2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל
prayed
H6419
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל
prayed
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
1 of 23
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּפְקַ֤ח
I pray thee open
H6491
וַיִּפְקַ֤ח
I pray thee open
Strong's:
H6491
Word #:
5 of 23
to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant
נָ֥א
H4994
נָ֥א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
6 of 23
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֵינֵ֣י
his eyes
H5869
עֵינֵ֣י
his eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
8 of 23
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וַיַּ֗רְא
and he saw
H7200
וַיַּ֗רְא
and he saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
9 of 23
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וַיִּפְקַ֤ח
I pray thee open
H6491
וַיִּפְקַ֤ח
I pray thee open
Strong's:
H6491
Word #:
10 of 23
to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֵינֵ֣י
his eyes
H5869
עֵינֵ֣י
his eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
13 of 23
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
הַנַּ֔עַר
of the young man
H5288
הַנַּ֔עַר
of the young man
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
14 of 23
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
וַיַּ֗רְא
and he saw
H7200
וַיַּ֗רְא
and he saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
15 of 23
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
הָהָ֜ר
and behold the mountain
H2022
הָהָ֜ר
and behold the mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
17 of 23
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
מָלֵ֨א
was full
H4390
מָלֵ֨א
was full
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
18 of 23
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
וְרֶ֛כֶב
and chariots
H7393
וְרֶ֛כֶב
and chariots
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
20 of 23
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
Cross References
Psalms 68:17The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.Psalms 34:7The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.2 Kings 2:11And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?Isaiah 42:7To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.Matthew 26:53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?Psalms 119:18Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.Revelation 19:14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.Psalms 91:11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 6 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Miracles and Siege) 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 6 regarding god's protection and provision for his servants?
- 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 Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.