2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 29

Authorized King James Version

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So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.

Original Language Analysis

וַנְּבַשֵּׁ֥ל So we boiled H1310
וַנְּבַשֵּׁ֥ל So we boiled
Strong's: H1310
Word #: 1 of 15
properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנָֽהּ׃ her son H1121
בְּנָֽהּ׃ her son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 3 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
וְנֹ֣אכְלֶ֔נּוּ and did eat H398
וְנֹ֣אכְלֶ֔נּוּ and did eat
Strong's: H398
Word #: 4 of 15
to eat (literally or figuratively)
וָֽאֹמַ֨ר him and I said H559
וָֽאֹמַ֨ר him and I said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 5 of 15
to say (used with great latitude)
אֵלֶ֜יהָ H413
אֵלֶ֜יהָ
Strong's: H413
Word #: 6 of 15
near, with or among; often in general, to
בַּיּ֣וֹם day H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 7 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
הָֽאַחֵ֗ר unto her on the next H312
הָֽאַחֵ֗ר unto her on the next
Strong's: H312
Word #: 8 of 15
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
תְּנִ֤י Give H5414
תְּנִ֤י Give
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 9 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 10 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנָֽהּ׃ her son H1121
בְּנָֽהּ׃ her son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 11 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
וְנֹ֣אכְלֶ֔נּוּ and did eat H398
וְנֹ֣אכְלֶ֔נּוּ and did eat
Strong's: H398
Word #: 12 of 15
to eat (literally or figuratively)
וַתַּחְבִּ֖א him and she hath hid H2244
וַתַּחְבִּ֖א him and she hath hid
Strong's: H2244
Word #: 13 of 15
to secrete
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 14 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנָֽהּ׃ her son H1121
בְּנָֽהּ׃ her son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 15 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

Analysis & Commentary

So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.

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