King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 1:11 Mean?

2 Kings 1:11 in the King James Version says “Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, th... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly.

2 Kings 1:11 · KJV


Context

9

Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down.

10

And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

11

Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly.

12

And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

13

And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. fell: Heb. bowed


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 1: Divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 1 takes place during the mid-9th century BCE, around 850 BCE, during the transition from Elijah to Elisha. The chapter's theme (Ahaziah's Illness and Elijah's Final Confrontations) reflects the historical reality of prophetic succession and divine affirmation of Elisha's ministry following Elijah's remarkable translation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 1 regarding divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיָּ֜שָׁב1 of 17

Again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח2 of 17

also he sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֵלָ֛יו3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שַׂר4 of 17

captain

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֑יו5 of 17

of fifty

H2572

fifty

אַחֵ֖ר6 of 17

unto him another

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֑יו7 of 17

of fifty

H2572

fifty

וַיַּ֙עַן֙8 of 17

And he answered

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר9 of 17

and said

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָ֔יו10 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִ֚ישׁ11 of 17

unto him O man

H376

a 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים12 of 17

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

כֹּֽה13 of 17
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֥ר14 of 17

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ15 of 17

thus hath the king

H4428

a king

מְהֵרָ֥ה16 of 17

quickly

H4120

properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly

רֵֽדָה׃17 of 17

Come down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 1:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 1:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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