King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:5 Mean?

2 Kings 6:5 in the King James Version says “But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrow...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. axe head: Heb. iron”

2 Kings 6:5 · KJV

Context

3

And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.

4

So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.

5

But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. axe head: Heb. iron

6

And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.

7

Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

Read 2 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.

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
וַיְהִ֤י1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הָֽאֶחָד֙2 of 15

“But as one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

נָפַ֣ל3 of 15

“fell”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

הַקּוֹרָ֔ה4 of 15

“a beam”

H6982

a rafter (forming trenches as it were); by implication, a roof

וְאֶת5 of 15
H853

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

הַבַּרְזֶ֖ל6 of 15

“the axe head”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

נָפַ֣ל7 of 15

“fell”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

אֶל8 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּ֑יִם9 of 15

“into the water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַיִּצְעַ֥ק10 of 15

“and he cried”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

וַיֹּ֛אמֶר11 of 15

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲהָ֥הּ12 of 15

“Alas”

H162

oh!

אֲדֹנִ֖י13 of 15

“master”

H113

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

וְה֥וּא14 of 15
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

שָׁאֽוּל׃15 of 15

“for it was borrowed”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 37:21Ecclesiastes 10:102 Kings 6:15Revelation 18:102 Kings 4:7Revelation 18:19

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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