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2 Kings 6:31 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!"
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_kings/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_kings/6.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He said, “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_kings/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“May God strike me and even kill me if I don’t separate Elisha’s head from his shoulders this very day,” the king vowed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_kings/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and he said, “May God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_kings/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_kings/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then he said, “God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on him today!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_kings/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he said, “May God do so to me and more so, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on him today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_kings/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then he said, “May God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on him today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_kings/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then he said, “May God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on him today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_kings/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he said, “May God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on him today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_kings/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then he said, “May God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on him today!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_kings/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He announced, “May God punish me and do so severely if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_kings/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He announced, “May God punish me and do so severely if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_kings/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_kings/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He said, "I pray that God will punish me terribly, if Elisha's head is still on his shoulders by this time tomorrow." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_kings/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_kings/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He said, "May God strike me dead if the head of Elisha, son of Shaphat, stays on his [body] today."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_kings/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He exclaimed, "May God strike me dead if Elisha is not beheaded before the day is over!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_kings/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He said, "May God do to me—and more also!—if the head of Shaphat's son Elisha remains on his shoulders today!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_kings/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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!?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_kings/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then he said, "May God judge me severely if Elisha son of Shaphat still has his head by the end of the day!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_kings/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then he said, "God do so to me, and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stay on him this day."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_kings/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_kings/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then he said, “God do so to me, and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat stays on him today.” <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 he says, “Thus God does to me and thus He adds, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on him this day.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_kings/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_kings/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, Thus will God do to me, and thus will he add, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat, shall stand upon him this day.<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 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. <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 said, “May God do these things to me, and may he add these other things, if the head of Elisha, the son of Shaphat, will remain on him this day!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_kings/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The king exclaimed, “May God do thus to me, and more, if the head of Elisha, son of Shaphat, stays on him today!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and he said, “So may God do to me, and more, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat stays on his shoulders today.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then he said, May God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall remain on him this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_kings/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he said: “So God shall do to me and so he will add to me if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat will remain upon him today!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_kings/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_kings/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said, God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisaie shall stand upon him this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_kings/6-31.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=2135" 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">The Siege and Famine of Samaria</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. And as he passed by on the wall, the people saw the sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><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 announced,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">“May God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh- (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">punish</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ya·‘ă·śeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: wə·ḵōh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">and ever so</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: yō·w·sip̄ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">severely,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">the head</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.">of Elisha</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/8202.htm" title="8202: šā·p̄āṭ (N-proper-ms) -- He has judged, five Isr. From shaphat; judge; Shaphat, the name of four Israelites.">of Shaphat</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ya·‘ă·mōḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">remains</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on his shoulders</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">through this day!”</a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?”…<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="/1_kings/19-2.htm">1 Kings 19:2</a></span><br />So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like the lives of those you killed!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-23.htm">1 Kings 21:23-24</a></span><br />And the LORD also speaks concerning Jezebel: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ / Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the air.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-7.htm">2 Kings 9:7</a></span><br />And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-30.htm">2 Kings 9:30-37</a></span><br />Now when Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. So she painted her eyes, adorned her head, and looked down from a window. / And as Jehu entered the gate, she asked, “Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?” / He looked up at the window and called out, “Who is on my side? Who?” And two or three eunuchs looked down at him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/10-11.htm">2 Kings 10:11</a></span><br />So Jehu killed everyone in Jezreel who remained of the house of Ahab, as well as all his great men and close friends and priests, leaving him without a single survivor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-1.htm">2 Kings 11:1</a></span><br />When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/5-7.htm">2 Kings 5:7</a></span><br />When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/7-17.htm">2 Kings 7:17-20</a></span><br />Now the king had appointed the officer on whose arm he leaned to be in charge of the gate, but the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died, just as the man of God had foretold when the king had come to him. / It happened just as the man of God had told the king: “About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel.” / And the officer had answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” So Elisha had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-13.htm">2 Kings 3:13</a></span><br />Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel, “What have we to do with each other? Go to the prophets of your father and of your mother!” “No,” replied the king of Israel, “for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/1-9.htm">2 Kings 1:9-10</a></span><br />Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’” / Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-8.htm">Matthew 14:8-11</a></span><br />Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” / The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted / and sent to have John beheaded in the prison. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-24.htm">Mark 6:24-28</a></span><br />Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” / At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.” / The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-9.htm">Luke 9:9</a></span><br />“I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-34.htm">Matthew 23:34-35</a></span><br />Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town. / And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-52.htm">Acts 7:52</a></span><br />Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">God do so</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ruth/1-17.htm">Ruth 1:17</a></b></br> Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, <i>if ought</i> but death part thee and me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/3-17.htm">1 Samuel 3:17</a></b></br> And he said, What <i>is</i> the thing that <i>the LORD</i> hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide <i>it</i> not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide <i>any</i> thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/14-44.htm">1 Samuel 14:44</a></b></br> And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.</p><p class="hdg">if the head</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/18-17.htm">1 Kings 18:17</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, <i>Art</i> thou he that troubleth Israel?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/19-2.htm">1 Kings 19:2</a></b></br> Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do <i>to me</i>, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/22-8.htm">1 Kings 22:8</a></b></br> And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, <i>There is</i> yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Add</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-30.htm">Body</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-21.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-21.htm">Eli'sha</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-25.htm">God's</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-25.htm">Head</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-3.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-34.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-11.htm">Shaphat</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-34.htm">Shoulders</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-25.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-28.htm">Today</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/20-6.htm">Add</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-5.htm">Body</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-7.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-32.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-1.htm">Eli'sha</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/5-22.htm">God's</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-32.htm">Head</a> <a href="/ezra/9-6.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-9.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-4.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/3-22.htm">Shaphat</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-24.htm">Shoulders</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-4.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/28-7.htm">Today</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>He announced</b><br>This phrase indicates a public declaration, likely made by King Jehoram of Israel. In the context of ancient Israel, such announcements were often made in moments of crisis or decision. The king's role as a leader required him to address the people, especially during times of distress, such as the famine in Samaria.<p><b>“May God punish me, and ever so severely,</b><br>This is a common oath formula in the Old Testament, reflecting the seriousness of the speaker's intent. It invokes divine retribution as a guarantee of the speaker's commitment to their words. This type of oath is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in <a href="/ruth/1-17.htm">Ruth 1:17</a>, where Ruth makes a similar vow to Naomi. It underscores the gravity of the situation and the king's desperation.<p><b>if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat</b><br>Elisha, the prophet, was the successor of Elijah and a prominent figure in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His role as a prophet was to convey God's messages, often challenging the king and the people to return to faithfulness. The mention of "the head" signifies a threat of execution, a common practice for dealing with perceived enemies or traitors. Elisha's father, Shaphat, is mentioned to identify him clearly, as was customary in genealogical references.<p><b>remains on his shoulders</b><br>This phrase is a vivid expression of the king's intent to execute Elisha. It reflects the cultural and historical practice of beheading as a form of capital punishment. The king's anger towards Elisha likely stems from frustration over the ongoing famine and the belief that the prophet, as God's representative, should have intervened.<p><b>through this day!”</b><br>The urgency in the king's words indicates a critical moment, possibly due to the dire circumstances of the siege of Samaria by the Arameans. The phrase "through this day" suggests an immediate timeframe, highlighting the king's desperation and impulsive decision-making. This reflects the broader biblical theme of human impatience and the tendency to blame God's messengers during times of crisis.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elisha.htm">Elisha</a></b><br>A prophet in Israel, successor of Elijah, known for performing miracles and providing guidance to the kings of Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_of_israel.htm">King of Israel</a></b><br>The unnamed king during this time, likely King Jehoram, who is facing a dire situation due to the Aramean siege of Samaria.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, under siege by the Arameans, leading to a severe famine.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/arameans.htm">Arameans</a></b><br>The enemy nation besieging Samaria, causing distress and desperation among the Israelites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/siege_of_samaria.htm">Siege of Samaria</a></b><br>A significant event where the city is surrounded by the Arameans, leading to extreme famine and desperation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite dire circumstances, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate control and plan, as Elisha did.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_crisis.htm">Responding to Crisis</a></b><br>The king's reaction to blame Elisha contrasts with seeking God's guidance. In times of crisis, turning to God rather than assigning blame is crucial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prophetic_courage.htm">Prophetic Courage</a></b><br>Elisha's steadfastness in the face of threats exemplifies the courage needed to stand firm in faith and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_deliverance.htm">God's Deliverance</a></b><br>The account foreshadows God's deliverance, reminding believers that God can bring relief and resolution in His timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_under_pressure.htm">Faith Under Pressure</a></b><br>The account challenges believers to maintain faith and integrity even when under pressure or facing persecution.<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/what_defines_a_man_of_god.htm">What defines a man of God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_an_iron_axe_float_with_a_stick.htm">2 Kings 6:5-7: How could an iron axe head float on water merely by throwing in a stick, defying basic physics?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_2_kings_20_6_fit_with_omniscience.htm">2 Kings 20:6: How does God adding fifteen years to King Hezekiah's life fit with divine omniscience and an unchangeable plan?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_child_sacrifice_widespread_in_israel.htm">Isaiah 57:5: Is there credible archaeological evidence that child sacrifice was widespread among Israelites, or is this an exaggerated polemic?</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>(31) <span class= "bld">Then he said.</span>--<span class= "ital">And he </span>(<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> the king), <span class= "ital">said.<span class= "bld"></span><p>God do so . . . to me.<span class= "ital"></span></span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">So</span> <span class= "ital">may God do to me, and so may he add</span>: a common form of oath. (Comp. <a href="/ruth/1-17.htm" title="Where you die, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part you and me.">Ruth 1:17</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/3-17.htm" title="And he said, What is the thing that the LORD has said to you? I pray you hide it not from me: God do so to you, and more also, if you hide any thing from me of all the things that he said to you.">1Samuel 3:17</a>; <a href="/1_kings/2-23.htm" title="Then king Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.">1Kings 2:23</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">If the head of Elisha . . . this day.</span>--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, <a href="/1_kings/19-2.htm" title="Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not your life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.">1Kings 19:2</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him</span> <span class="accented">- i.e.</span> "continue on him" - <span class="cmt_word">this day.</span> The form of oath was a common one (comp. <a href="/ruth/1-17.htm">Ruth 1:17</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/3-17.htm">1 Samuel 3:17</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/25-22.htm">1 Samuel 25:22</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm">2 Samuel 19:13</a>; <a href="/1_kings/2-23.htm">1 Kings 2:23</a>; <a href="/1_kings/19-2.htm">1 Kings 19:2</a>, etc.). It was an imprecation of evil on one's self, if one did, or if one failed to do, a certain thing. Why Jehoram should have considered Elisha as responsible for all the horrors of the siege is not apparent; but perhaps he supposed that it was in Elisha's power to work a miracle of any kind at any moment that he liked. If so, he misunderstood the nature of the miraculous gift. In threatening to behead Elisha, he is not making himself an executor of the Law, which nowhere sanctioned that mode of punishment, but assuming the arbitrary power of the other Oriental monarchs of his time, who regarded themselves as absolute masters of the lives and liberties of their subjects. Beheading was common in Egypt, in Babylonia, and in Assyria. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_kings/6-31.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">He announced,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֕אמֶר</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">“May God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">punish</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּֽה־</span> <span class="translit">(kōh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> </span><span class="str2">Like this, thus, here, now</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">and ever so</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכֹ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> </span><span class="str2">Like this, thus, here, now</span><br /><br /><span class="word">severely,</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹסִ֑ף</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·sip̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To add, augment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="heb">אִֽם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the head</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹ֣אשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Elisha</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלִישָׁ֧ע</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">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Shaphat</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁפָ֛ט</span> <span class="translit">(šā·p̄āṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8202.htm">Strong's 8202: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shaphat -- 'he has judged', five Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">remains</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲמֹ֞ד</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·mōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on his shoulders</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלָ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">through this day!”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיּֽוֹם׃</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_kings/6-31.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 6:31 Then he said God do so (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/6-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 6:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 6:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/6-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 6:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 6:32" /></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>