King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:18 Mean?

2 Kings 13:18 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 13:18 · KJV

Context

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 .

20

And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.

Read 2 Kings 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 13

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיִּקָּ֑ח2 of 13

“And he took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַחִצִּ֖ים3 of 13

“the arrows”

H2671

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

וַיִּקָּ֑ח4 of 13

“And he took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר5 of 13

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְמֶֽלֶךְ6 of 13

“unto the king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙7 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וַיַּ֥ךְ8 of 13

“And he smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אַ֔רְצָה9 of 13

“upon the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיַּ֥ךְ10 of 13

“And he smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

שָֽׁלֹשׁ11 of 13

“thrice”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

פְּעָמִ֖ים12 of 13
H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

וַֽיַּעֲמֹֽד׃13 of 13

“and stayed”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

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 13:18 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 13:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 4:6Ezekiel 12:1-7Exodus 17:11Ezekiel 4:1-10Isaiah 20:2-4Ezekiel 5:1-4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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