2 Kings 6:26
2 Kings 6:26 in Multiple Translations
As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried out to him, “Help me, my lord the king!”
And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.
And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.
And when the king of Israel was going by on the wall, a woman came crying out to him, and said, Help! my lord king.
As the king of Israel was walking by on the city wall, a woman called out to him, “Help me, my lord the king!”
And as the King of Israel was going vpon the wall, there cryed a woman vnto him, saying, Helpe, my lord, O King.
And it cometh to pass, the king of Israel is passing by on the wall, and a woman hath cried unto him, saying, 'Save, my lord, O king.'
As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried to him, saying, “Help, my lord, O king!”
And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman to him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.
And as the king of Israel was passing by the wall, a certain woman cried out to him, saying: Save me, my lord O king.
One day when the king of Israel was walking on top of the city wall, a woman cried out to him, “Your Majesty, help me!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 6:26
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 6:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
מֶ֣לֶךְ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
עֹבֵ֖ר
עַל
הַ/חֹמָ֑ה
וְ/אִשָּׁ֗ה
צָעֲקָ֤ה
אֵלָי/ו֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
הוֹשִׁ֖יעָ/ה
אֲדֹנִ֥/י
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
עֹבֵ֖ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/חֹמָ֑ה
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
Art | N-fs
וְ/אִשָּׁ֗ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Conj | N-fs
צָעֲקָ֤ה
tsâʻaq
H6817
to cry
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הוֹשִׁ֖יעָ/ה
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֲדֹנִ֥/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 6:26
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
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.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
עֹבֵ֖ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
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/חֹמָ֑ה
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
Art | N-fs
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
וְ/אִשָּׁ֗ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
צָעֲקָ֤ה
tsâʻaq
H6817
"to cry"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
הוֹשִׁ֖יעָ/ה
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
אֲדֹנִ֥/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
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.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 6:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 6:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:26
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:26
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:26
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 6:26
- Sermons on 2 Kings 6:26
Context — The Siege and Famine of Samaria
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?” 28Then 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.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 14:4 | When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” |
| 2 | Isaiah 10:3 | What will you do on the day of reckoning when devastation comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth? |
| 3 | Luke 18:3 | And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ |
| 4 | Acts 21:28 | crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” |
2 Kings 6:26 Summary
This verse tells us about a woman who was desperate for help during a time of great famine in Samaria. She cried out to the king, hoping he could do something to save her, which shows how much she needed rescue. This situation is similar to what happened in the time of the judges, as described in Judges 2:10-11 and Judges 3:9, where God raised up deliverers to save His people. The king's response in the next verse, 2 Kings 6:27, reminds us that even when human help is not available, we can always turn to God for rescue, as encouraged in Psalm 34:17-18 and Psalm 46:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the condition of Samaria when the king of Israel was passing by on the wall?
The city was under siege by Ben-hadad king of Aram, resulting in a great famine, as described in 2 Kings 6:24-25. This desperate situation led to the woman's cry for help.
Why did the woman cry out to the king for help?
The Bible does not specify the exact reason in 2 Kings 6:26, but based on the context and her subsequent explanation in 2 Kings 6:28-29, it is likely that she was desperate due to the extreme poverty and hunger caused by the siege, similar to the situation described in Leviticus 26:29 and Deuteronomy 28:53-57.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights the contrast between human inability to help and God's power to deliver, as seen in the king's response in 2 Kings 6:27, where he says, 'If the LORD does not help you, where can I find help for you?' This echoes the theme found in Psalm 60:11 and Isaiah 63:12, where God's intervention is the only true source of salvation.
What can we learn from the woman's cry for help in this verse?
The woman's cry to the king demonstrates her desperation and recognition of her need for help, which is a fundamental aspect of prayer, as taught in Matthew 7:7-8 and Luke 18:1-8. It shows that even in the most hopeless situations, we can turn to God for help, just as the Psalmist did in Psalm 107:19.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I feel like I am under siege, and how can I cry out to God for help?
- How does my trust in God's sovereignty impact my response to difficult situations, and what can I learn from the king's response in 2 Kings 6:27?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my dependence on God, just like the woman in this verse, and what does this mean for my daily life?
- How can I balance my recognition of human limitations with my trust in God's power to deliver, as seen in this verse and in other scriptures like Jeremiah 32:17 and Matthew 19:26?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:26
And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, c. To spy out the motion and situation of the enemy, and to give orders for the annoyance of them, and to see that his soldiers did their duty:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:26
And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king. As the king ... was passing - to look at the defenses, or to give some necessary orders for manning the walls.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:26
Passing by upon the wall, to give necessary order for the defence of the city against assaults, and to see if the several guards were watchful and diligent, and if his directions were executed, and to observe the motions of the enemy.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:26
2 Kings 6:26 And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.Ver. 26. Passing by.] To see all things well carried.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:26
(26) The king . . . was passing by upon the wall.—On the broad rampart of the city, which was like that which we see at such old places as Chester. The king went round to encourage the garrison and to superintend the defence. A woman in the street below, or perhaps on a housetop near the rampart, appeals to him for justice against her neighbour.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:26
26. the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall] Making the necessary rounds to see that the watch was kept up, and everything done that could be done for the security of the city. Josephus says he was afraid lest some one should let in the enemy. The wall must have been furnished with a breast-work so that the inhabitants could pass along without being in much danger, and it would be open on the inner side. Hence any one within could see and speak to those who were passing along, as this woman did. In some cases dwelling-houses were built into the wall, and must have had a passage through them.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 6:26
The walls of fortified towns had a broad space at the top, protected toward the exterior by battlements, along which the bulk of the defenders were disposed, and from which they hurled their missiles and shot their arrows.
Sermons on 2 Kings 6:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) You Who Have Failed Will Be a Blessing by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the characteristics of the Apostle Paul, emphasizing that he did not possess physical attractiveness but was chosen by God to be a mighty Apos |
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Rejoicing in the Lord by A.W. Pink | The preacher emphasizes the importance of being alert and watchful, drawing from the Greek word 'gregoreuo' which means to be vigilant and ready to respond to external influences, |
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Day 18, Matthew 18 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the humility of children as a model for those going to heaven, emphasizing the importance of humbling oneself, acknowledging sins, repenting, and living i |
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Book of Acts Series - Part 35 | Your Potential by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the potential within ourselves and within the body of Christ. He highlights the love and unity among the early |
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More Archaeological Evidence by F.F Bruce | F.F. Bruce discusses the archaeological evidence supporting the New Testament, highlighting the importance of inscriptions and papyri in confirming historical events and locations |