King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 7:1 Mean?

2 Kings 7:1 in the King James Version says “Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine f...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.”

2 Kings 7:1 · King James Version

Context

1

Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.

2

Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. a lord: Heb. a lord which belonged to the king leaning upon his hand

3

And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?

Read 2 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 7: God's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged. 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 7 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Deliverance from Famine) 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 7 regarding god's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged?
  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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
אָמַ֣ר1 of 18

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלִישָׁ֔ע2 of 18

“Then Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

שִׁמְע֖וּ3 of 18

“Hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דְּבַר4 of 18

“ye the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֗ה5 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

כֹּ֣ה׀6 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר7 of 18

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה8 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

כָּעֵ֤ת׀9 of 18

“about this time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

מָחָר֙10 of 18

“To morrow”

H4279

properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter

וְסָאתַ֧יִם11 of 18

“and two measures”

H5429

a seah, or certain measure (as determinative) for grain

סֹ֣לֶת12 of 18

“of fine flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

בְּשֶׁ֖קֶל13 of 18

“be sold for a shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

וְסָאתַ֧יִם14 of 18

“and two measures”

H5429

a seah, or certain measure (as determinative) for grain

שְׂעֹרִ֛ים15 of 18

“of barley”

H8184

barley (as villose)

בְּשֶׁ֖קֶל16 of 18

“be sold for a shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

בְּשַׁ֥עַר17 of 18

“in the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃18 of 18

“of Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

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 7:1 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 7:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 3:5Exodus 16:12Ezekiel 37:41 Samuel 11:9Exodus 14:13Exodus 9:5-6

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 2 Kings 7 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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