King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:22 Mean?

2 Kings 6:22 in the King James Version says “And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and wi...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 6:22 · KJV

Context

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.

23

And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.

24

And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.

Read 2 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 18 words
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙1 of 18

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֣א2 of 18
H3808

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

מַכֶּ֑ה3 of 18

“Thou shalt not smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר4 of 18
H834

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

שָׁבִ֛יתָ5 of 18

“those whom thou hast taken captive”

H7617

to transport into captivity

בְּחַרְבְּךָ֥6 of 18

“with thy sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וּֽבְקַשְׁתְּךָ֖7 of 18

“and with thy bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

אַתָּ֣ה8 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

מַכֶּ֑ה9 of 18

“Thou shalt not smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

שִׂים֩10 of 18

“set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

לֶ֨חֶם11 of 18

“bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וָמַ֜יִם12 of 18

“and water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

לִפְנֵיהֶ֗ם13 of 18

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְיֹֽאכְלוּ֙14 of 18

“them that they may eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְיִשְׁתּ֔וּ15 of 18

“and drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וְיֵֽלְכ֖וּ16 of 18
H1980

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

אֶל17 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲדֹֽנֵיהֶֽם׃18 of 18

“to their master”

H113

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

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 6:22 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 6:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 48:22Romans 12:20-21Hosea 2:182 Chronicles 28:8-15Deuteronomy 20:11-16Matthew 5:44

Test Your Knowledge

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

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