in Romans 8:28. We can trust that God will take care of us, just like He took care of the king of Israel through the prophet Elisha.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of the king of Aram's war against Israel in 2 Kings 6:8?

The king of Aram was at war against Israel, and he was trying to launch a surprise attack by setting up his camp in a strategic location, as seen in 2 Kings 6:8, but his plans were continually thwarted by the warnings of the prophet Elisha, as mentioned in 2 Kings 6:9-10.

Why did the king of Aram consult with his servants before deciding on a camp location?

The king of Aram consulted with his servants to gather information and advice on the best location to set up his camp, demonstrating the importance of seeking counsel, as emphasized in Proverbs 24:6, which says to seek counsel from many advisors.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of Elisha and the king of Israel?

This verse is part of a larger narrative that showcases the prophet Elisha's role in protecting the king of Israel from the attacks of the king of Aram, highlighting God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in 2 Kings 6:1-7, where Elisha performs a miracle to retrieve an iron axe head.

What can we learn from the king of Aram's actions in this verse?

The king of Aram's actions demonstrate the futility of human planning without considering God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 19:21, which says that many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I seek God's guidance in my decision-making, just as the king of Aram sought the counsel of his servants, but with a recognition of God's sovereignty?
  2. What are some areas in my life where I am trying to rely on my own strength and planning, rather than trusting in God's provision and protection, as seen in the story of the king of Israel and Elisha?
  3. How can I apply the lesson of the king of Aram's failed plans to my own life, recognizing that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, as stated in 2 Kings 6:8 and Proverbs 19:21?
  4. What role does faith and trust play in my relationship with God, especially in times of uncertainty or conflict, as demonstrated by the prophet Elisha's faith in 2 Kings 6:1-7?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:8

Then the king of Syria warred against Israel,.... Proclaimed war against him; on what account, or how long it was after Naaman his general came with a letter of recommendation from him to the king of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:8

Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. The king of Syria warred against Israel.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:8

Thither I will send my forces, to surprise some place; or to lie in ambush where the king or his people were to pass, .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:8

2 Kings 6:8 Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place [shall be] my camp.Ver. 8. Then the king of Syria warred.] He delighted in it, as Pyrrhus, king of the Epirotes, is said to have done. Naaman, who should have dissuaded him from so doing, was now, belike, either dead, or else out of favour, because he had changed his religion into that of the Israelites. Shall be my camp.] Or, The place where I will lay an ambush, viz., to surprise the king of Israel, as he rode a-hunting, saith Josephus.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:8

(8) Then the king of Syria warred.—Rather, Now the king of Syria (Aram) was warring, i.e., continually. The time intended cannot be the reign of Jehoahaz, for here the Syrians achieve nothing of importance. (Comp. 2 Kings 6:32.) Took counsel with.—Comp. 2 Chronicles 20:21. Such and such.—The compound Hebrew expression (pμlτnξ ’almτnξ) means “a certain one, I will not mention which;” the Greek, ὁδεῖνα.My camp.—Heb., tahγnτthξ; a difficult expression, found only here. Its form is anomalous, and probably corrupt. The Targum renders “house of my camp:” but the Syriac, “Set ye an ambush, and lurk;” the Vulg., “ponamus insidias:” and similarly the Arabic. This has suggested that the true reading is “hide ye,” i.e., lie in ambush (tηhβbϋ, i.e., tηhβbĕ ?᾽ϋ: Thenius). It is, however, a more obvious change to read, “ye shall go down” (tinhβthϋ: Psalms 38:3). This agrees better with the construction, “Unto (’el) such and such a place shall ye go down,” i.e., on a plundering incursion.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:8

Verse 8. The king of Syria warred against Israel] This was probably the same Ben-hadad who is mentioned 2Kg 6:24. What was the real or pretended cause of this war we cannot tell; but we may say, in numberless war cases, as Calmet says in this: "An ambitious and restless prince always finds a sufficiency of reasons to colour his enterprises." In such and such a place] The Syrian king had observed, from the disposition of the Israelitish army, in what direction it was about to make its movements; and therefore laid ambuscades where he might surprise it to the greatest advantage.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:8

8–23. Elisha makes known the King of Syria’s plans. The soldiers sent against Elisha are smitten with blindness, and he leads them into Samaria (Not in Chronicles) 8. Then [R.V. Now] the king of Syria warred against Israel] Whether this was before the cure of Naaman or after we have no indication. It is clear however that Syria was a most formidable adversary to Israel at this period. The inroads described first in this chapter appear to have been made by bands of plunderers, of course with the knowledge and under the direction of the king. But when Benhadad (see verse 24), who probably was the king here alluded to, gathered all his host and came and besieged Samaria the warfare was of a different kind. Josephus calls the Syrian king ‘Adad’.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 6:8

The king of Syria - Probably the great Benhadad (see 2 Kings 6:24).

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:8

8. The king of Syria — Ben-hadad. Compare 2 Kings 6:24. Warred against Israel — The causes and the date of this war are unknown.

Sermons on 2 Kings 6:8

SermonDescription
David Guzik (2 Kings) Two Lepers and the Blind Men by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the king of Israel's anger and desperation during a famine. The king initially blames the people for their situation, but eventua
Brad Allen When Spiritual Famine Invades the Church by Brad Allen In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a miraculous healing of an old Chinese lady named Sister Keo who had not taken a step in 20 years. This event serves as a reminder
Phil Beach Jr. The Heavens Are Opening - Ii Kings 6-7 by Phil Beach Jr. Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and the shelter He provides amidst life's challenges, drawing parallels from the story in 2 Kings 6-7. He highlig
Chuck Smith 12. Ventures of Faith by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of stepping out in faith to discover God's will, illustrating that God can work through anyone willing to venture forth. He warns against pr
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) Nehemiah & Esther by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the stories of Nehemiah and Esther, highlighting the contrast between those who are willing to sacrifice for God's work and those who seek comfort and compr
Gilbert K. Chesterton The Man Who Knew Too Much by Gilbert K. Chesterton Gilbert K. Chesterton preaches about the mysterious and elusive Prince Michael, known for his talent of appearing and disappearing at will, leading to a series of daring escapes an
Isaac Penington Some Considerations Proposed to the City of London, &C. by Isaac Penington Isaac Penington preaches a sermon urging the City of London and the nation of England to calm their spirits and wait for the Lord's plans, cautioning against rushing into ruin and

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