King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 3:11 Mean?

2 Kings 3:11 in the King James Version says “But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the ki... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

2 Kings 3:11 · KJV


Context

9

So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days' journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them. that: Heb. at their feet

10

And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!

11

But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

12

And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.

13

And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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. 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 3 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Moabite Rebellion and God's Deliverance) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. 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 3 regarding god's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness?
  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 · 26 words
וַיֹּ֔אמֶר1 of 26

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֗ט2 of 26

But Jehoshaphat

H3092

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

הַאֵ֨ין3 of 26
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

פֹּ֤ה4 of 26
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

נָבִיא֙5 of 26

Is there not here a prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 26

of the LORD

H3068

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

וְנִדְרְשָׁ֥ה7 of 26

that we may enquire

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֶת8 of 26
H853

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

יְהוָ֖ה9 of 26

of the LORD

H3068

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

מֵֽאוֹת֑וֹ10 of 26
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וַ֠יַּעַן11 of 26

answered

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אֶחָ֞ד12 of 26

by him And one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵֽעַבְדֵ֤י13 of 26

servants

H5650

a servant

מֶֽלֶךְ14 of 26

of the king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙15 of 26

of Israel's

H3478

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

וַיֹּ֔אמֶר16 of 26

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

פֹּ֚ה17 of 26
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

אֱלִישָׁ֣ע18 of 26

Here is Elisha

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

בֶּן19 of 26

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שָׁפָ֔ט20 of 26

of Shaphat

H8202

shaphat, the name of four israelites

אֲשֶׁר21 of 26
H834

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

יָ֥צַק22 of 26

which poured

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

מַ֖יִם23 of 26

water

H4325

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

עַל24 of 26
H5921

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

יְדֵ֥י25 of 26

on the hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֵֽלִיָּֽהוּ׃26 of 26

of Elijah

H452

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites


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 3:11 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 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study