King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 2:19 Mean?

2 Kings 2:19 in the King James Version says “And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth:... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren. barren: Heb. causing to miscarry

2 Kings 2:19 · KJV


Context

17

And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.

18

And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, Did I not say unto you, Go not?

19

And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren. barren: Heb. causing to miscarry

20

And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.

21

And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

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 2 takes place during the mid-9th century BCE, around 850 BCE, during the transition from Elijah to Elisha. The chapter's theme (Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Beginning) reflects the historical reality of prophetic succession and divine affirmation of Elisha's ministry following Elijah's remarkable translation. 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 2 regarding prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling?
  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 · 17 words
וַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ1 of 17

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַנְשֵׁ֤י2 of 17
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)

הָעִיר֙3 of 17

of the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֶל4 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלִישָׁ֔ע5 of 17

unto Elisha

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

הִנֵּה6 of 17
H2009

lo!

נָ֞א7 of 17
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

מוֹשַׁ֤ב8 of 17

Behold I pray thee the situation

H4186

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

הָעִיר֙9 of 17

of the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

ט֔וֹב10 of 17

is pleasant

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֲדֹנִ֖י12 of 17

as my lord

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

רֹאֶ֑ה13 of 17

seeth

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְהַמַּ֥יִם14 of 17

but the water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

רָעִ֖ים15 of 17

is naught

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וְהָאָ֥רֶץ16 of 17

and the ground

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מְשַׁכָּֽלֶת׃17 of 17

barren

H7921

properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)


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 2:19 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 2:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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