King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:19 Mean?

2 Kings 13:19 in the King James Version says “And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 .”

2 Kings 13:19 · KJV

Context

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.

21

And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. was: Heb. went down

Read 2 Kings 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
וַיִּקְצֹ֨ף1 of 22

“was wroth”

H7107

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

עָלָ֜יו2 of 22
H5921

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

אִ֣ישׁ3 of 22

“And the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים4 of 22

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙5 of 22

“with him and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תַּכֶּ֥ה6 of 22

“Thou shouldest have smitten”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

חָמֵ֤שׁ7 of 22

“five”

H2568

five

אוֹ8 of 22
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

שֵׁשׁ֙9 of 22

“or six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

פְּעָמִ֖ים10 of 22

“times”

H6471

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

אָ֛ז11 of 22
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

תַּכֶּ֥ה12 of 22

“Thou shouldest have smitten”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת13 of 22
H853

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

אֲרָֽם׃14 of 22

“Syria”

H758

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

עַד15 of 22
H5704

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

כַּלֵּ֑ה16 of 22

“till thou hadst consumed”

H3615

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

וְעַתָּ֕ה17 of 22
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

שָׁלֹ֥שׁ18 of 22

“but thrice”

H7969

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

פְּעָמִ֖ים19 of 22

“times”

H6471

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

תַּכֶּ֥ה20 of 22

“Thou shouldest have smitten”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת21 of 22
H853

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

אֲרָֽם׃22 of 22

“Syria”

H758

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

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 13:19 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 13:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 13:25Numbers 16:15Mark 10:142 Kings 4:402 Kings 6:9Mark 6:5

Places in This Verse

Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Kings 13 →

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