King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:12 Mean?

2 Kings 6:12 in the King James Version says “And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Isra... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber . None: Heb. No

2 Kings 6:12 · KJV


Context

10

And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.

11

Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel?

12

And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber . None: Heb. No

13

And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.

14

Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. great: Heb. heavy


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. 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.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 6 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Miracles and Siege) 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 6 regarding god's protection and provision for his servants?
  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 · 20 words
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙1 of 20

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַחַ֣ד2 of 20

And one

H259

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

מֵֽעֲבָדָ֔יו3 of 20

of his servants

H5650

a servant

ל֖וֹא4 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֲדֹנִ֣י5 of 20

None my lord

H113

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

לְמֶ֣לֶךְ6 of 20

O king

H4428

a king

כִּֽי7 of 20
H3588

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

אֱלִישָׁ֤ע8 of 20

but Elisha

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

הַנָּבִיא֙9 of 20

the prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 20
H834

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל11 of 20

of Israel

H3478

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

יַגִּיד֙12 of 20

telleth

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְמֶ֣לֶךְ13 of 20

O king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל14 of 20

of Israel

H3478

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

אֶת15 of 20
H853

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

הַ֨דְּבָרִ֔ים16 of 20

the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 20
H834

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

תְּדַבֵּ֖ר18 of 20

that thou speakest

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בַּֽחֲדַ֥ר19 of 20

in thy bedchamber

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

מִשְׁכָּבֶֽךָ׃20 of 20
H4904

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse


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 6:12 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 6:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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