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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Kings 6:21 And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, "My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/6-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/12_2Ki_06_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 6:21 - Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, My father, shall I kill them? 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Shall I kill them?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_kings/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the king of Israel saw them, he shouted to Elisha, “My father, should I kill them? Should I kill them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_kings/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />As soon as the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I strike them down? Shall I strike them down?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_kings/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite <i>them</i>? shall I smite <i>them</i>?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_kings/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now when the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill <i>them?</i> Shall I kill <i>them?</i>”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_kings/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king of Israel when he saw them, said to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_kings/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the king of Israel when he saw them, said to Elisha, &#8220My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_kings/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the king of Israel when he saw them, said to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_kings/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the king of Israel when he saw them, said to Elisha, “My father, shall I strike <i>them</i> down? Shall I strike <i>them</i> down?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_kings/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When the king of Israel (Jehoram) saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_kings/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “Should I kill them, should I kill them, my father? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_kings/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, &#8220My father, should I kill them? I will kill them.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_kings/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_kings/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The king of Israel saw them and asked Elisha, "Should I kill them, sir?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_kings/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father; shall I smite them? shall I smite them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_kings/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, "Master, should I kill them? Should I kill them?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_kings/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the king of Israel saw the Syrians, he asked Elisha, "Shall I kill them, sir? Shall I kill them?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_kings/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the king of Israel saw Elisha, he asked him, "Shall I execute them, my father?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_kings/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, ?My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_kings/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, "Should I strike them down, my master?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_kings/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, "My father, shall I strike them? Shall I strike them?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_kings/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_kings/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, “My father, shall I strike them? Shall I strike them?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_kings/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king of Israel says to Elisha at his seeing them, “My father, do I strike, do I strike?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_kings/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the king of Israel saith unto Elisha, at his seeing them, 'Do I smite -- do I smite -- my father?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_kings/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king of Israel will say to Elisha when he saw them, Shall I strike? shall I strike, my father?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_kings/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the king of Israel said to Eliseus, when he saw them: My father, shall I kill them? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_kings/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the king of Israel, when he had seen them, said to Elisha, “My father, should I not strike them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_kings/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the king of Israel saw them, he asked, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the king of Israel saw them he said to Elisha, “Father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the king of Israel said to Elisha when he saw them, My father, shall I slay them? Shall I slay them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_kings/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them: “Shall I strike them, my father?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_kings/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them: 'My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_kings/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the king of Israel said to Elisaie, when he saw them, Shall I <i>not</i> verily smite them, <i>my</i> father?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_kings/6-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=2020" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/6.htm">Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>When they had entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open the eyes of these men that they may see.” Then the LORD opened their eyes, and they looked around and discovered that they were in Samaria. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ- (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">And when the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: kir·’ō·ṯōw (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·w·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/477.htm" title="477: ’ĕ·lî·šā‘ (N-proper-ms) -- God is salvation, a well-known Isr. prophet. Contracted for Eliyshuwa'. Elisha, the famous prophet.">Elisha,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">“My father,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: ’ak·keh (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">shall I kill them?</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: ha·’ak·keh (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">Shall I kill them?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>“Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20</a></span><br />On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a></span><br />If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-19.htm">1 Samuel 24:19</a></span><br />When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">1 Samuel 26:8-9</a></span><br />Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!” / But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/28-9.htm">2 Chronicles 28:9-15</a></span><br />But a prophet of the LORD named Oded was there, and he went out to meet the army that returned to Samaria. “Look,” he said to them, “because of His wrath against Judah, the LORD, the God of your fathers, has delivered them into your hand. But you have slaughtered them in a rage that reaches up to heaven. / And now you intend to reduce to slavery the men and women of Judah and Jerusalem. But are you not also guilty before the LORD your God? / Now therefore, listen to me and return the captives you took from your kinsmen, for the fierce anger of the LORD is upon you.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4-5</a></span><br />If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm">1 Kings 20:32-34</a></span><br />So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” / Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot. / Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4-5</a></span><br />Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-19.htm">Genesis 50:19-21</a></span><br />But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? / As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. / Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39-42</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; / if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; / and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a></span><br />Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-60.htm">Acts 7:60</a></span><br />Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/2-12.htm">2 Kings 2:12</a></b></br> And Elisha saw <i>it</i>, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/5-13.htm">2 Kings 5:13</a></b></br> And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, <i>if</i> the prophet had bid thee <i>do some</i> great thing, wouldest thou not have done <i>it</i>? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/8-9.htm">2 Kings 8:9</a></b></br> So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?</p><p class="hdg">shall</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4,19</a></b></br> And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">1 Samuel 26:8</a></b></br> Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not <i>smite</i> him the second time.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/9-54.htm">Luke 9:54-56</a></b></br> And when his disciples James and John saw <i>this</i>, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/6-20.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-20.htm">Eli'sha</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-12.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-7.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-36.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-18.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-18.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-26.htm">Sword</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/6-31.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-31.htm">Eli'sha</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-23.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-4.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-22.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-22.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-22.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-22.htm">Sword</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/6-1.htm">Elisha, allowing the young prophets to enlarge dwellings, floats an axhead</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/6-8.htm">He discloses the king of Syria's counsel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/6-13.htm">The army which was sent to Dothan to apprehend Elisha, is blinded</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/6-19.htm">Being brought into Samaria, they are dismissed in peace</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/6-24.htm">The famine in Samaria causes women to eat their own children</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/6-30.htm">The king sends to slay Elisha</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And when the king of Israel saw them</b><br>The king of Israel at this time is likely Joram (or Jehoram), the son of Ahab. This event occurs during a period of frequent conflict between Israel and Aram (Syria). The Aramean army, which had been blinded and led to Samaria by Elisha, is now in the presence of the king. This moment highlights the tension and uncertainty in the king's response to the unexpected situation. The king's reaction is significant as it reflects the political and military pressures of the time, as well as the influence of prophetic authority in Israel.<p><b>he asked Elisha</b><br>Elisha, the prophet, holds a position of spiritual authority and influence in Israel. His presence and actions demonstrate the power of God working through His prophets. The king's consultation with Elisha indicates a recognition of the prophet's role as a mediator of God's will. This interaction underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in matters of state and warfare, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.<p><b>“My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”</b><br>The term "my father" is a respectful address, acknowledging Elisha's spiritual authority and wisdom. The repetition of the question "Shall I kill them?" emphasizes the king's eagerness or anxiety to act decisively against the captured Arameans. This reflects the cultural and historical context of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where captured enemies were often executed. However, the king's deference to Elisha suggests an awareness of the moral and ethical implications of such an action, as well as the potential for divine instruction to guide his decision. This moment foreshadows the unexpected mercy that Elisha will instruct, aligning with biblical themes of grace and the transformative power of God's intervention.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king_of_israel.htm">The King of Israel</a></b><br>Likely King Jehoram, son of Ahab, who ruled the northern kingdom of Israel. He is depicted here as seeking guidance from Elisha regarding the captured Aramean soldiers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/elisha.htm">Elisha</a></b><br>A prophet of God, successor to Elijah, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel. He plays a central role in advising the king on how to handle the captured enemy soldiers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_arameans.htm">The Arameans</a></b><br>The enemy soldiers who were miraculously blinded and led into Samaria by Elisha. They represent the threat against Israel but are now at the mercy of the king.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>The capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, where the captured Aramean soldiers were brought.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>The miraculous capture of the Aramean army, which was blinded by God at Elisha's request, leading to a situation where the king of Israel must decide their fate.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/m/mercy_over_judgment.htm">Mercy Over Judgment</a></b><br>Elisha's response to the king highlights the importance of showing mercy rather than seeking vengeance. This reflects God's character and calls us to act with compassion even towards our enemies.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_godly_counsel.htm">Seeking Godly Counsel</a></b><br>The king's inquiry to Elisha underscores the value of seeking wisdom from godly leaders. In our lives, we should seek guidance from Scripture and mature believers when faced with difficult decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_conflict.htm">God's Sovereignty in Conflict</a></b><br>The miraculous blinding of the Arameans demonstrates God's control over situations that seem insurmountable. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace in times of conflict.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformative_power_of_kindness.htm">Transformative Power of Kindness</a></b><br>By choosing to feed the enemy rather than kill them, the king of Israel, following Elisha's advice, exemplifies how acts of kindness can transform relationships and potentially turn enemies into allies.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_elisha_blind_and_unblind_foes.htm">2 Kings 6:18–20: How could Elisha strike an entire enemy force with blindness and then restore their sight? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_2_kings_21_6_historically_credible.htm">Do the child sacrifices mentioned in 2 Kings 21:6 have credible historical evidence, or is the text relying on theological polemics?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_ezekiel_6_8-9_with_2_kings_21_14.htm">How do we reconcile Ezekiel 6:8-9, which speaks of a repentant remnant, with other passages (e.g., 2 Kings 21:14) suggesting total destruction or exile?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_jehoram's_reign_fit_with_other_accounts.htm">In 2 Kings 8:16-19, how does Jehoram's reign fit with other biblical accounts that describe conflicting details about Judah's kings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">My father.</span>--Comp. <a href="/2_kings/2-12.htm" title="And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.">2Kings 2:12</a>; <a href="/2_kings/8-9.htm" title="So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Your son Benhadad king of Syria has sent me to you, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?">2Kings 8:9</a> ("Thy son Ben-hadad"), <a href="/2_kings/13-14.htm" title="Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.">2Kings 13:14</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Shall I smite them,? shall I smite them?</span>--Or, <span class= "ital">May I smite? may I smite, my father?</span> The repetition expresses the king's eagerness to slay his powerless enemies. He asks the prophet's permission. (Comp. <a href="/2_kings/4-7.htm" title="Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt, and live you and your children of the rest.">2Kings 4:7</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the King of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father.</span> In his joy at the deliverance of so large a force of the enemy into his hands, Jehoram forgets the coldness and estrangement which have hitherto characterized the relations between himself and the prophet (<a href="/2_kings/3-11.htm">2 Kings 3:11-14</a>; <a href="/2_kings/5-8.htm">2 Kings 5:8</a>), and salutes him by the honorable title of "father," which implied respect, deference, submission. Compare the use of the same expression by Joash (<a href="/2_kings/13-14.htm">2 Kings 13:14</a>), and the employment of the correlative term "son" (<a href="/2_kings/8-9.htm">2 Kings 8:9</a>) by Berthadad. <span class="cmt_word">Shall I smite them? shall I smite them?</span> The repetition marks extreme eagerness, while the interrogative form shows a certain amount of hesitation. It is certain that the Israelites were in the habit of putting to death their prisoners of war, not only when they were captured with arms in their hands, but even when they surrendered themselves. When a city or country was conquered, the whole male population of full age was commonly put to death (<a href="/numbers/31-7.htm">Numbers 31:7</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/15-8.htm">1 Samuel 15:8</a>; <a href="/1_kings/11-15.htm">1 Kings 11:15</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/20-3.htm">1 Chronicles 20:3</a>, etc.). When a third part was spared, it was from some consideration of relationship (<a href="/2_samuel/8-2.htm">2 Samuel 8:2</a>). The Law distinctly allowed, if it did not even enjoin, the practice (<a href="/deuteronomy/20-13.htm">Deuteronomy 20:13</a>). Jehoram, therefore, no doubt, put his prisoners of war to death under ordinary circumstances. But he hesitates now. He feels that the case is an extraordinary one, and that the prophet, who has made the capture, is entitled to be consulted on the subject. Hence his question. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_kings/6-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And when the king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶֽלֶךְ־</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵל֙</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּרְאֹת֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(kir·’ō·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them,</span><br /><span class="heb">אוֹתָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·w·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he asked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Elisha,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלִישָׁ֔ע</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lî·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_477.htm">Strong's 477: </a> </span><span class="str2">Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“My father,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָבִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shall I kill [them]?</span><br /><span class="heb">אַכֶּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ak·keh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Shall I kill [them]?”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַאַכֶּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ha·’ak·keh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/6-21.htm">2 Kings 6:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_kings/6-21.htm">2 Kings 6:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_kings/6-21.htm">2 Kings 6:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_kings/6-21.htm">2 Kings 6:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_kings/6-21.htm">2 Kings 6:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/6-21.htm">2 Kings 6:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/6-21.htm">2 Kings 6:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/6-21.htm">2 Kings 6:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/6-21.htm">2 Kings 6:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_kings/6-21.htm">2 Kings 6:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_kings/6-21.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 6:21 The king of Israel said to Elisha (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/6-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 6:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 6:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/6-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 6:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 6:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>