King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:32 Mean?

2 Kings 6:32 in the King James Version says “But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?

2 Kings 6:32 · KJV


Context

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.

32

But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?

33

And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?

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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 39 words
וֶֽאֱלִישָׁע֙1 of 39

But Elisha

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

יֹֽשְׁבִ֣ים2 of 39

sat

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּבֵית֔וֹ3 of 39

in his house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַזְּקֵנִ֗ים4 of 39

and the elders

H2205

old

יֹֽשְׁבִ֣ים5 of 39

sat

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אִתּ֑וֹ6 of 39
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

שָׁלַ֞ח7 of 39

hath sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אִ֜ישׁ8 of 39

a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִלְּפָנָ֗יו9 of 39

from before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּטֶ֣רֶם10 of 39
H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

כְּבֹ֣א11 of 39

came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַמַּלְאָ֗ךְ12 of 39

him but ere the messenger

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אֵלָ֜יו13 of 39
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְה֣וּא׀14 of 39
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אָמַ֣ר15 of 39

to him he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל16 of 39
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַזְּקֵנִ֗ים17 of 39

and the elders

H2205

old

רְא֣וּ׀18 of 39

See

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּֽי19 of 39
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁלַ֞ח20 of 39

hath sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בֶּן21 of 39

ye how this 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

הַֽמְרַצֵּ֤חַ22 of 39

of a murderer

H7523

properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder

הַזֶּה֙23 of 39
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לְהָסִ֣יר24 of 39

to take away

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֶת25 of 39
H853

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

רֹאשִׁ֔י26 of 39

mine head

H7218

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

רְא֣וּ׀27 of 39

See

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כְּבֹ֣א28 of 39

came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַמַּלְאָ֗ךְ29 of 39

him but ere the messenger

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

סִגְר֤וּ30 of 39

shut

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

בַּדֶּ֔לֶת31 of 39

at the door

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

וּלְחַצְתֶּ֤ם32 of 39

and hold him fast

H3905

properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress

אֹתוֹ֙33 of 39
H853

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

בַּדֶּ֔לֶת34 of 39

at the door

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

הֲל֗וֹא35 of 39
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

ק֛וֹל36 of 39

is not the sound

H6963

a voice or sound

רַגְלֵ֥י37 of 39

feet

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

אֲדֹנָ֖יו38 of 39

of his master's

H113

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

אַֽחֲרָֽיו׃39 of 39

behind

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)


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 6:32 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 6:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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