King James Version
2 Kings 3:8 in the King James Version says “And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.”
2 Kings 3:8 · KJV
And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel.
And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I am as thou art, my people as thy people, and my horses as thy horses.
And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.
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
And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!
KJV Study — Public Domain
“The way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
“shall we go up”
H5927to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
“The way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
“through the wilderness”
H4057a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
“of Edom”
H123edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
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.
2 Kings 3:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 2 Kings 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge