2 Kings 1:14
2 Kings 1:14 in Multiple Translations
Behold, fire has come down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty, with all their men. But now may my life be precious in your sight.”
Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.
Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and consumed the two former captains of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in thy sight.
For fire came down from heaven and put an end to the first two captains of fifty and their fifties; but now let my life be of value in your eyes.
Yes, fire has fallen from heaven and burned up the first two captains of fifty, along with all their men. But now please value my life!”
Beholde, there came fire downe from the heauen and deuoured the two former captaines ouer fiftie with their fifties: therefore let my life nowe be precious in thy sight.
Lo, come down hath fire from the heavens, and consumeth the two heads of the former fifties and their fifties; and, now, let my soul be precious in thine eyes.'
Behold, fire came down from the sky and consumed the last two captains of fifty with their fifties. But now let my life be precious in your sight.”
Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.
Behold fire came down from heaven, and consumed the two first captains of fifty men, and the fifties that were with them: but now I beseech thee to spare my life.
We know that two times fire came down from the sky and killed officers and the 50 soldiers who were with them. So now, please be kind to me!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 1:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 1:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִ֠נֵּה
יָ֤רְדָה
אֵשׁ֙
מִן
הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם
וַ֠/תֹּאכַל
אֶת
שְׁנֵ֞י
שָׂרֵ֧י
הַ/חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים
הָ/רִאשֹׁנִ֖ים
וְ/אֶת
חֲמִשֵּׁי/הֶ֑ם
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
תִּיקַ֥ר
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
בְּ/עֵינֶֽי/ךָ
הִ֠נֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
יָ֤רְדָה
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֵשׁ֙
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
וַ֠/תֹּאכַל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁנֵ֞י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
שָׂרֵ֧י
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
הַ/חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים
chămishshîym
H2572
fifty
Art | Adj
הָ/רִאשֹׁנִ֖ים
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Art | Adj
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
חֲמִשֵּׁי/הֶ֑ם
chămishshîym
H2572
fifty
Adj | Suff
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
תִּיקַ֥ר
yâqar
H3365
be precious
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
בְּ/עֵינֶֽי/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 1:14
הִ֠נֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
יָ֤רְדָה
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
אֵשׁ֙
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וַ֠/תֹּאכַל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁנֵ֞י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
שָׂרֵ֧י
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
הַ/חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים
chămishshîym
H2572
"fifty"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number fifty, used in various biblical contexts like measurements and quantities. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) fifty 1a) fifty (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of fifty (with other numbers) 1c) fiftieth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: fifty. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:2; Isaiah 3:3.
הָ/רִאשֹׁנִ֖ים
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Art | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֲמִשֵּׁי/הֶ֑ם
chămishshîym
H2572
"fifty"
Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word simply means the number fifty, used in various biblical contexts like measurements and quantities. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) fifty 1a) fifty (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of fifty (with other numbers) 1c) fiftieth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: fifty. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:2; Isaiah 3:3.
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
תִּיקַ֥ר
yâqar
H3365
"be precious"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be precious or valuable, and can also mean to make something rare. It is used to describe something highly valued or esteemed, like a precious stone.
Definition: 1) to esteem, be prized, be valuable, be precious, be costly, be appraised 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be precious, be highly valued, be esteemed, be costly 1a2) to be appraised 1b) (Hiphil) to make something precious
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: be (make) precious, be prized, be set by, withdraw. See also: 1 Samuel 18:30; Psalms 72:14; Psalms 49:9.
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
בְּ/עֵינֶֽי/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 1:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Elijah Denounces Ahaziah
12Again Elijah replied, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men.
13So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. And the third captain went up, fell on his knees before Elijah, and begged him, “Man of God, may my life and the lives of these fifty servants of yours please be precious in your sight.
14Behold, fire has come down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty, with all their men. But now may my life be precious in your sight.”
15Then the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him. Do not be afraid of him.” So Elijah got up and went down with him to the king. 16And Elijah said to King Ahaziah, “This is what the LORD says: Is there really no God in Israel for you to inquire of His word? Is that why you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 20:24 | But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. |
| 2 | Psalms 49:8 | For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice, |
| 3 | Proverbs 6:26 | For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 26:21 | Then Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 26:24 | As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and rescue me from all trouble.” |
| 6 | Psalms 72:14 | He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their blood is precious in his sight. |
| 7 | Matthew 16:25–26 | For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? |
| 8 | Psalms 116:15 | Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 1:10–11 | Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. So the king sent to Elijah another captain with his fifty men. And the captain said to Elijah, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down at once!’” |
2 Kings 1:14 Summary
[This verse shows a dramatic turn of events as the third captain, unlike the first two, humbly pleads with Elijah for his life after witnessing the power of God, as seen in 2 Kings 1:12-13. The captain's words, 'may my life be precious in your sight,' demonstrate a desire for God's mercy and compassion. This story teaches us about the importance of humility and reverence when interacting with God's servants, as seen in Proverbs 22:4. By recognizing God's power and authority, we can cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord and plead for His mercy in our lives, just like the third captain.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the third captain plead with Elijah after seeing the first two captains consumed by fire?
The third captain recognized the power and authority of God through Elijah, and he humbly begged for his life, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, as seen in 2 Kings 1:13-14, and demonstrating a desire to avoid the same fate as the previous captains, much like the response to God's power in Exodus 14:31.
What can we learn from the third captain's approach to Elijah compared to the first two captains?
The third captain's humble and pleading approach, as opposed to the first two captains' confrontational attitude, shows the importance of humility and reverence when interacting with God's servants, as emphasized in Proverbs 22:4 and Matthew 23:12.
How does this verse relate to the concept of the fear of the Lord?
The third captain's recognition of Elijah's authority and his plea for mercy demonstrate a healthy fear of the Lord, acknowledging God's power and judgment, as described in Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 1:7.
What is the significance of the phrase 'may my life be precious in your sight' in this verse?
This phrase, also found in 2 Kings 1:13, expresses a desire for God's mercy and compassion, recognizing the value and worth that God places on human life, as seen in Psalm 72:14 and Genesis 9:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to demonstrate humility and reverence, like the third captain, to avoid facing God's judgment?
- How can I cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, acknowledging His power and authority in my life, and what are the benefits of doing so?
- In what ways can I, like the third captain, plead for God's mercy and compassion in my life, recognizing the value He places on human life?
- What are some situations where I have seen God's power and authority at work, and how have I responded to those experiences?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 1:14
Behold, there came fire down from heaven and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties,.... He owns the facts, and ascribes the death of them to the true cause, and appears
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 1:14
Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:14
2 Kings 1:14 Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.Ver. 14. Therefore let my life be precious in thy sight.] Say we the same to Almighty God, when we see so many fall on every hand of us, devoured by death.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:14
(14) Burnt.—Eat, or devoured (2 Kings 1:10; 2 Kings 1:12). The two captains of the former fifties.—Rather, the former two captains of fifties. Therefore let my life now.—And now (i.e., this time) let my life. Some MSS., and LXX., Vulg., and Arabic add the precative “now,” that is, “I pray,” as in 2 Kings 1:13 (“I pray thee” = na’).
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 1:14
14. Behold, there came fire down from heaven] Here is another point in which the brevity of the narrative leaves much for conjecture. How was the news of the first and second destruction brought, and its nature described? The sending out of an armed band would no doubt attract attention, and persons who were near at hand when the meeting with the prophet took place may have brought the news. Was the second captain sent on his errand without any knowledge of what had happened to his predecessor?
Sermons on 2 Kings 1:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"Too Intense?" "Radical?" by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker passionately shares his personal experiences of sacrifice and persecution for his faith in Jesus Christ. He recounts witnessing people dying and a young |
|
How to Get on Fire for God by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three keys to getting on fire for God. The first key is faith, which is described as believing in the promises of God and finding joy and pea |
|
Witness of the Spirit - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the loss of appreciation for the beauty and majesty of the gospel among preachers today. He shares a criticism from a book review that reso |
|
911 Tradegy by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own life and ministry, realizing that he has become complacent and lacking in passion for sharing the gospel. He is convicted by the fac |
|
The Secret of a Great Life by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the joy and fulfillment that comes from giving. He highlights the selfless acts of missionaries and members of the church who dedicate their |
|
(Sermon Preparation) Lecture 07 by Alan Redpath | In the video, the preacher introduces fourteen principles for Christian living. He challenges the audience to quickly find Bible verses to support each principle. The principles in |
|
|
To Live Is Christ - Full Length by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal encounter with a frail and humble village woman who radiated the love of Jesus. The woman, who had six sons, revealed to the speaker t |