2 Kings 3:22
2 Kings 3:22 in Multiple Translations
When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way.
And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:
And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water over against them as red as blood:
And early in the morning they got up, when the sun was shining on the water, and they saw the water facing them as red as blood.
But the next morning when they got up the sun was shining on the water, and to the Moabites on the other side it looked blood red.
And they rose earely in the morning, when the sunne arose vpon the water, and the Moabites saw the water ouer against them, as red as blood.
And they rise early in the morning, and the sun hath shone on the waters, and the Moabites see, from over-against, the waters red as blood,
They rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone on the water, and the Moabites saw the water opposite them as red as blood.
And they rose early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:
And they rose early in the morning, and the sun being now up, and shining upon the waters, the Moabites saw the waters over against them red, like blood,
But when they rose early the next morning, they saw that the water across from them appeared to be as red as blood.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 3:22
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 3:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ
בַ/בֹּ֔קֶר
וְ/הַ/שֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ
זָרְחָ֣ה
עַל
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
וַ/יִּרְא֨וּ
מוֹאָ֥ב
מִ/נֶּ֛גֶד
אֶת
הַ/מַּ֖יִם
אֲדֻמִּ֥ים
כַּ/דָּֽם
וַ/יַּשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ
shâkam
H7925
to rise
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
בַ/בֹּ֔קֶר
bôqer
H1242
morning
Prep | N-ms
וְ/הַ/שֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Conj | Art | N-cs
זָרְחָ֣ה
zârach
H2224
to rise
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
וַ/יִּרְא֨וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מוֹאָ֥ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
מִ/נֶּ֛גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מַּ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
אֲדֻמִּ֥ים
ʼâdôm
H122
red
Adj
כַּ/דָּֽם
dâm
H1818
blood
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 3:22
וַ/יַּשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ
shâkam
H7925
"to rise"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to rise or start early, like loading up a burden. It is used in Genesis to describe early morning activities.
Definition: 1) to rise or start early 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to rise early, make an early start 1a2) early (as adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (arise, be up, get (oneself) up, rise up) early (betimes), morning. See also: Genesis 19:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 127:2.
בַ/בֹּ֔קֶר
bôqer
H1242
"morning"
Prep | N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
וְ/הַ/שֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
Conj | Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
זָרְחָ֣ה
zârach
H2224
"to rise"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to rise or shine, like the sun coming up. It's used in the Bible to describe the sun rising or a symptom appearing. In the KJV, it's translated as 'arise' or 'rise up'.
Definition: 1) to rise, come forth, break out, arise, rise up, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rise 1a2) to come out, appear
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: arise, rise (up), as soon as it is up. See also: Genesis 32:32; Psalms 104:22; Psalms 112:4.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וַ/יִּרְא֨וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
מוֹאָ֥ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
מִ/נֶּ֛גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
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.
הַ/מַּ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
אֲדֻמִּ֥ים
ʼâdôm
H122
"red"
Adj
This word means red or ruddy, often used to describe the color of skin or objects. It appears in the Bible to describe people, such as Esau, who was born with red hair. In the book of Genesis, it is used to describe the red earth.
Definition: red, ruddy (of man, horse, heifer, garment, water, lentils)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: red, ruddy. See also: Genesis 25:30; Song of Solomon 5:10; Isaiah 63:2.
כַּ/דָּֽם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Prep | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 3:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 2 Kings 3:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:22
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:22
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:22
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:22
Context — Moab’s Rebellion
20The next morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water suddenly flowed from the direction of Edom and filled the land.
21Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border.
22When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way.
23“This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!” 24But when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and attacked them, and they fled before them. So the Israelites invaded their land and struck down the Moabites.2 Kings 3:22 Summary
This verse describes how the Moabites were tricked into thinking the kings had fought and killed each other because of the way the sun was shining on the water. This event shows how God can use natural occurrences to accomplish His purposes, as seen in other Bible stories like Joshua 10:12-14. The Moabites' mistake teaches us to be careful not to jump to conclusions based on what we see, and to trust in God's sovereignty instead, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7. By trusting in God, we can have confidence that He is working everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the water looking like blood to the Moabites?
The water looking like blood was a result of the sun shining on it, creating an optical illusion that misled the Moabites into thinking the kings had fought and killed each other, as seen in 2 Kings 3:23, which led to their downfall.
How did the Moabites misinterpret the situation?
The Moabites misinterpreted the situation because they did not have all the facts, and they jumped to conclusions based on what they saw, similar to the Israelites in Exodus 32:1 when they made the golden calf.
What role did God play in this event?
God played a significant role in this event, as He had promised to help the kings, as seen in 2 Kings 3:15-20, and He provided the water that ultimately led to the Moabites' defeat, demonstrating His power and control over nature, as seen in Psalm 104:14-16.
What can we learn from the Moabites' mistake?
We can learn from the Moabites' mistake the importance of seeking God's perspective and not jumping to conclusions based on limited information, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 11:33-36.
Reflection Questions
- How do I tend to react when faced with uncertain or misleading situations, and what can I learn from the Moabites' mistake?
- In what ways can I seek God's perspective and guidance in my life, especially when faced with difficult decisions or uncertain outcomes?
- How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse, to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways that God has provided for me in the past, and how can I trust Him to continue to do so in the future?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:22
And they rose up early in the morning,.... To watch the motions of their enemies, and be upon their guard against them: and the sun shone upon the water; with which the valley was filled: and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:22
And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:22
Because of the morning sun, which meeting with the vapours that arose from the earth, and shining through them upon the water, gave it a reddish tincture. God also so ordered things, that their senses and fancies were disturbed, or the air so disposed, that it might seem of this colour. And they might more easily mistake this for blood, because they knew that that ground was generally dry, and without any trenches or streams of water, now especially in this dry season, there being no noise of wind and rain, . And they might justly think that the three kings being divided in their religion and interests, and discontented for want of water, might fall into dissensions, and heats, and mutual slaughters, of which they had a late example, ,23.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:22
2 Kings 3:22 And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side [as] red as blood: Ver. 22. And the Moabites saw the water … as red as blood.] So they seemed to be, by reason of the sunbeams, which met with the vapours that arose out of the waters, and could not dispel them.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:22
(22) They rose up early.—The Moabite camp on the frontier mountains. And the sun shone upon the water.—A parenthesis (now the sun had risen upon the water). The red sunrise tinged the water with the same colour. On the other side.—Min-nèged, “opposite,” “over against them” (2 Kings 2:7; 2 Kings 2:15). The sun rose behind the Moabites. Red.—’Adôm. There may be an allusion to the red earth of the locality (Edom), which would further redden the water.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:22
Verse 22. Saw the water on the other side as red as blood] This might have been an optical deception; I have seen the like sight when there was no reason to suspect supernatural agency. The Moabites had never seen that valley full of water, and therefore did not suspect that their eyes deceived them, but took it for the blood of the confederate hosts, who they thought might have fallen into confusion in the darkness of night and destroyed each other, as the Midianites had formerly done, Judges 7:22, and the Philistines lately, 1 Samuel 14:20.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:22
22. they rose up early in the morning] When the rays of the sun would be shining obliquely on the water, and would cause it to have an unusual colour. the water on the other side] R.V. over against them. See above on 2 Kings 2:7as red as blood] This would be partly due to the slanting rays of the sun, and partly perhaps to the redness of the land through which the water had flowed. It was impossible for the Moabites to think what they saw to be water, for no signs of rain had been observable.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:22
22. Saw the water… red as blood — “As the suddenly appearing mass of waters was effected in a natural way by a violent rain in the distance, so also the illusion, that was so fatal to the Moabites,