King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 3:20 Mean?

2 Kings 3:20 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edo...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.”

2 Kings 3:20 · KJV

Context

18

And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.

19

And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones. mar: Heb. grieve

20

And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.

21

And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border. gathered: Heb. were cried together put on: Heb. gird himself with a girdle

22

And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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.

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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 · 13 words
וַיְהִ֤י1 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַבֹּ֙קֶר֙2 of 13

“And it came to pass in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

כַּֽעֲל֣וֹת3 of 13

“was offered”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הַמִּנְחָ֔ה4 of 13

“when the meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וְהִנֵּה5 of 13
H2009

lo!

הַמָּֽיִם׃6 of 13

“water”

H4325

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

בָּאִ֖ים7 of 13

“that behold there came”

H935

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

מִדֶּ֣רֶךְ8 of 13

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אֱד֑וֹם9 of 13

“of Edom”

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

וַתִּמָּלֵ֥א10 of 13

“was filled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

הָאָ֖רֶץ11 of 13

“and the country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת12 of 13
H854

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

הַמָּֽיִם׃13 of 13

“water”

H4325

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

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 3:20 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 3:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:39-40Psalms 78:201 Kings 18:36Psalms 78:15-16Isaiah 35:6-7Daniel 9:21

Places in This Verse

EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
View all places in 2 Kings 3 →

Test Your Knowledge

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