King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 7:9 Mean?

2 Kings 7:9 in the King James Version says “Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry til... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household. some: Heb. we shall find punishment

2 Kings 7:9 · KJV


Context

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.

8

And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it.

9

Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household. some: Heb. we shall find punishment

10

So they came and called unto the porter of the city: and they told them, saying, We came to the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was no man there, neither voice of man, but horses tied, and asses tied, and the tents as they were.

11

And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 7: God's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged. 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 · 27 words
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֩1 of 27

Then they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אִ֨ישׁ2 of 27

one

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)

אֶל3 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רֵעֵ֜הוּ4 of 27

to another

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

לֹא5 of 27
H3808

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

כֵ֣ן׀6 of 27
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֲנַ֣חְנוּ7 of 27
H587

we

עֹשִׂ֗ים8 of 27

We do

H6213

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

יוֹם9 of 27

is a day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּה֙10 of 27
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יוֹם11 of 27

is a day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּשֹׂרָ֣ה12 of 27

of good tidings

H1309

glad tidings; by implication, reward for good news

ה֔וּא13 of 27
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַֽאֲנַ֣חְנוּ14 of 27
H587

we

מַחְשִׁ֗ים15 of 27

and we hold our peace

H2814

to hush or keep quiet

וְחִכִּ֛ינוּ16 of 27

if we tarry

H2442

properly, to adhere to; hence, to await

עַד17 of 27
H5704

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

א֥וֹר18 of 27

light

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

הַבֹּ֖קֶר19 of 27

till the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וּמְצָאָ֣נוּ20 of 27

will come

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

עָו֑וֹן21 of 27

some mischief

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וְעַתָּה֙22 of 27
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

לְכ֣וּ23 of 27
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְנָבֹ֔אָה24 of 27

that we may go

H935

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

וְנַגִּ֖ידָה25 of 27

and tell

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

בֵּ֥ית26 of 27

household

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃27 of 27

the king's

H4428

a king


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 7:9 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 7:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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