2 Kings 7:2
Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣עַן
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֣עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 26
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
הַשָּׁלִ֡ישׁ
Then a lord
H7991
הַשָּׁלִ֡ישׁ
Then a lord
Strong's:
H7991
Word #:
2 of 26
a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יָד֜וֹ
on whose hand
H3027
יָד֜וֹ
on whose hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 26
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אִ֣ישׁ
the man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 26
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)
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֮
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֮
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
10 of 26
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
יְהוָ֗ה
Behold if the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
Behold if the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 26
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֹשֶׂ֤ה
would make
H6213
עֹשֶׂ֤ה
would make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 26
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֲרֻבּוֹת֙
windows
H699
אֲרֻבּוֹת֙
windows
Strong's:
H699
Word #:
15 of 26
a lattice; (by implication) a window, dovecot (because of the pigeon-holes), chimney (with its apertures for smoke), sluice (with openings for water)
בַּשָּׁמַ֔יִם
in heaven
H8064
בַּשָּׁמַ֔יִם
in heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
16 of 26
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
הֲיִֽהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
הֲיִֽהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
17 of 26
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַדָּבָ֣ר
might this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֣ר
might this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
18 of 26
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
רֹאֶה֙
Behold thou shalt see
H7200
רֹאֶה֙
Behold thou shalt see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
22 of 26
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ
it with thine eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ
it with thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
23 of 26
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וּמִשָּׁ֖ם
H8033
וּמִשָּׁ֖ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
24 of 26
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
Cross References
Genesis 7:11In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.Malachi 3:10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.2 Kings 5:18In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing.2 Timothy 2:13If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.Isaiah 7:9And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.Psalms 78:41Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.Romans 3:3For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?2 Chronicles 20:20And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 7 regarding god's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged?
- 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
Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 7: God's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.