King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:8 Mean?

2 Kings 6:8 in the King James Version says “Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. camp: or, encamping”

2 Kings 6:8 · KJV

Context

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.

8

Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. camp: or, encamping

9

And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.

10

And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.

Read 2 Kings 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.

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 · 14 words
וּמֶ֣לֶךְ1 of 14

“Then the king”

H4428

a king

אֲרָ֔ם2 of 14

“of Syria”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

הָיָ֥ה3 of 14
H1961

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

נִלְחָ֖ם4 of 14

“warred”

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל5 of 14

“against Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיִּוָּעַץ֙6 of 14

“and took counsel”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

אֶל7 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲבָדָ֣יו8 of 14

“with his servants”

H5650

a servant

לֵאמֹ֗ר9 of 14

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל10 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מְק֛וֹם11 of 14

“a place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

פְּלֹנִ֥י12 of 14

“In such”

H6423

such a one, i.e., a specified person

אַלְמֹנִ֖י13 of 14

“and such”

H492

some one (i.e., so and so, without giving the name of the person or place)

תַּֽחֲנֹתִֽי׃14 of 14

“shall be my camp”

H8466

(only plural collectively) an encampment

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 6:8 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 6:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 6:24Proverbs 21:30Proverbs 20:18Isaiah 8:10Isaiah 7:5-7Job 5:12-13

Places in This Verse

Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Kings 6 →

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