King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:20 Mean?

2 Kings 6:20 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 6:20 · KJV


Context

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?

22

And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
וַיְהִי֮1 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּבֹאָ֣ם2 of 19

And it came to pass when they were come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃3 of 19

into Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר4 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלִישָׁ֔ע5 of 19

that Elisha

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

יְהוָה֙6 of 19

And the LORD

H3068

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

וַיִּפְקַ֤ח7 of 19

open

H6491

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

אֶת8 of 19
H853

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

עֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם9 of 19

the eyes

H5869

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

אֵ֖לֶּה10 of 19
H428

these or those

וַיִּרְא֕וּ11 of 19

and they saw

H7200

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

וַיִּפְקַ֤ח12 of 19

open

H6491

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

יְהוָה֙13 of 19

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת14 of 19
H853

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

עֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם15 of 19

the eyes

H5869

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

וַיִּרְא֕וּ16 of 19

and they saw

H7200

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

וְהִנֵּ֖ה17 of 19
H2009

lo!

בְּת֥וֹךְ18 of 19

and behold they were in the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃19 of 19

into 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 6:20 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 6:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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