King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 7:19 Mean?

2 Kings 7:19 in the King James Version says “And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a th... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 7:19 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיַּ֨עַן1 of 21

answered

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

הַשָּׁלִ֜ישׁ2 of 21

And that lord

H7991

a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)

אֶת3 of 21
H853

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

אִ֣ישׁ4 of 21

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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֮5 of 21

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

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר6 of 21

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וְהִנֵּ֣ה7 of 21
H2009

lo!

יְהוָ֗ה8 of 21

Now behold if the LORD

H3068

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

עֹשֶׂ֤ה9 of 21

should make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֲרֻבּוֹת֙10 of 21

windows

H699

a lattice; (by implication) a window, dovecot (because of the pigeon-holes), chimney (with its apertures for smoke), sluice (with openings for water)

בַּשָּׁמַ֔יִם11 of 21

in heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

הֲיִֽהְיֶ֖ה12 of 21
H1961

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

כַּדָּבָ֣ר13 of 21

might such a thing

H1697

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

הַזֶּ֑ה14 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר15 of 21

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנְּךָ֤16 of 21
H2009

lo!

רֹאֶה֙17 of 21

Behold thou shalt see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ18 of 21

it with thine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וּמִשָּׁ֖ם19 of 21
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

לֹ֥א20 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֹאכֵֽל׃21 of 21

but shalt not eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)


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 7:19 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 7:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study