King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:16 Mean?

2 Kings 13:16 in the King James Version says “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 up...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 13:16 · KJV

Context

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

17

And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD'S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.

18

And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice , and stayed.

Read 2 Kings 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 15 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר׀1 of 15

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃2 of 15

“to the king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל3 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וַיַּרְכֵּ֖ב4 of 15

“And he put”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

יְדֵ֥י5 of 15

“hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עַל6 of 15
H5921

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

הַקֶּ֔שֶׁת7 of 15

“upon the bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

וַיַּרְכֵּ֖ב8 of 15

“And he put”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

יְדֵ֥י9 of 15

“hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיָּ֧שֶׂם10 of 15

“put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֱלִישָׁ֛ע11 of 15

“upon it and Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

יְדֵ֥י12 of 15

“hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עַל13 of 15
H5921

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

יְדֵ֥י14 of 15

“hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃15 of 15

“to the king”

H4428

a king

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 13:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 13:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 49:24Psalms 144:12 Kings 4:34

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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