2 Kings 6:14
2 Kings 6:14 in Multiple Translations
the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city.
Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
So he sent there horses and carriages and a great army; and they came by night, circling the town.
So he sent horses, chariots, and a large army. They came at night and surrounded the town.
So he sent thither horses, and charets, and a mightie hoste: and they came by night, and compassed the citie.
And he sendeth thither horses and chariot, and a heavy force, and they come in by night, and go round against the city.
Therefore he sent horses, chariots, and a great army there. They came by night and surrounded the city.
Therefore he sent thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and encompassed the city.
Therefore he sent thither horses and chariots, and the strength of an army: and they came by night, and beset the city.
So the king sent a large group of soldiers to Dothan with horses and chariots. They arrived at night and surrounded the town.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 6:14
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 6:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁלַח
שָׁ֛מָּ/ה
סוּסִ֥ים
וְ/רֶ֖כֶב
וְ/חַ֣יִל
כָּבֵ֑ד
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
לַ֔יְלָה
וַ/יַּקִּ֖פוּ
עַל
הָ/עִֽיר
וַ/יִּשְׁלַח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֛מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
סוּסִ֥ים
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-mp
וְ/רֶ֖כֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
Conj | N-ms
וְ/חַ֣יִל
chayil
H2428
Helech
Conj | N-ms
כָּבֵ֑ד
kâbêd
H3515
heavy
Adj
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לַ֔יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
N-ms
וַ/יַּקִּ֖פוּ
nâqaph
H5362
to strike
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 6:14
וַ/יִּשְׁלַח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
שָׁ֛מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
סוּסִ֥ים
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/רֶ֖כֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/חַ֣יִל
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
Conj | N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
כָּבֵ֑ד
kâbêd
H3515
"heavy"
Adj
Something or someone that is heavy or severe is what this word describes, like a heavy heart in Proverbs 12 or a difficult task, as in Matthew 23.
Definition: 1) heavy, great 1a) heavy 1b) massive, abundant, numerous 1c) heavy, dull 1d) hard, difficult, burdensome 1e) very oppressive, numerous, rich
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (so) great, grievous, hard(-ened), (too) heavy(-ier), laden, much, slow, sore, thick. See also: Genesis 12:10; Numbers 11:14; Psalms 38:5.
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לַ֔יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
וַ/יַּקִּ֖פוּ
nâqaph
H5362
"to strike"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to surround or go around something, like making a circle or enclosing an area. It can also imply a sense of violence or attack, like beating or knocking something down. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's presence surrounding his people.
Definition: 1) to strike, strike off 1a) (Piel) to strike off skin Aramaic equivalent: ne.qash (נְקַשׁ "to knock" H5368)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: compass (about, -ing), cut down, destroy, go round (about), inclose, round. See also: Leviticus 19:27; Job 19:6; Psalms 17:9.
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.
הָ/עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 6:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 6:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:14
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:14
- Sermons on 2 Kings 6:14
Context — Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans
12But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
13So the king said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send men to capture him.” On receiving the report, “Elisha is in Dothan,”
14the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city.
15When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” 16“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 18:17 | Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 24:2 | So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 23:26 | Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. |
| 4 | Matthew 26:47 | While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. |
| 5 | John 18:3–6 | So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.” And Judas His betrayer was standing there with them. When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. |
| 6 | Matthew 26:55 | At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 1:9–13 | Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’” 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!’” Again 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. So 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 please be precious in your sight. |
2 Kings 6:14 Summary
In 2 Kings 6:14, the king of Aram sends a large army to capture Elisha, but this act of aggression ultimately demonstrates the king's lack of understanding of God's power and plan. This verse reminds us that, even when we face overwhelming circumstances, we can trust in God's presence and protection, just as Elisha did, and as seen in other biblical accounts, such as in Psalm 34:7 and Matthew 18:20. By trusting in God, we can remain calm and confident, even in the face of adversity, knowing that He is with us, as promised in Isaiah 41:10 and Matthew 28:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king of Aram send such a large army to capture Elisha?
The king of Aram sent a large army to capture Elisha because he believed Elisha was the source of his military defeats, as stated in 2 Kings 6:12, where it is revealed that Elisha was informing the king of Israel of the king of Aram's plans, as seen in 2 Kings 6:8-12.
What was the significance of the army surrounding the city at night?
The army surrounding the city at night, as seen in 2 Kings 6:14, was a strategic move to catch Elisha off guard and prevent him from escaping, much like the tactics used by the enemies of God's people in other biblical accounts, such as in Judges 20:18-23.
How did Elisha's servant react to the surrounding army?
Elisha's servant was afraid when he saw the army surrounding the city, as stated in 2 Kings 6:15, and asked Elisha what they should do, demonstrating a natural human response to a threatening situation, similar to the fear expressed by the disciples in Matthew 14:30.
What can we learn from the king of Aram's actions in this verse?
The king of Aram's actions in 2 Kings 6:14 demonstrate the futility of human efforts to thwart God's plans, as seen in other biblical accounts, such as in Acts 5:38-39, where Gamaliel advises the Sanhedrin to leave the apostles alone, lest they find themselves fighting against God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can apply Elisha's trust in God to our own lives, especially in situations where we feel overwhelmed or threatened?
- How can we, like Elisha, remain calm and confident in the face of adversity, knowing that God is with us, as promised in Isaiah 41:10 and Matthew 28:20?
- What are some areas in our lives where we may be trying to take control or rely on our own strength, rather than trusting in God's power and provision, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- In what ways can we, like the servant, learn to see beyond our natural circumstances and trust in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:14
Therefore sent he thither horses and chariots, and a great host,.... To terrify the inhabitants from attempting to defend the prophet, but deliver him up at once: and they came by night; that they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:14
Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:14
2 Kings 6:14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.Ver. 14. Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots.] To wage war with God himself, whose power he must needs behold in this his prophet; and yet fears not, giant-like, to oppose it. See the like done by Ahaziah, and know, that as there were many Marii in one Caesar, so there are many Benhadads and Ahaziahs in the best by nature. We are all Theomachi, fighters against God.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:14
(14) A great host.—Of infantry. Not, however, an army but a company. (See 2 Kings 6:23.) They came by night.—So as to take the city by surprise.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:14
Verse 14. He sent thither horses] It is strange he did not think that he who could penetrate his secrets with respect to the Israelitish army, could inform himself of all his machinations against his own life.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:14
14. a great host] Greatness is comparative. Here was a company such as could be led by Elisha to Samaria, and fed easily when they reached that city. But no doubt they were formidable when employed for the capture of a single man of peace like Elisha, and they had taken up their position by night. compassed the city about] i.e. beset all the gates, so that none could escape without their knowledge.
Sermons on 2 Kings 6:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Satan Uses Subtle Devices by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson warns about the subtle devices of Satan, who uses powerful and seemingly successful figures to instill doubt in believers' commitment to trust God. He highlights ho |
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The Ibex or the Wild Goat by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the example of the ibex, also known as the wild goat, to illustrate God's provision and protection for His creation. Just as the ibex has been equipped by God |
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Christ's Very Own - Part 3 by Ian Paisley | This sermon reflects on the profound suffering and betrayal experienced by Jesus, highlighting the intense agony and loneliness He endured, even in the midst of his disciples and f |
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United With God's Children by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of the Trojan horse and how the Greeks used it to deceive and destroy the city. He draws a parallel to Satan's cunning p |
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And Judas Iscariot by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the tragic story of Judas Iscariot, highlighting his heartless betrayal of Jesus, rejection of grace, and dreadful end. Chapman draws lessons from |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Jewish Trial by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and the trial that took place. He references Mark 14:63, where the high priest and council sought |
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Forgive Like Jesus Did by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of forgiveness in the Christian walk, highlighting how unforgiveness can lead to dismissal from the kingdom of God. It delves into ke |