2 Kings 7:16
2 Kings 7:16 in Multiple Translations
Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. It was then that a seah of fine flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.
And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.
And the people went out, and plundered the camp of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of Jehovah.
Then the people went out and took the goods from the tents of the Aramaeans. So a measure of good meal was to be had for the price of a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, as the Lord had said.
Then the people went out and looted the camp of the Arameans. So a seah of the best flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a shekel, just as the Lord had predicted.
Then the people went out and spoyled the campe of the Aramites: so a measure of fine floure was at a shekel, and two measures of barley at a shekel according to the word of the Lord.
And the people go out and spoil the camp of Aram, and there is a measure of fine flour at a shekel, and two measures of barley at a shekel, according to the word of Jehovah.
The people went out and plundered the camp of the Syrians. So a seah of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the LORD’s word.
And the people went out, and plundered the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.
And the people going out pillaged the camp of the Syrians: and a bushel of fine flour was sold for a stater, and two bushels of barley for a stater, according to the word of the Lord.
Then many of the people of Samaria also went out of the city and went to where the army of Syria had previously set up their tents. They entered all the tents and took everything. So there was now plenty of everything! As a result people could buy ten pounds of fine wheat or 20 pounds of barley for only one piece of silver, which was what Yahweh had said would happen!
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 7:16
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 7:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א
הָ/עָ֔ם
וַ/יָּבֹ֕זּוּ
אֵ֖ת
מַחֲנֵ֣ה
אֲרָ֑ם
וַ/יְהִ֨י
סְאָה
סֹ֜לֶת
בְּ/שֶׁ֗קֶל
וְ/סָאתַ֧יִם
שְׂעֹרִ֛ים
בְּ/שֶׁ֖קֶל
כִּ/דְבַ֥ר
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וַ/יָּבֹ֕זּוּ
bâzaz
H962
to plunder
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַחֲנֵ֣ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
N-cs
אֲרָ֑ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
Aram
N-proper
וַ/יְהִ֨י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
סְאָה
çᵉʼâh
H5429
seah
N-fs
סֹ֜לֶת
çôleth
H5560
fine flour
N-fs
בְּ/שֶׁ֗קֶל
sheqel
H8255
shekel
Prep | N-ms
וְ/סָאתַ֧יִם
çᵉʼâh
H5429
seah
Conj | N-fd
שְׂעֹרִ֛ים
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
barley
N-fp
בְּ/שֶׁ֖קֶל
sheqel
H8255
shekel
Prep | N-ms
כִּ/דְבַ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 7:16
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וַ/יָּבֹ֕זּוּ
bâzaz
H962
"to plunder"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to violently take something, like plundering or seizing, often used to describe war and conquest in books like Joshua and Ezekiel. It can also mean to be robbed or taken advantage of.
Definition: 1) to spoil, plunder, prey upon, seize 1a) (Qal) to spoil, plunder, despoil 1b) (Niphal) to be spoiled, plundered 1c) (Pual) to be taken as spoil
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: catch, gather, (take) for a prey, rob(-ber), spoil, take (away, spoil), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:27; Psalms 109:11; Isaiah 10:2.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
מַחֲנֵ֣ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
אֲרָ֑ם
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.
וַ/יְהִ֨י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
סְאָה
çᵉʼâh
H5429
"seah"
N-fs
A seah is an ancient measure of grain, about 1/3 of an ephah, used in biblical times for flour or grain. It appears in the Old Testament as a standard unit of measurement. In Ezekiel 45:11, it is used to describe the amount of grain for offerings.
Definition: 1) seah, a measure of flour or grain 1a) probably equal to 1/3 ephah
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: measure. See also: Genesis 18:6; 2 Kings 7:1; 2 Kings 7:18.
סֹ֜לֶת
çôleth
H5560
"fine flour"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to fine flour, often used in baking and as an offering. It is translated as 'fine flour' or 'meal' in the KJV Bible, and is mentioned in various books, including Leviticus.
Definition: fine flour
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (fine) flour, meal. See also: Genesis 18:6; Numbers 7:61; Ezekiel 46:14.
בְּ/שֶׁ֗קֶל
sheqel
H8255
"shekel"
Prep | N-ms
A shekel was a unit of weight or money in ancient Israel, like a coin or a measure of gold, silver, or copper. It was used for trade and commerce, as seen in the book of Exodus. The value varied depending on the material.
Definition: 1) shekel 1a) the chief unit of weight or measure 1a1) gold-1/10000 of a talent and equal to 220 grains 1a2) silver-1/3000 of a talent and equal to 132 grains 1a3) copper-1/1500 of a talent and equal to 528 grains Aramaic equivalent: te.qel (תְּקֵל "shekel" H8625B)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: shekel. See also: Genesis 23:15; Numbers 7:55; Jeremiah 32:9.
וְ/סָאתַ֧יִם
çᵉʼâh
H5429
"seah"
Conj | N-fd
A seah is an ancient measure of grain, about 1/3 of an ephah, used in biblical times for flour or grain. It appears in the Old Testament as a standard unit of measurement. In Ezekiel 45:11, it is used to describe the amount of grain for offerings.
Definition: 1) seah, a measure of flour or grain 1a) probably equal to 1/3 ephah
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: measure. See also: Genesis 18:6; 2 Kings 7:1; 2 Kings 7:18.
שְׂעֹרִ֛ים
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
"barley"
N-fp
This word refers to barley, a type of grain that was commonly eaten in ancient Israel. Barley was a staple food in the biblical world. It's mentioned in the story of Ruth.
Definition: 1) barley 1a) barley (of the plant) 1b) barley (of the meal or grain)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: barley. See also: Exodus 9:31; 2 Kings 7:1; Isaiah 28:25.
בְּ/שֶׁ֖קֶל
sheqel
H8255
"shekel"
Prep | N-ms
A shekel was a unit of weight or money in ancient Israel, like a coin or a measure of gold, silver, or copper. It was used for trade and commerce, as seen in the book of Exodus. The value varied depending on the material.
Definition: 1) shekel 1a) the chief unit of weight or measure 1a1) gold-1/10000 of a talent and equal to 220 grains 1a2) silver-1/3000 of a talent and equal to 132 grains 1a3) copper-1/1500 of a talent and equal to 528 grains Aramaic equivalent: te.qel (תְּקֵל "shekel" H8625B)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: shekel. See also: Genesis 23:15; Numbers 7:55; Jeremiah 32:9.
כִּ/דְבַ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 7:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Elisha’s Prophecy Fulfilled
14Then the scouts took two chariots with horses, and the king sent them after the Aramean army, saying, “Go and see.”
15And they tracked them as far as the Jordan, and indeed, the whole way was littered with the clothing and equipment the Arameans had thrown off in haste. So the scouts returned and told the king.
16Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. It was then that a seah of fine flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.
17Now the king had appointed the officer on whose arm he leaned to be in charge of the gate, but the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died, just as the man of God had foretold when the king had come to him. 18It happened just as the man of God had told the king: “About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 7:1 | Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the LORD says: ‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel.’” |
| 2 | Isaiah 33:4 | Your spoil, O nations, is gathered as by locusts; like a swarm of locusts men sweep over it. |
| 3 | Isaiah 33:23 | Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 20:25 | Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables —more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much. |
| 5 | Psalms 68:12 | “Kings and their armies flee in haste; she who waits at home divides the plunder. |
| 6 | Numbers 23:19 | God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? |
| 7 | Isaiah 33:1 | Woe to you, O destroyer never destroyed, O traitor never betrayed! When you have finished destroying, you will be destroyed. When you have finished betraying, you will be betrayed. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 14:12–15 | So the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled. Then Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. The Cushites fell and could not recover, for they were crushed before the LORD and His army. So the people of Judah carried off a great amount of plunder and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there. They also attacked the tents of the herdsmen and carried off many sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 17:53 | When the Israelites returned from their pursuit of the Philistines, they plundered their camps. |
| 10 | Isaiah 44:26 | who confirms the message of His servant and fulfills the counsel of His messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be inhabited,’ and of the cities of Judah, ‘They will be rebuilt, and I will restore their ruins,’ |
2 Kings 7:16 Summary
In 2 Kings 7:16, we see how God provided for the people of Samaria by driving away their enemies and giving them an abundance of food. This shows that God is faithful to His promises, just as He promised to provide for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-36). The people's excitement to buy food at low prices demonstrates their gratitude for God's care, and we can learn from their example by trusting in God's provision for our own lives (Matthew 6:25-34). By looking to God as our provider, we can have peace and confidence in His faithfulness to care for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the fine flour and barley selling for a shekel in 2 Kings 7:16?
The low prices of fine flour and barley indicate that God had provided an abundance of food for the people of Samaria, just as He had promised through the prophet Elisha, as seen in 2 Kings 7:1 and 2 Kings 7:18. This fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates God's faithfulness to His people.
How did the people of Samaria know it was safe to plunder the Aramean camp?
The people of Samaria were able to plunder the Aramean camp because God had driven the Arameans away, as seen in the context of 2 Kings 7:6-7, where the Lord caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, leading them to flee in haste.
What can we learn from the way the people of Samaria responded to the abundance of food in 2 Kings 7:16?
The people's eagerness to plunder the camp and buy food at the low prices shows their desperation and gratitude for God's provision, similar to the Israelites' response to manna in the wilderness, as described in Exodus 16:4-36.
How does 2 Kings 7:16 relate to the rest of the Bible's teachings on God's provision?
This verse illustrates God's promise to provide for His people, as seen in verses like Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 6:25-34, where God's care for His people is emphasized, and they are encouraged to trust in His provision.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can trust in God's provision for my life, just as the people of Samaria trusted in His promise of abundant food?
- How can I respond with gratitude and faith when God provides for me in unexpected ways, as seen in 2 Kings 7:16?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to trust in God's faithfulness, just as the prophet Elisha trusted in God's promise to the people of Samaria?
- How can I share God's provision and blessings with others, just as the people of Samaria were able to buy food at low prices and enjoy the abundance of God's provision?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 7:16
And the people went out and spoiled the tents of the Syrians,.... Of their riches, and of their provisions; of which there was such a plenty, not only for present use, but for sale, so that a measure
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 7:16
They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:16
2 Kings 7:16 And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was [sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.Ver. 16. So a measure.] See on 2 Kings 7:1.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:16
(16) The tents.—Rather, the camp. So—And it came to pass.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 7:16
16. the people went out] When the camp had been found empty, word was at once sent back into Samaria, while a portion of the exploring party advanced on the road to the Jordan. The whole population were encouraged by the news, and went out, as they were likely to do after being so long pent up, in full numbers. There was food to be had, and beside that, rich plunder. according to the word of the Lord] See above in verse 1 where Elisha describes the announcement he makes as ‘the word of the Lord’.
Sermons on 2 Kings 7:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) 2 Kings 5-8 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of four leprous men who were starving in a city under siege by the Syrians. Despite their desperate situation, they decided to take |
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The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 6 by W.F. Kumuyi | This sermon emphasizes the importance of belief and faith in God's promises, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and the need to trust in God's ability to fulfill His word. I |
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Pastor Chuck Smith's Last Sermon - Be Strong in the Faith by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the importance of faith and not staggering at the promises of God, using the example of Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promise of a child despite seemi |
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Ix. the Unfathomable Grace of God by John Sung | John Sung preaches about the unfathomable grace of God, illustrating how even in dire circumstances, such as the siege of Samaria, God's provision and grace can manifest in miracul |
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Will There Be Another Revival? by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches on the story of the siege of Samaria in 2 Kings, highlighting the tragic consequences of spiritual famine and unbelief among God's people. The chapter reve |
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Ii Kings 7:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the siege of Samaria and the incredible promise from God to end the famine, emphasizing how the people's unbelief stemmed from their limited understanding of |
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The River of Life by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had about a river of life. The preacher emphasizes that this vision is a prophecy for the Church of the lat |