King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:25 Mean?

2 Kings 6:25 in the King James Version says “And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for fourscore piece...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 6:25 · King James Version

Context

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.

26

And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.

27

And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress? If: or, Let not the LORD save thee

Read 2 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיְהִ֨י1 of 18
H1961

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

רָעָ֤ב2 of 18

“famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

גָּדוֹל֙3 of 18

“And there was a great”

H1419

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

בְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן4 of 18

“in Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וְהִנֵּ֖ה5 of 18
H2009

lo!

צָרִ֣ים6 of 18

“and behold they besieged”

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

עָלֶ֑יהָ7 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַ֣ד8 of 18
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הֱי֤וֹת9 of 18
H1961

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

רֹאשׁ10 of 18

“head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

חֲמוֹר֙11 of 18

“it until an ass's”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

בִּשְׁמֹנִ֣ים12 of 18

“was sold for fourscore”

H8084

eighty, also eightieth

כָֽסֶף׃13 of 18

“pieces of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְרֹ֛בַע14 of 18

“and the fourth part”

H7255

a quarter

הַקַּ֥ב15 of 18

“of a cab”

H6894

a hollow, i.e., vessel used as a (dry) measure

חִרייוֹנִ֖ים16 of 18
H2755

excrements of doves or a vegetable

בַּֽחֲמִשָּׁה17 of 18

“for five”

H2568

five

כָֽסֶף׃18 of 18

“pieces of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

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 6:25 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 6:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 14:13-152 Kings 6:28-29Jeremiah 52:6Jeremiah 14:18Jeremiah 32:241 Kings 18:2

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 6 →

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