King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:27 Mean?

2 Kings 6:27 in the King James Version says “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: ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 6:27 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

29

So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son. next: Heb. other

Read 2 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress?

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.

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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 · 11 words
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙1 of 11

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַל2 of 11
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

אֽוֹשִׁיעֵ֑ךְ3 of 11

“do not help”

H3467

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

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 11

“If the LORD”

H3068

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

מֵאַ֖יִן5 of 11

“thee whence”

H370

where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence)

אֽוֹשִׁיעֵ֑ךְ6 of 11

“do not help”

H3467

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

הֲמִן7 of 11
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַגֹּ֖רֶן8 of 11

“thee out of the barnfloor”

H1637

a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area

א֥וֹ9 of 11
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

מִן10 of 11
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיָּֽקֶב׃11 of 11

“or out of the winepress”

H3342

a trough (as dug out); specifically, a wine-vat (whether the lower one, into which the juice drains; or the upper, in which the grapes are crushed)

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 6:27 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 6:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 118:8-9Psalms 124:1-3Psalms 62:8Jeremiah 17:5Psalms 127:1Psalms 146:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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