2 Kings 7:9
Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֨ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֨ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 27
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)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 27
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כֵ֣ן׀
H3651
כֵ֣ן׀
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
6 of 27
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עֹשִׂ֗ים
We do
H6213
עֹשִׂ֗ים
We do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 27
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יוֹם
is a day
H3117
יוֹם
is a day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 27
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
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
יוֹם
is a day
H3117
יוֹם
is a day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
11 of 27
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
בְּשֹׂרָ֣ה
of good tidings
H1309
בְּשֹׂרָ֣ה
of good tidings
Strong's:
H1309
Word #:
12 of 27
glad tidings; by implication, reward for good news
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
13 of 27
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
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
17 of 27
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
א֥וֹר
light
H216
א֥וֹר
light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
18 of 27
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
הַבֹּ֖קֶר
till the morning
H1242
הַבֹּ֖קֶר
till the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
19 of 27
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וּמְצָאָ֣נוּ
will come
H4672
וּמְצָאָ֣נוּ
will come
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
20 of 27
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
וְעַתָּה֙
H6258
לְכ֣וּ
H1980
לְכ֣וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
23 of 27
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְנָבֹ֔אָה
that we may go
H935
וְנָבֹ֔אָה
that we may go
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
24 of 27
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְנַגִּ֖ידָה
and tell
H5046
וְנַגִּ֖ידָה
and tell
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
25 of 27
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
Cross References
Isaiah 52:7How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!Philippians 2:4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.Isaiah 41:27The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.Nahum 1:15Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.2 Kings 7:3And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?Numbers 32:23But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.
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 they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 7: God's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged. 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.