King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 16:6 Mean?

2 Kings 16:6 in the King James Version says “At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria , and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria , and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day. from Elath: Heb. from Eloth

2 Kings 16:6 · KJV


Context

4

And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.

5

Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.

6

At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria , and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day. from Elath: Heb. from Eloth

7

So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

8

And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 16: Desperate alliances and religious compromise. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 16 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Ahaz's Apostasy) reflects the historical reality of desperate political alliances and religious syncretism as Judah faced external threats. 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 16 regarding desperate alliances and religious compromise?
  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
בָּעֵ֣ת1 of 21

At that time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֗יא2 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הֵ֠שִׁיב3 of 21

recovered

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

רְצִ֨ין4 of 21

Rezin

H7526

retsin, the name of a syrian and of an israelite

מֶֽלֶךְ5 of 21

king

H4428

a king

לַֽאֲרָ֔ם6 of 21

of Syria

H758

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

אֶת7 of 21
H853

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

אֵילַ֔ת8 of 21

Elath

H359

eloth or elath, a place on the red sea

לַֽאֲרָ֔ם9 of 21

of Syria

H758

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

וַיְנַשֵּׁ֥ל10 of 21

and drave

H5394

to pluck off, i.e., divest, eject or drop

אֶת11 of 21
H853

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

הַיְהוּדִ֖ים12 of 21

the Jews

H3064

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

אֵילַ֔ת13 of 21

Elath

H359

eloth or elath, a place on the red sea

וַֽאֲרמִים֙14 of 21

and the Syrians

H726

an edomite (as in the margin)

בָּ֣אוּ15 of 21

came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵילַ֔ת16 of 21

Elath

H359

eloth or elath, a place on the red sea

וַיֵּ֣שְׁבוּ17 of 21

and dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֔ם18 of 21
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עַ֖ד19 of 21
H5704

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

הַיּ֥וֹם20 of 21

there unto this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּֽה׃21 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


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 16:6 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 16:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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