2 Kings 6:25
2 Kings 6:25 in Multiple Translations
So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver.
And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver.
And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver.
And they became very short of food in Samaria; for they kept it shut in till the price of an ass's head was eighty shekels of silver, and a small measure of doves' droppings was five shekels of silver.
So there was a major famine in Samaria. In fact the siege lasted so long that a donkey's head cost eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove's dung cost five shekels of silver.
So there was a great famine in Samaria: for loe, they besieged it vntill an asses head was at foure score pieces of siluer, and the fourth part of a kab of doues doung at fiue pieces of siluer.
and there is a great famine in Samaria, and lo, they are laying siege to it, till the head of an ass is at eighty silverlings, and a forth of the cab of dovesdung at five silverlings.
There was a great famine in Samaria. Behold, they besieged it until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver.
And there was a great famine in Samaria: and behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for eighty pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver.
And there was a great famine in Samaria: and so long did the siege continue, till the head of an ass was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cabe of pigeon’s dung, for five pieces of silver.
Because of that, after a while there was hardly any food left inside the city, with the result that eventually a donkey’s head, which was usually worthless, cost eighty pieces of silver, and ◄one cup/0.3 liter► of dove’s dung cost five pieces of silver.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 6:25
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 6:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֨י
רָעָ֤ב
גָּדוֹל֙
בְּ/שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
צָרִ֣ים
עָלֶ֑י/הָ
עַ֣ד
הֱי֤וֹת
רֹאשׁ
חֲמוֹר֙
בִּ/שְׁמֹנִ֣ים
כֶּ֔סֶף
וְ/רֹ֛בַע
הַ/קַּ֥ב
חרי
יונים
דִּבְיוֹנִ֖ים
בַּ/חֲמִשָּׁה
כָֽסֶף
וַ/יְהִ֨י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רָעָ֤ב
râʻâb
H7458
famine
N-ms
גָּדוֹל֙
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
בְּ/שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
Samaria
Prep | N-proper
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
צָרִ֣ים
tsûwr
H6696
to confine
V-Qal
עָלֶ֑י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
עַ֣ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הֱי֤וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Inf-a
רֹאשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
חֲמוֹר֙
chămôwr
H2543
donkey
N-cs
בִּ/שְׁמֹנִ֣ים
shᵉmônîym
H8084
eighty
Prep | Adj
כֶּ֔סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
וְ/רֹ֛בַע
rôbaʻ
H7255
fourth
Conj | N-ms
הַ/קַּ֥ב
qab
H6894
kab
Art | N-ms
חרי
chărêy-yôwnîym
H2755
dove-dung
N-ms
יונים
yôwnâh
H3123
dove
N-fp
דִּבְיוֹנִ֖ים
dibyôwn
H1686
quano
N-mp
בַּ/חֲמִשָּׁה
châmêsh
H2568
five
Prep | Adj
כָֽסֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 6:25
וַ/יְהִ֨י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
רָעָ֤ב
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
גָּדוֹל֙
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
בְּ/שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
"Samaria"
Prep | N-proper
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | 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.
צָרִ֣ים
tsûwr
H6696
"to confine"
V-Qal
To form or shape something, like a potter molds clay, as in Isaiah 29:16.
Definition: 1) to bind, besiege, confine, cramp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to confine, secure 1a2) to shut in, beseige 1a3) to shut up, enclose
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: adversary, assault, beset, besiege, bind (up), cast, distress, fashion, fortify, inclose, lay siege, put up in bags. See also: Exodus 23:22; 2 Kings 18:9; Psalms 139:5.
עָלֶ֑י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
עַ֣ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הֱי֤וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
רֹאשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
חֲמוֹר֙
chămôwr
H2543
"donkey"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
בִּ/שְׁמֹנִ֣ים
shᵉmônîym
H8084
"eighty"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means eighty or eightieth, used in numbers and counting. It appears in the Bible to describe quantities and ages. In Genesis and other books, it is used to count people, animals, and years.
Definition: 1) eighty, fourscore 1a) eighty (as cardinal number) 1b) eightieth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: eighty(-ieth), fourscore. See also: Genesis 5:25; 2 Kings 19:35; Psalms 90:10.
כֶּ֔סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
וְ/רֹ֛בַע
rôbaʻ
H7255
"fourth"
Conj | N-ms
This word means a quarter or a fourth part of something, like a quarter of a day or a fourth of a group. It is used to describe division or measurement, often in a literal sense.
Definition: fourth part
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fourth participle See also: Numbers 23:10; 2 Kings 6:25.
הַ/קַּ֥ב
qab
H6894
"kab"
Art | N-ms
A kab is an ancient unit of measurement, about 1.5 liters, used in 2 Kings 6:25. It is a hollow vessel used for dry goods, equivalent to 1/6 of a seah.
Definition: 1) a dry measure-cab, kab 1a) about 1.5 litres, 1/6 of a seah, or 1/18 of an ephah
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cab. See also: 2 Kings 6:25.
חרי
chărêy-yôwnîym
H2755
"dove-dung"
N-ms
Dove-dung was used as fertilizer in biblical times. It is mentioned in the book of 2 Kings as a food source during a time of famine. It was also used as a form of medicine.
Definition: dung, doves' dung
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: doves' dung. See also: 2 Kings 6:25; 2 Kings 18:27.
יונים
yôwnâh
H3123
"dove"
N-fp
Represents a dove, possibly due to the warmth of their mating, and is also used to describe a pigeon. This bird is often seen as a symbol of peace and gentleness in the Bible.
Definition: dove, pigeon
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: dove, pigeon. See also: Genesis 8:8; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 56:1.
דִּבְיוֹנִ֖ים
dibyôwn
H1686
"quano"
N-mp
This word refers to a type of cheap vegetable, possibly a root or bulb, used as food in ancient times. The KJV translates it as dove's dung, which may be a type of plant or fertilizer.
Definition: doves dung
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: dove's dung. See also: 2 Kings 6:25.
בַּ/חֲמִשָּׁה
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
כָֽסֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 6:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 6:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:25
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:25
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:25
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 6:25
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:25
- Sermons on 2 Kings 6:25
Context — The Siege and Famine of Samaria
23So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.
24Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria.
25So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver.
26As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried out to him, “Help me, my lord the king!” 27He answered, “If the LORD does not help you, where can I find help for you? From the threshing floor or the winepress?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 6:28–29 | Then the king asked her, “What is the matter?” And she answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give up your son, that we may eat him, and tomorrow we will eat my son.’ So we boiled my son and ate him, and the next day I said to her, ‘Give up your son, that we may eat him.’ But she had hidden her son.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 14:18 | If I go out to the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I enter the city, I see those ravaged by famine! For both prophet and priest travel to a land they do not know.’” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 14:13–15 | “Ah, Lord GOD!” I replied, “Look, the prophets are telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.’” “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds. Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name: I did not send them, yet they say, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’ By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end! |
| 4 | Jeremiah 52:6 | By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 32:24 | See how the siege ramps are mounted against the city to capture it. And by sword and famine and plague, the city has been given into the hands of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it. What You have spoken has happened, as You now see! |
| 6 | 1 Kings 18:2 | So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. The famine was severe in Samaria, |
| 7 | 2 Kings 7:4 | If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there from the famine in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.” |
| 8 | Ezekiel 4:13–16 | Then the LORD said, “This is how the Israelites will eat their defiled bread among the nations to which I will banish them.” “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.” “Look,” He replied, “I will let you use cow dung instead of human excrement, and you may bake your bread over that.” Then He told me, “Son of man, I am going to cut off the supply of food in Jerusalem. They will anxiously eat bread rationed by weight, and in despair they will drink water by measure. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 25:3 | By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food. |
| 10 | Leviticus 26:26 | When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven and dole out your bread by weight, so that you will eat but not be satisfied. |
2 Kings 6:25 Summary
The verse 2 Kings 6:25 describes a time of great famine in Samaria, where people were so desperate for food that they were willing to buy a donkey's head for a high price and even use dove's dung as a source of sustenance. This situation was a result of the siege of the city by the Aramean army, which had cut off their supply of food and other essential necessities, much like the situation described in Jeremiah 19:9. The story reminds us that God is our ultimate provider and that we should trust in His sovereignty, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Psalm 23:1-4 and Matthew 6:25-34. By trusting in God's provision, we can find peace and contentment, even in the midst of scarcity, as seen in Philippians 4:11-13 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of the great famine in Samaria mentioned in 2 Kings 6:25?
The great famine in Samaria was caused by the prolonged siege of the city by the Aramean army, as mentioned in 2 Kings 6:24, which led to a severe shortage of food and other essential supplies, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:53.
Why did a donkey's head sell for such a high price during the siege of Samaria?
A donkey's head sold for eighty shekels of silver because the siege had caused a severe shortage of food, making even undesirable food sources, like a donkey's head, extremely valuable, as a result of the curse mentioned in Leviticus 26:26.
What is the significance of dove's dung being sold for five shekels of silver in 2 Kings 6:25?
The fact that dove's dung, which was likely used as fertilizer, was sold for five shekels of silver, indicates the extreme desperation and poverty of the people during the siege, as they were willing to pay a high price for anything that could be used as food or for other essential purposes, much like the desperation seen in Lamentations 4:4-5.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Israelites and their relationship with God?
This verse highlights the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience to God, as prophesied in Deuteronomy 28:49-57, and serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's provision and sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3 and Matthew 6:33.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's provision and sovereignty in the midst of difficult circumstances, just like the Israelites were called to do in Deuteronomy 8:3?
- How can I apply the lessons of 2 Kings 6:25 to my own life, particularly in terms of being content with what I have and trusting in God's provision, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 6:6-10 and Hebrews 13:5?
- What are some modern-day examples of people being forced to rely on undesirable or unconventional sources of food or sustenance, and how can I respond to their needs in a way that reflects God's love and care, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 and Galatians 2:10?
- In what ways can I use my own experiences of scarcity or hardship to minister to others and point them to the hope and provision of God, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and Philippians 4:11-13?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:25
And there was a great famine in Samaria,.... No care, perhaps, having been taken to lay up stores against a siege: and, behold, they besieged it until an ass's head was [sold] for fourscore [pieces]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:25
And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:25
Pieces of silver, supposed to be shekels; and the common shekel being valued at fifteen pence of English money, this amounts to five pounds; a vast price, especially for that which had on it so little meat, and that unwholesome, and unclean by law, ; though necessity might seem to excuse their violation of that law. A cab; a measure containing twenty-four eggs. Dove’ s dung; which they used not for fire, (for he is speaking here only of the scarcity of food,) but for food; which, if it seem incredible, it must be considered, first, That famine hath constrained people to eat things as improper and unfit for nourishment as this, as dry leather, and man’ s dung, as is implied , and affirmed by grave historians. Secondly, That some creatures do usually eat the dung of others. Thirdly, That doves’ dung, though it be hotter than ordinary, might in other respects be fitter for nourishment than other, as being made of the best and purest grains, and having some moisture in it, &c. Fourthly, That this Hebrew word being of an obscure and doubtful signification, and no where else used, may be, and is by learned men, otherwise rendered and understood; either, first, of the corn which is found in the crops of doves; or, secondly, of the guts and other inwards of doves; or rather, thirdly, of a sort of cicer or pease, which in the Arabic language (which is near akin to the Hebrew, and from which many words are explained) is called dove’ s dung; for this was a food much in use amongst the poorer Israelites, and was by all esteemed a very coarse food, and therefore fit to be joined with an ass’ s head; and a cab was the usual measure of all sorts-of grains and fruits of that sort.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:25
2 Kings 6:25 And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’ s head was [sold] for fourscore [pieces] of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’ s dung for five [pieces] of silver.Ver. 25. And there was a great famine in Samaria.] Like as there was afterwards at Potidea in the Peloponesian war; at Utica, besieged by Hamilcar, the father of Hannibal; at Saguntum, also; yea, at Rome, when this voice was heard in the market, Pone precium humanae carni. The miserable straits the Jews were put to at the last siege of Jerusalem by Titus, who hath not read of? That I speak not of Scodra, Munster, Sancerre, Haarlem, besieged by the Duke de Alva, &c. This of Samaria was just upon them, saith Pellican, for their contempt of the heavenly manna, that precious food of the soul. An ass’ s head sold for fourscore pieces of silver,] i.e., For four or five pounds: some say, ten. When Hannibal besieged Casiline, one mouse was sold for two hundred pence. Puddings made of dogs’ guts were dear bought at the siege of Scodra. The fourth part of a cab.] A pint of doves’ dung. See 2 Kings 18:27.
The hunger-bit wolf eateth dirt. Thucyd. Polyb. Sub Honor. Imp. Val. Max., lib. vii. cap. 6. Turk. Hist.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:25
(25) And there was.—There arose. In consequence of the siege. Besieged.—Were besieging.Fourscore pieces.—Eighty shekels—i.e., about £10. Ass’s flesh would not ordinarily be eaten at all, and the head of any animal would be the cheapest part. Plutarch mentions that during a famine among the Cadusians an ass’s head could hardly be got for sixty drachms (about £2. 10s.), though ordinarily the entire animal could be bought for about half that sum. And Pliny relates that when Hannibal was besieging Casalinum, a mouse was sold for 200 denarii (£6 5s.). The fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung.—The cab was the smallest Hebrew dry measure. It held, according to the Rabbis, one-sixth of a seah (2 Kings 7:1), or a little over a quart (ξέστης.—Josephus, Antt. ix. 4, § 4). The term dove’s dung, in all probability, denotes some kind of common vegetable produce, perhaps a sort of pulse or pease, which was ordinarily very cheap. Such a designation is not unparalleled.
The Arabs call the herb kali “sparrow’s dung;” and Assaf�tida is in German “devil’s dung.” In some places in England a species of wild hyacinth is called “dead man’s hands,” from the livid markings on the flower. The shape and colour of the species of pulse mentioned in the text may similarly account for its name. It naturally occurs that so long as there were any “doves” left in the city it would not be necessary to eat their dung. When Josephus wrote that dung was eaten in the siege of Jerusalem, he probably had the present passage in his mind. Five pieces of silver.—Five (shekels in) silver; about 12s. 6d.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:25
Verse 25. And, behold, they besieged it] They had closed it in on every side, and reduced it to the greatest necessity. An ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver] I suppose we are to take the ass's head literally; and if the head sold for so much, what must other parts sell for which were much to be preferred? The famine must be great that could oblige them to eat any part of an animal that was proscribed by the law; and it must be still greater that could oblige them to purchase so mean a part of this unclean animal at so high a price. The piece of silver was probably the drachm, worth about seven pence three farthings of our money; the whole amounting to about two pounds nine shillings. And the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung] The cab was about a quart or three pints. Dove's dung, חריונים chiriyonim. Whether this means pigeon's dung literally, or a kind of pulse, has been variously disputed by learned men. After having written much upon the subject, illustrated with quotations from east, west, north, and south, I choose to spare my reader the trouble of wading through them, and shall content myself with asserting that it is probable a sort of pease are meant, which the Arabs to this day call by this name. "The garvancos, cicer, or chick pea," says Dr.
Shaw, "has been taken for the pigeon's dung, mentioned in the siege of Samaria; and as the cicer is pointed at one end, and acquires an ash colour in parching, the first of which circumstances answers to the figure, the second to the usual colour of dove's dung, the supposition is by no means to be disregarded." I should not omit saying that dove's dung is of great value in the East, for its power in producing cucumbers, melons, &c., which has induced many learned men to take the words literally. Bochart has exhausted this subject, and concludes that a kind of pulse is meant. Most learned men are of his opinion.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:25
25. a great famine in Samaria] The walls were protection enough, but the enemy lay outside, and the provisions came to an end. an ass’s head] This would not, except in dire extremity, be taken for food, but they were in such straits in Samaria that 80 shekels of silver were now given for it. a kab] So R.V. The measure is not mentioned elsewhere, but is said to have been the sixth part of a seah, which is more frequently spoken of. The kab is put as an equivalent to the Greek ÷ïῖ ?íéî. dove’s dung] Supposed by some to be the name of a very worthless kind of pulse, which in ordinary times nobody dreamt of eating, but of which now a small quantity fetched a large price. That excrement has been used for food in times of famine we have examples (Joseph. B. F. v. 2 Kings 13:7), but that dove’s dung should have been specially gathered for this purpose would be very strange. There could be but so small a supply. It appears better therefore to take the words as the name of some vegetable. The Germans call ‘assafœtida’ Teufelsdreck = devil’s dung. Josephus says, without any warrant, that this ‘dove’s dung was bought by the people instead of salt’.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 6:25
As the donkey was “unclean,” it would not be eaten except in the last resort; and its head would be its worst and cheapest part. Cab - This measure is not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:25
25. A great famine in Samaria — In consequence of the siege, which cut off all means of supply to the city.
Sermons on 2 Kings 6:25
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Will There Be Another Revival? by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches on the story of the siege of Samaria in 2 Kings, highlighting the tragic consequences of spiritual famine and unbelief among God's people. The chapter reve |
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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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Leviticus 26:3 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the certainty of God's promises as outlined in Leviticus 26:3, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's statutes and commandments. He explains that |
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The Incredible Signs That Follow Those Who Believe by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four judgments that God will bring upon his people. These judgments include the sword to slay, the dogs to tear, the fowls of the heaven, |