King James Version
“Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.”
2 Chronicles 18:16 · KJV
And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.
And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?
Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.
And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil? but evil: or, but for evil
Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“I did see”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“all Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
“scattered”
H6327to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“upon the mountains”
H2022a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
“as sheep”
H6629a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“that have no shepherd”
H7462to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
“and the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“let them return”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
“therefore every man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“to his house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
“in peace”
H7965safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
2 Chronicles 18:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 2 Chronicles 18:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge