2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 31

Authorized King James Version

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Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.

Original Language Analysis

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר Then he said H559
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר Then he said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 15
to say (used with great latitude)
כֹּֽה H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's: H3541
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יַעֲשֶׂה do H6213
יַעֲשֶׂה do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 3 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לִּ֥י H0
לִּ֥י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 4 of 15
אֱלֹהִ֖ים God H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 5 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְכֹ֣ה H3541
וְכֹ֣ה
Strong's: H3541
Word #: 6 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יוֹסִ֑ף so and more H3254
יוֹסִ֑ף so and more
Strong's: H3254
Word #: 7 of 15
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
אִֽם H518
אִֽם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 8 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יַעֲמֹ֞ד shall stand H5975
יַעֲמֹ֞ד shall stand
Strong's: H5975
Word #: 9 of 15
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
רֹ֣אשׁ also to me if the head H7218
רֹ֣אשׁ also to me if the head
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 10 of 15
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
אֱלִישָׁ֧ע of Elisha H477
אֱלִישָׁ֧ע of Elisha
Strong's: H477
Word #: 11 of 15
elisha, the famous prophet
בֶּן the son H1121
בֶּן the son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 12 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שָׁפָ֛ט of Shaphat H8202
שָׁפָ֛ט of Shaphat
Strong's: H8202
Word #: 13 of 15
shaphat, the name of four israelites
עָלָ֖יו H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 14 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַיּֽוֹם׃ on him this day H3117
הַיּֽוֹם׃ on him this day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 15 of 15
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

Analysis & Commentary

Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.

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.

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