King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:19 Mean?

2 Kings 6:19 in the King James Version says “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 who... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 6:19 · KJV


Context

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

20

And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.

21

And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. 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
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 20

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֜ם2 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלִישָׁ֗ע3 of 20

And Elisha

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

לֹ֣א4 of 20
H3808

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

זֶ֣ה5 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הַדֶּרֶךְ֮6 of 20

unto them This is not the way

H1870

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

וְלֹ֣א7 of 20
H3808

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

זֹ֣ה8 of 20

neither is this

H2090

this or that

הָעִיר֒9 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)

לְכ֣וּ10 of 20
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרַ֔י11 of 20
H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְאוֹלִ֣יכָה12 of 20
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶתְכֶ֔ם13 of 20
H853

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

אֶל14 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאִ֖ישׁ15 of 20

you to 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)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר16 of 20
H834

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

תְּבַקֵּשׁ֑וּן17 of 20

whom ye seek

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

וַיֹּ֥לֶךְ18 of 20
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אוֹתָ֖ם19 of 20
H853

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

שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹנָה׃20 of 20

them to Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine


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 6:19 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 6:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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