2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 19
And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הַדֶּרֶךְ֮
unto them This is not the way
H1870
הַדֶּרֶךְ֮
unto them This is not the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
6 of 20
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָעִיר֒
the city
H5892
הָעִיר֒
the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 20
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לְכ֣וּ
H1980
לְכ֣וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
10 of 20
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אַֽחֲרַ֔י
H310
אַֽחֲרַ֔י
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְאוֹלִ֣יכָה
H1980
וְאוֹלִ֣יכָה
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
12 of 20
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאִ֖ישׁ
you to the man
H376
הָאִ֖ישׁ
you to the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
15 of 20
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)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תְּבַקֵּשׁ֑וּן
whom ye seek
H1245
תְּבַקֵּשׁ֑וּן
whom ye seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
17 of 20
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
וַיֹּ֥לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֹּ֥לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
18 of 20
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
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?
Analysis & Commentary
And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.
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.