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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 6:22 "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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/6-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/12_2Ki_06_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 6:22 - Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not kill them, he replied. 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Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_kings/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Of course not!” Elisha replied. “Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master.” <a href="/esv/2_kings/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> He answered, “You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” <a href="/bsb/2_kings/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “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.” <a href="/kjv/2_kings/6.htm">King James Bible</a> And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/6.htm">New King James Version</a> But he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set bread and water before them, so that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.” <a href="/nasb/2_kings/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> He answered, &#8220You shall not kill them. Would you kill those you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” <a href="/lsb/2_kings/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And he said, “You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and walk back to their master.” <a href="/amp/2_kings/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Elisha answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those you have taken captive with your sword and bow? Serve them bread and water, so that they may eat and drink, and go back to their master [King Ben-hadad].” <a href="/csb/2_kings/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Elisha replied, “Don’t kill them. Do you kill those you have captured with your sword or your bow? Set food and water in front of them so they can eat and drink and go to their master.” <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Elisha replied, &#8220Don&#8217t kill them. Do you kill those you have captured with your sword or your bow? Set food and water in front of them so they can eat and drink and go to their master.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_kings/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. <a href="/cev/2_kings/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "No!" Elisha answered. "You didn't capture these troops in battle, so you have no right to kill them. Instead, give them something to eat and drink and let them return to their leader." <a href="/erv/2_kings/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Elisha answered, "Don't kill them. Do you kill everyone you take captive in combat? Give them food and water. Let them eat and drink. Then let them go back to their master." <a href="/gnt/2_kings/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> "No," he answered. "Not even soldiers you had captured in combat would you put to death. Give them something to eat and drink, and let them return to their king." <a href="/isv/2_kings/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> But he replied, "No! You're not to kill them! Would you execute those whom you've taken captive at the point of a sword or with your bow? Give them food and water so they can eat and drink. Then send them back to their master!" <a href="/msb/2_kings/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?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.? <a href="/net/2_kings/6.htm">NET Bible</a> He replied, "Do not strike them down! You did not capture them with your sword or bow, so what gives you the right to strike them down? Give them some food and water, so they can eat and drink and then go back to their master." <a href="/nheb/2_kings/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He answered, "You shall not strike them. Would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master." <a href="/wbt/2_kings/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldst thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. <a href="/web/2_kings/6.htm">World English Bible</a> He answered, “You shall not strike them. Would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, then go to their master.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he says, “You do not strike; are you striking those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, and they eat, and drink, and go to their lord.” <a href="/ylt/2_kings/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he saith, 'Thou dost not smite; those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow art thou smiting? set bread and water before them, and they eat, and drink, and go unto their lord.' <a href="/slt/2_kings/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will say, Thou shalt not strike: whom thou tookest captive with thy sword and with thy bow; strikest thou? set bread and water before them, and they shall eat and drink and go to their lord.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he said: Thou shalt not kill them: for thou didst not take them with thy sword, or thy bow, that thou mayst kill them: but set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said: “You should not strike them. For you did not capture them with your sword or bow, so that you might strike them. Instead, set bread and water before them, so that they may eat and drink, and then go to their lord.” <a href="/nabre/2_kings/6.htm">New American Bible</a> Elisha replied, “You must not kill them. Do you slay those whom you have taken captive with your sword or bow? Serve them a meal. Let them eat and drink, and then go back to their master.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He answered, “No! Did you capture with your sword and your bow those whom you want to kill? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink; and let them go to their master.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he answered, You shall not slay them; would you slay those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he said to him: “You shall not strike with your sword and strike with your bow those whom you have captured! You set bread and water before them! They will eat and they will drink and they will go to their Master.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he answered: 'Thou shalt not smite them; hast thou taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow those whom thou wouldest smite? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.' <a href="/sep/2_kings/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he said, Thou shalt not smite them, unless thou wouldest smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow: set bread and water before them, and let them eat and drink, and depart to their master. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/6-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=2027" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_kings/6.htm">Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans</a> …21And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” 22<a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: ṯak·keh (V-Hifil-Imperf-2ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">kill 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 replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">“Would you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: mak·keh (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">kill</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ha·’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">those</a> <a href="/hebrew/7617.htm" title="7617: šā·ḇî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To take captive. A primitive root; to transport into captivity.">you have captured</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: bə·ḥar·bə·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">with your own sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/7198.htm" title="7198: ū·ḇə·qaš·tə·ḵā (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- A bow. From qashah in the original sense of bending: a bow, for shooting or the iris.">or bow?</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: śîm (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">Set</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: le·ḥem (N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">food</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: wā·ma·yim (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">and water</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê·hem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: wə·yō·ḵə·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3mp) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">that they may eat</a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: wə·yiš·tū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3mp) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">and drink</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: wə·yê·lə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and then return</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">their master.”</a> 23So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20</a> 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.” <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a> 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. <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a> 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. <a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/1_samuel/24-19.htm">1 Samuel 24:19</a> 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. <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a> 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. <a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a> Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots. <a href="/genesis/45-5.htm">Genesis 45:5-8</a> 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. / For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. / God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. ... <a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39-42</a> 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. ... <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">1 Samuel 26:11</a> But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a> Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. <a href="/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17</a> Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, <a href="/acts/7-60.htm">Acts 7:60</a> 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. <a href="/genesis/50-21.htm">Genesis 50:21</a> Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he answered, You shall not smite them: would you smite those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.wouldest<a href="/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Deuteronomy 20:11-16</a> And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee… <a href="/2_chronicles/28-8.htm">2 Chronicles 28:8-13</a> And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria… thy sword<a href="/genesis/48-22.htm">Genesis 48:22</a> Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.<a href="/joshua/24-12.htm">Joshua 24:12</a> And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.<a href="/psalms/44-6.htm">Psalm 44:6</a> For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.set bread<a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21,22</a> If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: … <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;<a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20,21</a> Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/5-18.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-42.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-2.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-40.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-17.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-44.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-43.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-15.htm">Master</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-21.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-21.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-21.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-21.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-6.htm">Water</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-13.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/9-24.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-32.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-29.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-17.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-17.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-23.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-28.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-23.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-23.htm">Master</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-9.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-9.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-28.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-7.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-12.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-15.htm">Water</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-14.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 6</div>1. <a href="/2_kings/6-1.htm">Elisha, allowing the young prophets to enlarge dwellings, floats an axhead</a> 8. <a href="/2_kings/6-8.htm">He discloses the king of Syria's counsel</a> 13. <a href="/2_kings/6-13.htm">The army which was sent to Dothan to apprehend Elisha, is blinded</a> 19. <a href="/2_kings/6-19.htm">Being brought into Samaria, they are dismissed in peace</a> 24. <a href="/2_kings/6-24.htm">The famine in Samaria causes women to eat their own children</a> 30. <a href="/2_kings/6-30.htm">The king sends to slay Elisha</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>“Do not kill them,” he replied. This phrase reflects a command of mercy and restraint. In the context of ancient warfare, captured enemies were often killed or enslaved. The prophet Elisha's directive to spare the Aramean soldiers highlights a principle of compassion and forgiveness. This mirrors God's mercy towards humanity, as seen in passages like <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a>, where Jesus instructs to love enemies and pray for persecutors.“Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow?” Elisha challenges the king of Israel to consider the ethics of killing prisoners of war. This rhetorical question underscores the idea that these captives were not taken by the king's might but by divine intervention. It emphasizes reliance on God's power rather than human strength, similar to David's reliance on God against Goliath (<a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">1 Samuel 17:47</a>).Set food and water before them, Providing sustenance to enemies is an act of grace and hospitality, countercultural to the norms of retribution. This act prefigures the teachings of Jesus, who fed multitudes and taught about the Bread of Life (<a href="/john/6-35.htm">John 6:35</a>). It also reflects the biblical principle of overcoming evil with good (<a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20-21</a>).that they may eat and drink The act of eating and drinking together in the ancient Near East was a sign of peace and covenant. By allowing the Arameans to eat and drink, Elisha initiates a gesture of reconciliation. This can be seen as a type of the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in communion as a sign of peace with God and each other (<a href="/1_corinthians/11-23.htm">1 Corinthians 11:23-26</a>).and then return to their master.” Releasing the captives to return to their master demonstrates trust in God's sovereignty and justice. It reflects the biblical theme of returning good for evil and trusting God to handle the outcomes. This act of sending them back unharmed could have served as a testimony to the Arameans of the power and mercy of Israel's God, similar to how God used Israel to be a light to the nations (<a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/elisha.htm">Elisha</a> A prophet in Israel, successor to Elijah, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_king_of_israel.htm">The King of Israel</a> The unnamed king during Elisha's time, who sought Elisha's counsel regarding the captured Aramean soldiers. 3. <a href="/topical/a/aramean_soldiers.htm">Aramean Soldiers</a> The enemy troops who were supernaturally blinded and led into Samaria by Elisha. 4. <a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a> The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where the Aramean soldiers were brought. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_aramean_king.htm">The Aramean King</a> The ruler of Aram, who was at war with Israel and whose soldiers were captured.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/m/mercy_over_vengeance.htm">Mercy Over Vengeance</a> Elisha's response to the king of Israel emphasizes the importance of showing mercy rather than seeking revenge. This reflects God's character and His call for us to act with compassion. <a href="/topical/d/divine_strategy.htm">Divine Strategy</a> The situation demonstrates that God's ways are higher than our ways. Instead of a military victory, God orchestrates a peaceful resolution, teaching us to seek His wisdom in conflict. <a href="/topical/h/hospitality_as_a_witness.htm">Hospitality as a Witness</a> By feeding the enemy, Elisha turns a potential act of war into an opportunity for witness. Our actions can reflect God's love and potentially transform hearts. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_protection.htm">Trust in God's Protection</a> The account reassures believers that God is in control, even in dire situations. We can trust Him to protect and guide us through challenges. <a href="/topical/p/peaceful_resolution.htm">Peaceful Resolution</a> The passage encourages seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts, aligning with the biblical call to be peacemakers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 6</a> <a href="/q/what_are_wmds.htm">What are Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_2_sam_13_1-22_with_laws.htm">How do we reconcile the events of 2 Samuel 13:1-22 with biblical laws condemning incest and rape?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_threats_to_jeremiah_align_with_divine_protection.htm">Jeremiah 11:18-23: How do these threats on Jeremiah's life align with the idea of divine protection for those who follow God's will?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_god_say_zedekiah_won't_die_by_sword.htm">Jeremiah 34:3 - How could God promise Zedekiah would not die by the sword if 2 Kings 25:7 says Nebuchadnezzar blinded him and took him captive?</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>(22) Thou shalt not.--Or, thou must not.Wouldest thou smite . . . thy bow?--The Hebrew order is, "An quos ceperis gladio et arcu percussuruses?" (Comp. <a href="/genesis/48-22.htm" title="Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.">Genesis 48:22</a>.) Elisha says, "These men are virtually prisoners of war, and therefore are not to be slain in cold blood."The LXX., Targum, Syriac, and Vulg., ignore the interrogative particle. The Targum and Syriac render, "Lo those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword, &c., thou dost (or mayst) kill." (Comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-13.htm" title="And when the LORD your God has delivered it into your hands, you shall smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword:">Deuteronomy 20:13</a>.) The Vulg., "neque enim cepisti eos, ut percutias," and the Arabic, "Didst thou take them captive with thy sword, &c., that thou shouldest slay them?" come to the same thing. These renderings are interesting, as they make Elisha deny the king's right of disposal of these prisoners of Jehovah. The purpose of the miracle would have been frustrated by killing the Syrians. That purpose was to force their king and them to acknowledge the might of the true God.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 22. - And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them. The prophet has no doubt. His prohibition is absolute. These prisoners, at any rate, are not to be slain. "The object of the miracle," as Keil says, "would have been frustrated, if the Syrians had been slain. For the intention was to show the Syrians that they had to do with a prophet of the true God, against whom no human power could be of any avail, that they might learn to fear the Almighty God" ('Commentary on 2 Kings,' p. 3.27, Eng. trans.). There was also, perhaps, a further political object. By sparing the prisoners and treating them with kindness, it might be possible to touch the heart of the King of Syria, and dispose him towards peace. Wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? rather, Wouldest thou be smiting those, etc.? i.e. "Wouldest thou, in smiting these persons, be smiting those whom thou hadst made prisoners in war, so as to be able to justify thy conduct by <a href="/deuteronomy/20-13.htm">Deuteronomy 20:13</a>? No; thou wouldest not. Therefore thou shalt not smite them." Set bread and water before them. "Bread" and "water" stand for meat and drink generally. Elisha bids Jehoram entertain the captive Syrians hospitably, and then send them back to Benhadad. That they may eat and drink, and go to their master. <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/6-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Do not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no kill them,” תַכֶּ֔ה (ṯak·keh) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike he replied. וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Would you אַתָּ֣ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you kill מַכֶּ֑ה (mak·keh) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike those הַאֲשֶׁ֥ר (ha·’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you have captured שָׁבִ֛יתָ (šā·ḇî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7617.htm">Strong's 7617: </a> To transport into captivity with your own sword בְּחַרְבְּךָ֥ (bə·ḥar·bə·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword or bow? וּֽבְקַשְׁתְּךָ֖ (ū·ḇə·qaš·tə·ḵā) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7198.htm">Strong's 7198: </a> A bow, for, shooting, the iris Set שִׂים֩ (śîm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set food לֶ֨חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> Food, bread, grain and water וָמַ֜יִם (wā·ma·yim) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen before them, לִפְנֵיהֶ֗ם (lip̄·nê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face that they may eat וְיֹֽאכְלוּ֙ (wə·yō·ḵə·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat and drink וְיִשְׁתּ֔וּ (wə·yiš·tū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> To imbibe and then return וְיֵלְכ֖וּ (wə·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to their master.” אֲדֹנֵיהֶֽם׃ (’ă·ḏō·nê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-22.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 6:22 He answered You shall not strike them: (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/6-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 6:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 6:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/6-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 6:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 6:23" /></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>