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2 Kings 7:18

2 Kings 7:18 in Multiple Translations

It 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.”

And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria:

And it came to pass, as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to-morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria;

So the words of the man of God came true, which he said to the king: Two measures of barley will be offered for the price of a shekel and a measure of good meal for a shekel, tomorrow about this time in the market-place of Samaria.

What the man of God had told the king also came true when he said, “Around this time tomorrow a seah of the best flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.”

And it came to passe, as the man of God had spoken to the King, saying, Two measures of barley at a shekel, and a measure of fine floure shall be at a shekel, to morowe about this time in the gate of Samaria.

yea, it cometh to pass, according to the speaking of the man of God unto the king, saying, 'Two measures of barley at a shekel, and a measure of fine flour at a shekel are, at this time to-morrow, in the gate of Samaria;'

It happened as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two seahs of barley for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour for a shekel, shall be tomorrow about this time in the gate of Samaria;”

And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to-morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria:

And it came to pass according to the word of the man of God, which he spoke to the king, when he said: Two bushels of barley shall be for a stater, and a bushel of fine flour for a stater, at this very time tomorrow in the gate of Samaria.

Elisha had told him that by the next day there would be plenty of food, with the result that anyone could buy ten pounds of fine wheat or 20 pounds of barley for only one piece of silver.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 7:18

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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 7:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֗י כְּ/דַבֵּר֙ אִ֣ישׁ הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶל הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ לֵ/אמֹ֑ר סָאתַ֨יִם שְׂעֹרִ֜ים בְּ/שֶׁ֗קֶל וּֽ/סְאָה סֹ֨לֶת֙ בְּ/שֶׁ֔קֶל יִהְיֶה֙ כָּ/עֵ֣ת מָחָ֔ר בְּ/שַׁ֖עַר שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
וַ/יְהִ֗י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּ/דַבֵּר֙ dâbar H1696 to speak Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
סָאתַ֨יִם çᵉʼâh H5429 seah N-fd
שְׂעֹרִ֜ים sᵉʻôrâh H8184 barley N-fp
בְּ/שֶׁ֗קֶל sheqel H8255 shekel Prep | N-ms
וּֽ/סְאָה çᵉʼâh H5429 seah Conj | N-fs
סֹ֨לֶת֙ çôleth H5560 fine flour N-fs
בְּ/שֶׁ֔קֶל sheqel H8255 shekel Prep | N-ms
יִהְיֶה֙ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כָּ/עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 time Prep | N-cs
מָחָ֔ר mâchâr H4279 tomorrow N-ms
בְּ/שַׁ֖עַר shaʻar H8179 gate Prep | N-ms
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 Samaria N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 7:18

וַ/יְהִ֗י 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.
כְּ/דַבֵּר֙ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
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.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | 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.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר 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.
סָאתַ֨יִם çᵉʼâh H5429 "seah" 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.
שְׂעֹרִ֜ים 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/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.
וּֽ/סְאָה çᵉʼâh H5429 "seah" Conj | 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.
סֹ֨לֶת֙ 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/שֶׁ֔קֶל 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.
יִהְיֶה֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-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.
כָּ/עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 "time" Prep | N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
מָחָ֔ר mâchâr H4279 "tomorrow" N-ms
This word means tomorrow or a future time. In the Bible, it is used to talk about what will happen next, like in Exodus 13:14 where it refers to the next day.
Definition: 1) tomorrow, in time to come, in the future 1a) tomorrow (as the day following the present day) 1b) in future time
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: time to come, tomorrow. See also: Genesis 30:33; Judges 19:9; Proverbs 3:28.
בְּ/שַׁ֖עַר shaʻar H8179 "gate" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 "Samaria" N-proper
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 7:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 18:14 Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.”
2 2 Kings 7:1–2 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.’” But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.”
3 2 Kings 6:32 Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?”

2 Kings 7:18 Summary

This verse is about a promise made by the man of God, Elisha, that there would be plenty of food in Samaria by the next day, which seemed impossible at the time. The prices mentioned, two seahs of barley and a seah of fine flour for a shekel, show how God can turn a situation of scarcity into one of abundance, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Exodus 16:4 where God provided manna for the Israelites. This reminds us that God is always faithful to His promises, even when they seem impossible, just as Jesus taught in Matthew 19:26. By trusting in God's Word, we can experience His provision and care in our own lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the prices mentioned in 2 Kings 7:18?

The prices mentioned, two seahs of barley and a seah of fine flour for a shekel, indicate a dramatic reversal of the economic situation in Samaria, from famine to abundance, as prophesied by the man of God, and fulfilled as seen in 2 Kings 7:16.

Who is the man of God referred to in 2 Kings 7:18?

The man of God is Elisha, a prophet of the Lord, who had spoken the words quoted in this verse, as seen in the context of 2 Kings 7:17 and 19.

What is the gate of Samaria where these transactions will occur?

The gate of Samaria refers to the city gate, a central location where business and trade would take place, similar to how city gates functioned in other biblical cities, such as in Deuteronomy 21:19 and Ruth 4:1.

How does this verse relate to the officer's skepticism in 2 Kings 7:19?

This verse serves as a backdrop to the officer's skepticism, as his doubt is directly related to the prophecy mentioned here, which he found hard to believe, similar to the skepticism seen in other biblical accounts, such as in Numbers 20:12.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am struggling to trust God's promises, and how can I apply the lesson of faith from this verse?
  2. In what ways can I be more mindful of God's provision and care in my daily life, just as the people of Samaria experienced a dramatic turnaround?
  3. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in this verse encourage me to trust in God's Word and His faithfulness?
  4. What are some 'gates' in my life where I need to see God's abundance and provision, and how can I pray for that?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 7:18

And it came to pass, as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying,.... As in 2 Kings 7:1, and what he said to the king there, and to the lord, in 2 Kings 7:2, are repeated in this and the next

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:18

2 Kings 7:18 And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria:Ver. 18. Two measures of barley.] See on 2 Kings 7:1, and observe the infallibility of God’ s both promises and menaces.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:18

(18) To the king.—The LXX. and Syriac have, “to the messenger.” (See Note on 2 Kings 6:23.) In this and the following verse the author repeats the prediction and its fulfilment with obvious satisfaction. The moral is a warning against unbelief.

Sermons on 2 Kings 7:18

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Our God Can Fix Anything - Part 1 by David Wilkerson Pastor Wilkerson of Times Square Church welcomes worshippers from various nationalities and encourages them to draw closer to Jesus through worship and preaching. The sermon emphas
Greg Laurie The Danger of a Compromised Life by Greg Laurie In this sermon titled "The Danger of a Compromised Life," Pastor Greg Laurie discusses the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He highlights how the Israelites
C.H. Spurgeon Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord? by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and faithfulness of God. He assures the listeners that if they obey God's commands, He will take responsibility for their actions
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 17:19-27 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and God's promise to him. God assures Abraham that he will have a son, Isaac, and that through him, a great nation will
Jerry Bridges Why Should We Pray? by Jerry Bridges In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about coming home from a trip and the importance of prayer. He mentions having two notebooks, one for speaking and one for pr
Hoseah Wu The King Is Coming: Faith 2: Church Life and His Return by Hoseah Wu In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the shrinking world we live in due to mass media and instantaneous communication. He emphasizes the blessings of being able to c
Zac Poonen New Covenant- the First Body of Christ -Part 3 by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the real power of the Holy Spirit, focusing on the importance of submission and faith in God's promises. It highlights the need for believers to surrender to

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