2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 5

Authorized King James Version

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But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.

Original Language Analysis

וַיְהִ֤י H1961
וַיְהִ֤י
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הָֽאֶחָד֙ But as one H259
הָֽאֶחָד֙ But as one
Strong's: H259
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
נָפַ֣ל fell H5307
נָפַ֣ל fell
Strong's: H5307
Word #: 3 of 15
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
הַקּוֹרָ֔ה a beam H6982
הַקּוֹרָ֔ה a beam
Strong's: H6982
Word #: 4 of 15
a rafter (forming trenches as it were); by implication, a roof
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבַּרְזֶ֖ל the axe head H1270
הַבַּרְזֶ֖ל the axe head
Strong's: H1270
Word #: 6 of 15
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
נָפַ֣ל fell H5307
נָפַ֣ל fell
Strong's: H5307
Word #: 7 of 15
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 8 of 15
near, with or among; often in general, to
הַמָּ֑יִם into the water H4325
הַמָּ֑יִם into the water
Strong's: H4325
Word #: 9 of 15
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
וַיִּצְעַ֥ק and he cried H6817
וַיִּצְעַ֥ק and he cried
Strong's: H6817
Word #: 10 of 15
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
וַיֹּ֛אמֶר and said H559
וַיֹּ֛אמֶר and said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 11 of 15
to say (used with great latitude)
אֲהָ֥הּ Alas H162
אֲהָ֥הּ Alas
Strong's: H162
Word #: 12 of 15
oh!
אֲדֹנִ֖י master H113
אֲדֹנִ֖י master
Strong's: H113
Word #: 13 of 15
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
וְה֥וּא H1931
וְה֥וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 14 of 15
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
שָׁאֽוּל׃ for it was borrowed H7592
שָׁאֽוּל׃ for it was borrowed
Strong's: H7592
Word #: 15 of 15
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

Analysis & Commentary

But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. 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