2 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 3
And 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?
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 16
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)
הָי֥וּ
H1961
הָי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מְצֹֽרָעִ֖ים
leprous
H6879
מְצֹֽרָעִ֖ים
leprous
Strong's:
H6879
Word #:
4 of 16
to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy
פֶּ֣תַח
at the entering in
H6607
פֶּ֣תַח
at the entering in
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
5 of 16
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
אִ֣ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 16
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)
מָ֗ה
H4100
מָ֗ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יֹֽשְׁבִ֥ים
Why sit
H3427
יֹֽשְׁבִ֥ים
Why sit
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Cross References
2 Kings 7:4If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.Numbers 12:14And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.
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?
Analysis & Commentary
And 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?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 7: God's supernatural deliverance and human unbelief judged. 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.