King James Version
2 Kings 7:3 in the King James Version says “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 d...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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?”
2 Kings 7:3 · KJV
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.
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
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?
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.
And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“one”
H376a 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)
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“leprous”
H6879to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy
“one”
H376a 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)
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
“Why sit”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
“we here until we die”
H4191to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
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.
2 Kings 7:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 2 Kings 7:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge