King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 7:5 Mean?

2 Kings 7:5 in the King James Version says “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 t... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 7:5 · KJV


Context

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.

5

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.

6

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

7

Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 7: God's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged. 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 · 15 words
וַיָּקֻ֣מוּ1 of 15

And they rose up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

בַנֶּ֔שֶׁף2 of 15

in the twilight

H5399

properly, a breeze, i.e., (by implication) dusk (when the evening breeze prevails)

וַיָּבֹ֗אוּ3 of 15

and when they were come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל4 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה5 of 15

of the camp

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

אֲרָ֔ם6 of 15

of Syria

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

וַיָּבֹ֗אוּ7 of 15

and when they were come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עַד8 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

קְצֵה֙9 of 15

to the uttermost part

H7097

an extremity

מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה10 of 15

of the camp

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

אֲרָ֔ם11 of 15

of Syria

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

וְהִנֵּ֥ה12 of 15
H2009

lo!

אֵֽין13 of 15
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שָׁ֖ם14 of 15
H8033

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

אִֽישׁ׃15 of 15

behold there was no 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)


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 7:5 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 7:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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