2 Kings 3:23
2 Kings 3:23 in Multiple Translations
“This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!”
And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.
and they said, This is blood; the kings are surely destroyed, and they have smitten each man his fellow: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.
Then they said, This is blood: it is clear that destruction has come on the kings; they have been fighting one another: now come, Moab, let us take their goods.
“This is blood!” they said. “The kings and their armies must have attacked and killed each other! Moabites, let's grab the plunder!”
And they saide, This is blood the Kings are surely slaine, and one hath smitten another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoyle.
and say, 'Blood this [is]; the kings have been surely destroyed, and they smite each his neighbour; and now for spoil, Moab!'
They said, “This is blood. The kings are surely destroyed, and they have struck each other. Now therefore, Moab, to the plunder!”
And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.
And they said: It is the blood of the sword: the kings have fought among themselves, and they have killed one another: go now, Moab, to the spoils.
They exclaimed, “It is blood! The three enemy armies must have fought and killed each other! So let’s go and take everything that they have left!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 3:23
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 3:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
דָּ֣ם
זֶ֔ה
הָחֳרֵ֤ב
נֶֽחֶרְבוּ֙
הַ/מְּלָכִ֔ים
וַ/יַּכּ֖וּ
אִ֣ישׁ
אֶת
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
וְ/עַתָּ֥ה
לַ/שָּׁלָ֖ל
מוֹאָֽב
וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
דָּ֣ם
dâm
H1818
blood
N-ms
זֶ֔ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הָחֳרֵ֤ב
chârab
H2717
to dry
V-Hophal-Ptc
נֶֽחֶרְבוּ֙
chârab
H2717
to dry
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
הַ/מְּלָכִ֔ים
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-mp
וַ/יַּכּ֖וּ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
וְ/עַתָּ֥ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
לַ/שָּׁלָ֖ל
shâlâl
H7998
spoil
Prep | N-ms
מוֹאָֽב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 3:23
וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
דָּ֣ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
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.
זֶ֔ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הָחֳרֵ֤ב
chârab
H2717
"to dry"
V-Hophal-Ptc
To slay or destroy is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to dry up or desolate something. It is used to describe fighting, attacking, or laying waste.
Definition: 1) to be dry, be dried up 1a) (Qal) to be dried, be dried up 1b) (Pual) to be dried 1c) (Hiphil) to dry up 1d) (Hophal) to be dried up
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, [idiom] surely, (lay, lie, make) waste. See also: Genesis 8:13; Isaiah 50:2; Psalms 106:9.
נֶֽחֶרְבוּ֙
chârab
H2717
"to dry"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To slay or destroy is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to dry up or desolate something. It is used to describe fighting, attacking, or laying waste.
Definition: 1) to be dry, be dried up 1a) (Qal) to be dried, be dried up 1b) (Pual) to be dried 1c) (Hiphil) to dry up 1d) (Hophal) to be dried up
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, [idiom] surely, (lay, lie, make) waste. See also: Genesis 8:13; Isaiah 50:2; Psalms 106:9.
הַ/מְּלָכִ֔ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וַ/יַּכּ֖וּ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
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.
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וְ/עַתָּ֥ה
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.
לַ/שָּׁלָ֖ל
shâlâl
H7998
"spoil"
Prep | N-ms
Shâlâl refers to the spoils of war, or the booty taken from enemies. It is used in the Bible to describe the plunder or prey taken in battle. In the KJV, it is translated as 'prey' or 'spoil'.
Definition: 1) prey, plunder, spoil, booty 1a) prey 1b) booty, spoil, plunder (of war) 1c) plunder (private) 1d) gain (meaning uncertain)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: prey, spoil. See also: Genesis 49:27; 2 Chronicles 15:11; Psalms 68:13.
מוֹאָֽב
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.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 3:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 3:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:23
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:23
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 3:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:23
- Sermons on 2 Kings 3:23
Context — Moab’s Rebellion
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. 25They destroyed the cities, and each man threw stones on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up every spring and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-haraseth was left with stones in place, but men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 5:30 | ‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil— a girl or two for each warrior, a plunder of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments for the neck of the looter?’ |
| 2 | Exodus 15:9 | The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’ |
| 3 | Isaiah 10:14 | My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’” |
| 4 | 2 Kings 7:6 | For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” |
| 5 | 2 Kings 6:18–20 | As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria. When they had entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open the eyes of these men that they may see.” Then the LORD opened their eyes, and they looked around and discovered that they were in Samaria. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 20:25 | Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables —more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much. |
2 Kings 3:23 Summary
[The Moabites thought the water looked like blood because of the sun shining on it, and they jumped to the wrong conclusion, thinking the kings' armies had fought and destroyed each other. This led them to charge into battle, expecting an easy victory. However, the Israelites were prepared and strong, and they defeated the Moabites. This story teaches us to be careful not to jump to conclusions or trust our own perceptions, but instead to seek wisdom and guidance from God, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What led the Moabites to believe that the kings had clashed swords and slaughtered one another?
The Moabites saw the water as red as blood due to the sun shining on it, as mentioned in 2 Kings 3:22, which led them to this false conclusion, much like the deception that can occur when we rely on appearances rather than seeking the truth from God, as warned in Deuteronomy 29:29.
How did the Moabites' misinterpretation of the situation affect their actions?
The Moabites' misinterpretation led them to charge into battle, expecting to find the kings' armies weakened or destroyed, but instead, they were met with a strong and prepared Israelite army, as seen in 2 Kings 3:24, illustrating the importance of seeking wisdom from God before acting, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What can we learn from the Moabites' hasty conclusion and subsequent actions?
We can learn the importance of patience, seeking wisdom, and not jumping to conclusions, as the Moabites did, but instead, trusting in God's sovereignty and guidance, as expressed in Psalm 37:7 and Proverbs 19:21.
How does this event relate to the broader biblical theme of trust in God?
This event illustrates the contrast between the Moabites' trust in their own perceptions and the Israelites' trust in God, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's power and wisdom, as seen in 2 Kings 3:24 and emphasized in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when I have misinterpreted a situation, and how did it affect my actions?
- How can I apply the lesson of seeking wisdom and patience from God in my own life, especially in situations where I am tempted to act hastily?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, even when circumstances seem unclear or uncertain, and how can I cultivate this trust through prayer and scripture reading?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be cautious of deception or misinterpretation, and how can I seek God's truth and wisdom in these areas?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 3:23
And they said, this is blood,.... They were very confident of it, having no notion of water, there having been no rain for some time; and perhaps it was not usual to see water at any time in this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 3:23
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 3:23
They were so highly confident, that they send no scouts, but march thither with their whole army, and that in great disorder; wherein there was also a Divine hand, strengthening them in their mistakes, and hardening them to their destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:23
2 Kings 3:23 And they said, This [is] blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.Ver. 23. This is blood.] For water they were confident there could be none. They have smitten one another.] Here they mused as themselves had used; for why might not others fall out, and fall foul on one another, as they had done?
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:23
(23) The kings are surely slain.—Have surely fought with (or destroyed) one another. LXX., ἐμαχέσαντο. The supposition was not improbable. Confederates of different races not seldom had been known to fall out among themselves (comp. Judges 7:22; 2 Chronicles 20:23, and Note), and in this case the old enmity of Edom towards Israel, and the suppressed jealousies between Israel and Judah, made such a result very likely. The Moabites would know also that the wady had been waterless, so that their mistake was natural. When once their instinct for plunder was aroused they did not stop to think, but with a wild cry of “Moab, to the spoil !” they rushed in disorder upon the Israelite camp.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:23
Verse 23. Therefore, Moab, to the spoil.] Thus they came on in a disorderly manner, and fell an easy prey to their enemies.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 3:23
23. the kings are surely slain [R.V. destroyed], and they have smitten one another] R.V. each man his fellow. The Moabites knew of the contests which had been between Israel and Judah in times past, and might readily fancy that the peace which had been made between Ahab and Jehoshaphat had now been broken through some difference during the expedition. They would also know that the Edomite vassal of Judah was likely to seize the first opportunity to strike a blow for independence. Their own wish too was no doubt father to the thought. Hence their impetuous rush down upon the enemy.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 3:23
The sun had risen with a ruddy light, as is frequently the case after a storm (compare Matthew 16:3), nearly over the Israelite camp, and the pits, deep but with small mouths, gleaming redly through
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 3:23
23. They have smitten one another — The self-destruction of the allied armies of Moab, Ammon, and Edom, (see 2 Chronicles 20:22-25,) was still fresh in the minds of the Moabites; and knowing the
Sermons on 2 Kings 3:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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When God Says "Trust Me," He Means It! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness throughout history, illustrating how He has met the needs of His people, from providing manna in the wilderness to miraculo |
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An Example of God’s Purpose in Our Taking Spoils by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the spiritual warfare faced by David when the Amalekites attacked Ziklag, illustrating that such attacks are aimed at undermining God's eternal purpose. |
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(1 Kings) the Work of Unknown Prophets by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the tasks and responsibilities that God has given us. He warns against the temptation of almost completing the |