King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:14 Mean?

2 Kings 13:14 in the King James Version says “Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept ov... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.

2 Kings 13:14 · KJV


Context

12

And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

13

And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.

14

Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.

15

And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows.

16

And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands. Put thine: Heb. Make thine hand to ride


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. 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. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

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 13 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Decline of Israel and Judah) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. 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 13 regarding god's patience with recurring apostasy?
  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 · 21 words
וֶֽאֱלִישָׁע֙1 of 21

Now Elisha

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

חָלָ֣ה2 of 21

was fallen sick

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

אֶת3 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

חָלְי֔וֹ4 of 21

of his sickness

H2483

malady, anxiety, calamity

אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָמ֖וּת6 of 21

whereof he died

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בּ֑וֹ7 of 21
H0
וַיֵּ֨רֶד8 of 21

came 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

אֵלָ֜יו9 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֣שׁ10 of 21

And Joash

H3101

joash, the name of six israelites

מֶֽלֶךְ11 of 21

the king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל12 of 21

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיֵּ֤בְךְּ13 of 21

unto him and wept

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

עַל14 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פָּנָיו֙15 of 21

over his face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיֹּאמַ֔ר16 of 21

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָבִ֔י17 of 21

O my father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אָבִ֔י18 of 21

O my father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

רֶ֥כֶב19 of 21

the chariot

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל20 of 21

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּפָֽרָשָֽׁיו׃21 of 21

and the horsemen

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry


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 13:14 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 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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