King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 7:11 Mean?

2 Kings 7:11 in the King James Version says “And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within. — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within.

2 Kings 7:11 · KJV


Context

9

Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household. some: Heb. we shall find punishment

10

So they came and called unto the porter of the city: and they told them, saying, We came to the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was no man there, neither voice of man, but horses tied, and asses tied, and the tents as they were.

11

And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within.

12

And the king arose in the night, and said unto his servants, I will now shew you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we be hungry; therefore are they gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, When they come out of the city, we shall catch them alive, and get into the city.

13

And one of his servants answered and said, Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city, (behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it: behold, I say, they are even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed:) and let us send and see. in the city: Heb. in it


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 7: God's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged. 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 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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיִּקְרָ֖א1 of 6

And he called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

הַשֹּֽׁעֲרִ֑ים2 of 6

the porters

H7778

a janitor

וַיַּגִּ֕ידוּ3 of 6

and they told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

בֵּ֥ית4 of 6

house

H1004

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ5 of 6

it to the king's

H4428

a king

פְּנִֽימָה׃6 of 6

within

H6441

faceward, i.e., indoors


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 7:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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