King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:17 Mean?

2 Kings 13:17 in the King James Version says “And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 13:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice .

Read 2 Kings 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 · 22 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 22

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיִּפְתָּ֑ח2 of 22

“And he opened”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

הַֽחַלּ֛וֹן3 of 22

“the window”

H2474

a window (as perforated)

קֵ֖דְמָה4 of 22

“eastward”

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

וַיִּפְתָּ֑ח5 of 22

“And he opened”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר6 of 22

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלִישָׁ֤ע7 of 22

“it Then Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

וַיּ֔וֹר8 of 22

“And he shot”

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

וַיּ֔וֹר9 of 22

“And he shot”

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר10 of 22

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וְחֵ֣ץ11 of 22

“The arrow”

H2671

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

תְּשׁוּעָ֣ה12 of 22

“deliverance”

H8668

rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

לַֽיהוָה֙13 of 22

“of the LORD'S”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְחֵ֣ץ14 of 22

“The arrow”

H2671

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

תְּשׁוּעָ֣ה15 of 22

“deliverance”

H8668

rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

אֲרָ֛ם16 of 22

“from Syria”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

וְהִכִּיתָ֧17 of 22

“for thou shalt smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת18 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲרָ֛ם19 of 22

“from Syria”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

בַּֽאֲפֵ֖ק20 of 22

“in Aphek”

H663

aphek (or aphik), the name of three places in palestine

עַד21 of 22
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

כַּלֵּֽה׃22 of 22

“till thou have consumed”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

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 13:17 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 13:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 20:262 Kings 5:10-14John 11:39-411 Corinthians 1:182 Samuel 5:24Judges 7:9-20

Places in This Verse

Aphek 3Settlement · Modern: Tel Ein Gev · 32.78°N, 35.64°E3 verses across 2 books
Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Kings 13 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 13 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes