King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:17 Mean?

2 Kings 6:17 in the King James Version says “And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the youn...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 6:17 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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.

18

And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

19

And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria. follow: Heb. come ye after me

Read 2 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 23 words
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל1 of 23

“prayed”

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

אֱלִישָֽׁע׃2 of 23

“And Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

וַיֹּאמַ֔ר3 of 23

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙4 of 23

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיִּפְקַ֤ח5 of 23

“I pray thee open”

H6491

to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant

נָ֥א6 of 23
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶת7 of 23
H853

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

עֵינֵ֣י8 of 23

“his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַיַּ֗רְא9 of 23

“and he saw”

H7200

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

וַיִּפְקַ֤ח10 of 23

“I pray thee open”

H6491

to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant

יְהוָה֙11 of 23

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת12 of 23
H853

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

עֵינֵ֣י13 of 23

“his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הַנַּ֔עַר14 of 23

“of the young man”

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

וַיַּ֗רְא15 of 23

“and he saw”

H7200

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

וְהִנֵּ֨ה16 of 23
H2009

lo!

הָהָ֜ר17 of 23

“and behold the mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

מָלֵ֨א18 of 23

“was full”

H4390

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

סוּסִ֥ים19 of 23

“of horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וְרֶ֛כֶב20 of 23

“and chariots”

H7393

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

אֵ֖שׁ21 of 23

“of fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

סְבִיבֹ֥ת22 of 23

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

אֱלִישָֽׁע׃23 of 23

“And Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

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 6:17 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 6:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 68:17Psalms 34:7Zechariah 6:1-7Hebrews 1:14Acts 26:182 Kings 2:11

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