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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › 2 Kings 6  › 2 Kings 6:31

2 Kings 6:31

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2 Kings 6:31 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He announced, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders through this day!”

King James Version KJV

Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.

American Standard Version ASV

Then he said, God do so to me, and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then he said, May God's punishment come on me if Elisha, the son of Shaphat, keeps his head on his body after this day.

Free Bible Version FBV

“May God punish me very severely if the head of Elisha, son of Shaphat, remains on his shoulders today!” he declared.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he saide, God doe so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the sonne of Shaphat shall stande on him this day.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he saith, 'Thus doth God do to me, and thus He doth add — if it remain — the head of Elisha son of Shaphat — upon him this day.'

World English Bible WEB

Then he said, “God do so to me, and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat stays on him today.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the king said: May God do so and so to me, and may he add more, if the head of Eliseus the son of Saphat shall stand on him this day.

Translation for Translators T4T

The king exclaimed, “I wish/hope that God will strike me dead if I do not cut off the head of Elisha today, because he is the one who has caused these terrible things to happen to us!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 6:31

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 6:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר כֹּֽה יַעֲשֶׂה לִּ֥/י אֱלֹהִ֖ים וְ/כֹ֣ה יוֹסִ֑ף אִֽם יַעֲמֹ֞ד רֹ֣אשׁ אֱלִישָׁ֧ע בֶּן שָׁפָ֛ט עָלָ֖י/ו הַ/יּֽוֹם
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כֹּֽה kôh H3541 thus Adv
יַעֲשֶׂה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Juss-3ms
לִּ֥/י Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
וְ/כֹ֣ה kôh H3541 thus Conj | Adv
יוֹסִ֑ף yâçaph H3254 to add V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
אִֽם ʼim H518 if Conj
יַעֲמֹ֞ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms
אֱלִישָׁ֧ע ʼĔlîyshâʻ H477 Elisha N-proper
בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms
שָׁפָ֛ט Shâphâṭ H8202 Shaphat N-proper
עָלָ֖י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
הַ/יּֽוֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 6:31

וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
כֹּֽה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
יַעֲשֶׂה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לִּ֥/י "" Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/כֹ֣ה kôh H3541 "thus" Conj | Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
יוֹסִ֑ף yâçaph H3254 "to add" V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
אִֽם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יַעֲמֹ֞ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
רֹ֣אשׁ 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.
אֱלִישָׁ֧ע ʼĔlîyshâʻ H477 "Elisha" N-proper
Elisha was a famous prophet in the Bible who lived during the time of the divided kingdom. His name means God is salvation, and he is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16. Elisha succeeded Elijah as a great prophet.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.19.16; son of: Shaphat (H8202H) Also named: Elissaios (Ἐλισσαῖος "Elisha" G1666) § Elisha = "God is salvation" the great prophet who succeeded Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Elisha. See also: 1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 5:20; 2 Kings 13:21.
בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שָׁפָ֛ט Shâphâṭ H8202 "Shaphat" N-proper
Shaphat was the name of several Israelites, including a prince of Simeon and the father of the prophet Elisha. The name means 'judged' or 'he hath judged', and these individuals played important roles in biblical history, including in 1 Chronicles and 2 Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.27.29; son of: Adlai (H5724) § Shaphat = "judged" or "he hath judged" 1) son of Hori and the prince of Simeon chosen to spy out the promised land 2) father of the prophet Elisha 3) a Judaite, son of Shemaiah and descendant of Zerubbabel in the royal line of Judah 4) a chief of the tribe of Gad 5) son of Adlai and chief herdsman for David over the herds in the valleys
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Shaphat. See also: Numbers 13:5; 2 Kings 6:31; 1 Chronicles 27:29.
עָלָ֖י/ו 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.
הַ/יּֽוֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 6:31

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ruth 1:17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”
2 1 Kings 19:2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed!”
3 John 11:50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”
4 Jeremiah 38:4 Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.”
5 1 Samuel 3:17 “What was the message He gave you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God punish you, and ever so severely, if you hide from me anything He said to you.”
6 Jeremiah 37:15–16 The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison. So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeon and remained there a long time.
7 1 Kings 2:23 Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life.
8 2 Samuel 19:13 And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from this time you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’”
9 1 Kings 18:17 When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?”
10 1 Samuel 14:44 And Saul declared, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you, Jonathan, do not surely die!”

2 Kings 6:31 Summary

In this verse, the king of Israel makes a dramatic announcement, threatening the life of the prophet Elisha, because he is frustrated with the severe famine in the land. However, this reaction is misguided, as Elisha is a messenger of God, and the famine is a result of God's judgment on Israel's sin, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15-24. The king should have sought God's mercy and guidance instead of blaming His prophet, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:7-8. This event reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances, and to seek His guidance and mercy, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Matthew 6:25-34.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the king to make this dramatic announcement against Elisha?

The king was deeply disturbed by the severe famine in Samaria, as described in the preceding verses, and he blamed Elisha for not intervening, as seen in 2 Kings 6:31, similar to how the Israelites blamed Moses during their wilderness journey, as in Exodus 16:3.

Was the king's threat against Elisha justified?

No, the king's threat was not justified, as Elisha was a prophet of God, and the famine was a result of God's judgment on Israel's sin, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15-24, and the king should have sought God's mercy instead of blaming His prophet.

What does this verse reveal about the king's character?

This verse reveals the king's impulsiveness and lack of faith, as he was quick to blame Elisha and threaten his life, instead of seeking God's guidance and mercy, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:7-8.

How does this event relate to the broader biblical narrative?

This event is part of the larger story of God's relationship with His people, Israel, and demonstrates how God uses prophets like Elisha to speak truth and bring about repentance, as seen in other biblical accounts, such as Isaiah 6:1-13 and Jeremiah 1:4-10.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I, like the king, might be prone to blame-shifting or denying responsibility for my circumstances, and how can I instead seek God's guidance and mercy?
  2. In what ways can I, like Elisha, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of difficult or trying circumstances, as encouraged in Psalm 23:1-4 and Matthew 6:25-34?
  3. How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and work in my life, and respond with faith and obedience, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Abraham, in Genesis 12:1-9, and Mary, in Luke 1:26-38?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing a 'famine' or sense of lack, and how can I seek God's provision and restoration, as promised in Isaiah 43:1-7 and Joel 2:25-27?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:31

Then he said, God do so and more also to me,.... He swore and made dreadful imprecations: if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day; imputing the sore famine to him,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:31

Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:31

If I do not this day take his head and life. This wretched and partial prince overlooks his own great and various sins, and, amongst others, his obstinate cleaving to the idolatry of the calves, and the whoredoms and witchcrafts of his mother Jezebel, , and the wickedness of his people, which was the true and proper cause of this and all their calamities; and lays the blame of all upon Elisha; either supposing that he who had the spirit of Elijah resting upon him, had brought this famine by his prayers, as Elijah had formerly done, ; or because he had encouraged them to withstand tim Syrians, by promising them help from God in due time; or because he would not, by his intercession to God and the working of a miracle, deliver them from these calamities, as he easily could have done. But he did not consider that the prophets could not work what miracles and when they pleased, but only as far as God saw fit, whose time was not yet come; otherwise it was Elisha’ s interest as well as theirs to be freed from this distress.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:31

2 Kings 6:31 Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.Ver. 31. If the head of Elisha.] Who had only threatened these evils, not caused them, and perhaps refused to pray for a removal. The false prophets also might now stir up the king to slay the Lord’ s prophet.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:31

(31) Then he said.—And he (i.e., the king), said.God do so . . . to me.—Literally, So may God do to me, and so may he add: a common form of oath. (Comp. Rth 1:17; 1 Samuel 3:17; 1 Kings 2:23.) If the head of Elisha . . . this day.—The king’s horror at the woman’s dreadful story is succeeded by indignation against Elisha, who had probably counselled an unyielding resistance to the foe, in the steadfast faith that Jehovah would help His own; and who, prophet though he was, and endued with miraculous powers, had yet brought no help in this hour of urgent need. (Comp. with the oath that of Jezebel against Elijah, 1 Kings 19:2.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:31

Verse 31. If the head of Elisha - shall stand on him] Either he attributed these calamities to the prophet, or else he thought he could remove them, and yet would not. The miserable king was driven to desperation.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:31

31. if the head of Elisha … shall stand on him this day] We must suppose that Elisha had not been wanting in admonitions to both king and people during this terrible siege, and the anger of Jehoram was great because the prophet, who had wrought so mightily in the war with Moab, and on many another occasion which the king would know of, had done nothing to save the nation in this great calamity. This is the explanation of Josephus (Ant. IX. 4. 4) and the feeling is what was to be expected in a son of Jezebel.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 6:31

God do so ... - Jehoram uses almost the very words of his wicked mother, when she sought the life of Elijah (marginal reference). The head of Elisha - Beheading was not an ordinary Jewish punishment. The Law did not sanction it.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:31

31. If the head of Elisha — In his desperation he imagines that the prophet is the cause of the nation’s woe, or, at least, that he has power to remove the woe, and will not.

Sermons on 2 Kings 6:31

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 27:6 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith The video is promoting Pastor Chuck Smith's Marriage and Family Bible Study as a helpful resource for families during the holiday season. It highlights the breakdown of the family
Andrew Bonar Closing Address on Communion Sabbath, January 27, 1889. by Andrew Bonar Andrew Bonar emphasizes the prophetic role of Christ in his closing address on Communion Sabbath, reflecting on the Samaritan woman's statement about the coming Prophet. He highlig
David Servant Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead John 11:1-57 by David Servant David Servant preaches on the story of Lazarus, highlighting how Jesus was glorified not by Lazarus's sickness but by his resurrection, emphasizing that God's power is displayed in
St. John Chrysostom Homily 18 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, emphasizing that those who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. He warn
David Guzik (1 Samuel) the Training of a Prophet by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Eli and his sons in the book of 1 Samuel. Eli's sons were corrupt priests who were stealing from God and committing immorality wi
Jim Cymbala God's School of Faith by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a sentence from the book of Joshua that states, "His thoughts are not our thoughts." The speaker suggests that this sentence holds the key to
David Davis (Elijah Legacy) 4. Confronting Ahab by David Davis In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Elijah and how he obeyed the word of the Lord. Elijah was instructed by God to confront King Ahab and declare that there would b
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