2 Kings 8:6
And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁאַ֥ל
asked
H7592
וַיִּשְׁאַ֥ל
asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
1 of 26
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
וַתְּסַפֶּר
she told
H5608
וַתְּסַפֶּר
she told
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
4 of 26
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
וַיִּתֶּן
appointed
H5414
וַיִּתֶּן
appointed
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 26
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
סָרִ֨יס
officer
H5631
סָרִ֨יס
officer
Strong's:
H5631
Word #:
9 of 26
a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state
אֶחָ֜ד
unto her a certain
H259
אֶחָ֜ד
unto her a certain
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
10 of 26
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
הָשֵׁ֤יב
Restore
H7725
הָשֵׁ֤יב
Restore
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
12 of 26
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
תְּבוּאֹ֣ת
all that was hers and all the fruits
H8393
תְּבוּאֹ֣ת
all that was hers and all the fruits
Strong's:
H8393
Word #:
19 of 26
income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)
מִיּ֛וֹם
since the day
H3117
מִיּ֛וֹם
since the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
21 of 26
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
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
23 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Proverbs 16:7When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.Proverbs 21:1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.2 Samuel 9:7And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.1 Chronicles 28:1And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.2 Kings 9:32And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.Genesis 37:36And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.Deuteronomy 22:2And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.Judges 11:13And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 8 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's International Influence) 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 8 regarding prophetic word shapes national events?
- 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
And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. 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.