King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:26 Mean?

2 Kings 6:26 in the King James Version says “And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 6:26 · KJV

Context

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

28

And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow.

Read 2 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentary

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

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 · 13 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 13
H1961

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃2 of 13

“And as the king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל3 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

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

עֹבֵ֖ר4 of 13

“was passing by”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עַל5 of 13
H5921

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

הַֽחֹמָ֑ה6 of 13

“upon the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

וְאִשָּׁ֗ה7 of 13

“a woman”

H802

a woman

צָֽעֲקָ֤ה8 of 13

“there cried”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

אֵלָיו֙9 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹ֔ר10 of 13

“unto him saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הוֹשִׁ֖יעָה11 of 13

“Help”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

אֲדֹנִ֥י12 of 13

“my lord”

H113

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃13 of 13

“And as the king”

H4428

a king

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 6:26 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 6:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 14:4Acts 21:28Isaiah 10:3Luke 18:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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