King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:15 Mean?

2 Kings 6:15 in the King James Version says “And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with hor...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? the servant: or, the minister”

2 Kings 6:15 · KJV

Context

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

15

And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? the servant: or, the minister

16

And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

17

And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Read 2 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 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
וַ֠יַּשְׁכֵּם1 of 20

“early”

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

מְשָׁרֵ֨ת2 of 20

“And when the servant”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

אִ֥ישׁ3 of 20

“of the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֮4 of 20

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לָקוּם֒5 of 20

“was risen”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וַיֵּצֵ֕א6 of 20

“and gone forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְהִנֵּה7 of 20
H2009

lo!

חַ֛יִל8 of 20

“behold an host”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

סוֹבֵ֥ב9 of 20

“compassed”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶת10 of 20
H853

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

הָעִ֖יר11 of 20

“the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְס֣וּס12 of 20

“both with horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וָרָ֑כֶב13 of 20

“and chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר14 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נַֽעֲר֥וֹ15 of 20

“And his servant”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

אֵלָ֛יו16 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲהָ֥הּ17 of 20

“unto him Alas”

H162

oh!

אֲדֹנִ֖י18 of 20

“my master”

H113

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

אֵיכָ֥ה19 of 20
H349

how? or how!; also where

נַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃20 of 20

“how shall we do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 6:15 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 6:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 8:262 Chronicles 20:12Psalms 53:5Exodus 24:131 Kings 19:21Matthew 20:26-28

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 6 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes