2 Kings 2:19
And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.
Original Language Analysis
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
H376
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 17
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)
הָעִיר֙
of the city
H5892
הָעִיר֙
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 17
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
נָ֞א
H4994
נָ֞א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
7 of 17
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
מוֹשַׁ֤ב
Behold I pray thee the situation
H4186
מוֹשַׁ֤ב
Behold I pray thee the situation
Strong's:
H4186
Word #:
8 of 17
a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population
הָעִיר֙
of the city
H5892
הָעִיר֙
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 17
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
ט֔וֹב
is pleasant
H2896
ט֔וֹב
is pleasant
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
10 of 17
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
רֹאֶ֑ה
seeth
H7200
רֹאֶ֑ה
seeth
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
13 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְהַמַּ֥יִם
but the water
H4325
וְהַמַּ֥יִם
but the water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
14 of 17
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Cross References
Exodus 23:26There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.Deuteronomy 28:11And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.Exodus 15:23And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.Exodus 7:19And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone.Numbers 12:11And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.1 Kings 16:34In his days did Hiel the Beth-elite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.Joshua 6:17And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.Joshua 6:26And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.1 Kings 18:7And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?Hosea 9:14Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 2 takes place during the mid-9th century BCE, around 850 BCE, during the transition from Elijah to Elisha. The chapter's theme (Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Beginning) reflects the historical reality of prophetic succession and divine affirmation of Elisha's ministry following Elijah's remarkable translation. 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 2 regarding prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. 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.