King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 1:13 Mean?

“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”

Context

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.

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.

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

Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.

And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.

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Topics in This Verse

Prayer

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **A captain of the third fifty.**—Literally, *a captain of a third fifty.* But 2Kings 1:11, “another captain of fifty,” and the phrase which follows here, “the third captain of fifty,” indicate the right reading, “a third captain of fifty.” (So LXX. and Vulg.) **Fell.**—Margin. (Comp. Isaiah 46:1, “Bel boweth down.”) **Besought him.**—Begged favour, grace, or compossion of him (Genesis 42:21; Hosea 12:5). **These fifty thy servants.**—Or, *these thy servants, fifty *(*men*), laying stress on the number of lives. **Be precious in thy sight.**—Comp. Psalm 72:14; 1Samuel 26:21.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.