King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:29 Mean?

2 Kings 6:29 in the King James Version says “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 ha...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 6:29 · KJV

Context

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.

31

Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.

Read 2 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 15 words
וַנְּבַשֵּׁ֥ל1 of 15

“So we boiled”

H1310

properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

בְּנָֽהּ׃3 of 15

“her 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

וְנֹ֣אכְלֶ֔נּוּ4 of 15

“and did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וָֽאֹמַ֨ר5 of 15

“him and I said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֜יהָ6 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בַּיּ֣וֹם7 of 15

“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

הָֽאַחֵ֗ר8 of 15

“unto her on the next”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

תְּנִ֤י9 of 15

“Give”

H5414

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

אֶת10 of 15
H853

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

בְּנָֽהּ׃11 of 15

“her 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

וְנֹ֣אכְלֶ֔נּוּ12 of 15

“and did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַתַּחְבִּ֖א13 of 15

“him and she hath hid”

H2244

to secrete

אֶת14 of 15
H853

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

בְּנָֽהּ׃15 of 15

“her 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

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 6:29 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 6:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 26:29Deuteronomy 28:53Deuteronomy 28:571 Kings 3:26Isaiah 66:13Isaiah 49:15

Test Your Knowledge

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

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