King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:28 Mean?

2 Kings 6:28 in the King James Version says “And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat h...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 6:28 · KJV

Context

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

30

And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh.

Read 2 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
אָֽמְרָ֣ה1 of 19

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֥הּ2 of 19
H0
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ3 of 19

“And the king”

H4428

a king

מַה4 of 19
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לָּ֑ךְ5 of 19
H0
אָֽמְרָ֣ה6 of 19

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֨ה7 of 19

“This woman”

H802

a woman

הַזֹּ֜את8 of 19
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אָֽמְרָ֣ה9 of 19

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֗י10 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תְּנִ֤י11 of 19

“unto me Give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת12 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנִ֖י13 of 19

“my son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נֹאכַ֥ל14 of 19

“and we will eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הַיּ֔וֹם15 of 19

“him to day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְאֶת16 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנִ֖י17 of 19

“my son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נֹאכַ֥ל18 of 19

“and we will eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מָחָֽר׃19 of 19

“to morrow”

H4279

properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter

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 6:28 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 6:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 14:5Judges 18:23Lamentations 4:101 Samuel 1:8Isaiah 9:20-21Psalms 114:5

Test Your Knowledge

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

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