King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:23 Mean?

2 Kings 6:23 in the King James Version says “And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their m...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 6:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver.

Read 2 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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 · 18 words
וַיִּכְרֶ֨ה1 of 18

“And he prepared”

H3739

to purchase

לָהֶ֜ם2 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כֵּרָ֣ה3 of 18

“provision”

H3740

a purchase

גְדוֹלָ֗ה4 of 18

“great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וַיֹּֽאכְלוּ֙5 of 18

“for them and when they had eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַיִּשְׁתּ֔וּ6 of 18

“and drunk”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵ֔ם7 of 18

“he sent them away”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ8 of 18
H1980

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

אֶל9 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲדֹֽנֵיהֶ֑ם10 of 18

“to their master”

H113

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

וְלֹא11 of 18
H3808

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

יָ֤סְפוּ12 of 18

“no more”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

עוֹד֙13 of 18
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

גְּדוּדֵ֣י14 of 18

“So the bands”

H1416

a crowd (especially of soldiers)

אֲרָ֔ם15 of 18

“of Syria”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

לָב֖וֹא16 of 18

“came”

H935

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

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ17 of 18

“into the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃18 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 6:23 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 6:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 5:22 Kings 24:2Luke 10:29-372 Kings 6:8-9Luke 6:35Proverbs 25:21-22

Places in This Verse

Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Kings 6 →

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