2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 6

Authorized King James Version

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And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.

Original Language Analysis

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר said H559
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 14
to say (used with great latitude)
אִישׁ And the man H376
אִישׁ And the man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 2 of 14
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)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים of God H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים of God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 3 of 14
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
אָ֣נָה Where H575
אָ֣נָה Where
Strong's: H575
Word #: 4 of 14
where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither
נָפָ֑ל fell H5307
נָפָ֑ל fell
Strong's: H5307
Word #: 5 of 14
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
וַיַּרְאֵ֙הוּ֙ it And he shewed H7200
וַיַּרְאֵ֙הוּ֙ it And he shewed
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 6 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמָּק֔וֹם him the place H4725
הַמָּק֔וֹם him the place
Strong's: H4725
Word #: 8 of 14
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
וַיִּקְצָב And he cut down H7094
וַיִּקְצָב And he cut down
Strong's: H7094
Word #: 9 of 14
to clip, or (generally) chop
עֵץ֙ a stick H6086
עֵץ֙ a stick
Strong's: H6086
Word #: 10 of 14
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
וַיַּשְׁלֶךְ and cast H7993
וַיַּשְׁלֶךְ and cast
Strong's: H7993
Word #: 11 of 14
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
שָׁ֔מָּה H8033
שָׁ֔מָּה
Strong's: H8033
Word #: 12 of 14
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
וַיָּ֖צֶף did swim H6687
וַיָּ֖צֶף did swim
Strong's: H6687
Word #: 13 of 14
to overflow
הַבַּרְזֶֽל׃ it in thither and the iron H1270
הַבַּרְזֶֽל׃ it in thither and the iron
Strong's: H1270
Word #: 14 of 14
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

Analysis & Commentary

And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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