King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 3:14 Mean?

2 Kings 3:14 in the King James Version says “And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jeh...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.”

2 Kings 3:14 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.

15

But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.

16

And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.

Read 2 Kings 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.

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 · 21 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 21

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלִישָׁ֗ע2 of 21

“And Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

חַי3 of 21

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָ֤ה4 of 21

“As the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָאוֹת֙5 of 21

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 21
H834

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

עָמַ֣דְתִּי7 of 21

“whom I stand”

H5975

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

פְּנֵ֛י8 of 21

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כִּ֗י9 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לוּלֵ֛י10 of 21

“surely were it not that”

H3884

if not

פְּנֵ֛י11 of 21

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֥ט12 of 21

“of Jehoshaphat”

H3092

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

מֶֽלֶךְ13 of 21

“the king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֖ה14 of 21

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אֲנִ֣י15 of 21
H589

i

נֹשֵׂ֑א16 of 21

“I regard”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אִם17 of 21
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אַבִּ֥יט18 of 21

“I would not look”

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

אֵלֶ֖יךָ19 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאִם20 of 21
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֶרְאֶֽךָּ׃21 of 21

“toward thee nor see”

H7200

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

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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 5:161 Kings 17:1Daniel 5:17-231 Kings 14:5-182 Chronicles 19:3-4Matthew 22:16

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 3 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes