King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:33 Mean?

2 Kings 6:33 in the King James Version says “And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LO... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

2 Kings 6:33 · KJV


Context

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
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?

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.

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 · 17 words
עוֹדֶ֙נּוּ֙1 of 17
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

מְדַבֵּ֣ר2 of 17

And while he yet talked

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עִמָּ֔ם3 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְהִנֵּ֥ה4 of 17
H2009

lo!

הַמַּלְאָ֖ךְ5 of 17

with them behold the messenger

H4397

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

יֹרֵ֣ד6 of 17

came down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֵלָ֑יו7 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר8 of 17

unto him and he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּה9 of 17
H2009

lo!

זֹ֤את10 of 17
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הָֽרָעָה֙11 of 17

Behold this evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

מֵאֵ֣ת12 of 17
H853

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

לַֽיהוָ֖ה13 of 17

for the LORD

H3068

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

מָֽה14 of 17
H4100

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

אוֹחִ֥יל15 of 17

what should I wait

H3176

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

לַֽיהוָ֖ה16 of 17

for the LORD

H3068

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

עֽוֹד׃17 of 17
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more


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 6:33 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 6:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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