King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 7:2 Mean?

2 Kings 7:2 in the King James Version says “Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in h... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 7:2 · KJV


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?

4

If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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 · 26 words
וַיַּ֣עַן1 of 26

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,

הַשָּׁלִ֡ישׁ2 of 26

Then a lord

H7991

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

אֲשֶׁר3 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לַמֶּלֶךְ֩4 of 26

the king

H4428

a king

נִשְׁעָ֨ן5 of 26

leaned

H8172

to support one's self

עַל6 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָד֜וֹ7 of 26

on whose hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֶת8 of 26
H853

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

אִ֣ישׁ9 of 26

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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֮10 of 26

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

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר11 of 26

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֣ה12 of 26
H2009

lo!

יְהוָ֗ה13 of 26

Behold if the LORD

H3068

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

עֹשֶׂ֤ה14 of 26

would make

H6213

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

אֲרֻבּוֹת֙15 of 26

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)

בַּשָּׁמַ֔יִם16 of 26

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

הֲיִֽהְיֶ֖ה17 of 26
H1961

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

הַדָּבָ֣ר18 of 26

might this thing

H1697

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

הַזֶּ֑ה19 of 26
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר20 of 26

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנְּכָ֤ה21 of 26
H2009

lo!

רֹאֶה֙22 of 26

Behold thou shalt see

H7200

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

בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ23 of 26

it with thine eyes

H5869

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

וּמִשָּׁ֖ם24 of 26
H8033

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

לֹ֥א25 of 26
H3808

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

תֹאכֵֽל׃26 of 26

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 7:2 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 7:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study