King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 7:18 Mean?

2 Kings 7:18 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria:”

2 Kings 7:18 · KJV

Context

16

And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.

17

And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.

18

And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria:

19

And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.

20

And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died.

Read 2 Kings 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time 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 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 · 18 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 18
H1961

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

כְּדַבֵּר֙2 of 18

“had spoken”

H1696

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

אִ֣ישׁ3 of 18

“And it came to pass as the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים4 of 18

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶל5 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ6 of 18

“to the king”

H4428

a king

לֵאמֹ֑ר7 of 18

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וּֽסְאָה8 of 18

“Two measures”

H5429

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

שְׂעֹרִ֜ים9 of 18

“of barley”

H8184

barley (as villose)

בְּשֶׁ֔קֶל10 of 18

“for a shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

וּֽסְאָה11 of 18

“Two measures”

H5429

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

סֹ֙לֶת֙12 of 18

“of fine flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

בְּשֶׁ֔קֶל13 of 18

“for a shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

יִֽהְיֶה֙14 of 18
H1961

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

כָּעֵ֣ת15 of 18

“about this time”

H6256

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

מָחָ֔ר16 of 18

“shall be to morrow”

H4279

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

בְּשַׁ֖עַר17 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 7:18 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 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 18:142 Kings 6:322 Kings 7:1-2

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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