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If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/7-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/12_2Ki_07_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 7:4 - The Siege Lifted" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If we say, 'Let us go into the city,' we will die there from the famine in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. 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And if we stay here, we will die. So let&#8217s go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_kings/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> “We will starve if we stay here, but with the famine in the city, we will starve if we go back there. So we might as well go out and surrender to the Aramean army. If they let us live, so much the better. But if they kill us, we would have died anyway.” <a href="/esv/2_kings/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die.” <a href="/bsb/2_kings/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there from the famine in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.” <a href="/kjv/2_kings/7.htm">King James Bible</a> If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/7.htm">New King James Version</a> If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore, come, let us surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die.” <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ then the famine is in the city and we will die there; but if we sit here, we will also die. Now then come, and let’s go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they spare us, we will live; and if they kill us, then we will die.” <a href="/nasb/2_kings/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220If we say, &#8216We will enter the city,&#8217 then the famine is in the city and we will die there; and if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they spare us, we will live; and if they kill us, we will but die.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ then the famine is in the city and we shall die there; and if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they spare us, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.” <a href="/lsb/2_kings/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ then the famine is in the city and we will die there; and if we sit here, we die also. So now come, and let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they spare us, we will live; and if they put us to death, we will die.” <a href="/amp/2_kings/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If we say, ‘We will enter the city’—then the famine is in the city and we will die there; and if we sit still here, we will also die. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans (Syrians). If they let us live, we will live; and if they kill us, we will only die.” <a href="/csb/2_kings/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If we say, ‘Let’s go into the city,’ we will die there because the famine is in the city, but if we sit here, we will also die. So now, come on. Let’s surrender to the Arameans’ camp. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.” <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If we say, &#8216Let&#8217s go into the city,&#8217 we will die there because the famine is in the city, but if we sit here, we will also die. So now, come on. Let&#8217s go to the Arameans&#8217 camp. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_kings/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there; and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die. <a href="/cev/2_kings/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> There's nothing to eat in the city, so we would starve if we went inside. But if we stay out here, we will die for sure. Let's sneak over to the Syrian army camp and surrender. They might kill us, but they might not." <a href="/erv/2_kings/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If we go into the city, the famine is also there, and we'll still die. But if we stay here, we'll die. So let's go to the Aramean camp. If they give us something to keep us alive, we'll live. But if they kill us, we'll die anyway." <a href="/gnt/2_kings/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> It's no use going into the city, because we would starve to death in there; but if we stay here, we'll die also. So let's go to the Syrian camp; the worst they can do is kill us, but maybe they will spare our lives." <a href="/isv/2_kings/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> If we tell ourselves, 'Let's remain in the city,' we'll die there since there's famine in the city. But if we sit here, we'll die, too. So let's go over to the Arameans! If they spare our lives, we'll live, and if they kill us…we're dying anyway!" <a href="/msb/2_kings/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If we say, ?Let us go into the city,? we will die there from the famine in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.? <a href="/net/2_kings/7.htm">NET Bible</a> If we go into the city, we'll die of starvation, and if we stay here we'll die! So come on, let's defect to the Syrian camp! If they spare us, we'll live; if they kill us--well, we were going to die anyway." <a href="/nheb/2_kings/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> If we say, 'We will enter into the city,' then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. If we sit still here, we also die. Now therefore come, and let us surrender to the army of the Arameans. If they save us alive, we will live; and if they kill us, we will only die." <a href="/wbt/2_kings/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall to the army of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die. <a href="/web/2_kings/7.htm">World English Bible</a> If we say, ‘We will enter into the city,’ then the famine is in the city, and we will die there. If we sit still here, we also die. Now therefore come, and let’s surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they save us alive, we will live; and if they kill us, we will only die.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> If we have said, We go into the city, then the famine [is] in the city and we have died there; and if we have sat here, then we have died; and now, come and we go down to the camp of Aram; if they keep us alive, we live, and if they put us to death—we have died.” <a href="/ylt/2_kings/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> if we have said, We go in to the city, then the famine is in the city, and we have died there; and if we have sat here, then we have died; and now, come and we fall unto the camp of Aram; if they keep us alive, we live, and if they put us to death -- we have died.' <a href="/slt/2_kings/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If we said, We will go into the city, and the famine in the city, and our death there: and if we sat here, and we died. And now come, and we will fall to the camp of Aram: if they will save us alive we shall live; and if they will kill us, and we died.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If we will enter into the city, we shall die with the famine: and if we will remain here, we must also die: come, therefore, and let us run over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare us, we shall live: but if they kill us, we shall but die. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> If we choose to enter the city, we will die from the famine. And if we remain here, we also will die. Therefore, come and let us flee over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare us, we will live. But if they choose to kill us, we will die anyway.” <a href="/nabre/2_kings/7.htm">New American Bible</a> If we decide to go into the city, we shall die there, for there is famine in the city. If we remain here, we shall die too. So come, let us desert to the camp of the Arameans. If they let us live, we live; if they kill us, we die.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there; but if we sit here, we shall also die. Therefore, let us desert to the Aramean camp; if they spare our lives, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If we say, We will enter into the city, the famine is severe in the city, and we shall die there; and if we still sit here, we die also. Now therefore come and let us go to the camp of Aram; if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they put us to death, we shall but die. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> If we say, ‘We will enter within the city’, the famine is severe within the city and we will die there, and if we sit here, we are dying, but come, let us go to the encampment of Edom! If they will save us, we will live, and if they kill us, we will die!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> If we say: We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there; and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Arameans; if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.' <a href="/sep/2_kings/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> If we should say, Let us go into the city, then there is famine in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit here, then we shall die. Now then come, and let us fall upon the camp of the Syrians: if they should take us alive, then we shall live; and if they should put us to death, then we shall only die. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/7-4.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=2230" 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/7.htm">The Siege Lifted</a> …3Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate, and they said to one another, “Why just sit here until we die? 4<a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">we say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: nā·ḇō·w (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">‘Let us go into</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the city,’</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: wā·maṯ·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">we will die</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there</a> <a href="/hebrew/7458.htm" title="7458: wə·hā·rā·‘āḇ (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- Famine, hunger. From ra'eb; hunger.">from the famine</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: bā·‘îr (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">in the city;</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">but if</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yā·šaḇ·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">we sit</a> <a href="/hebrew/6311.htm" title="6311: p̄ōh (Adv) -- Here, hither. Or po; or pow; probably from a primitive inseparable particle p and huw'; this place, i.e. Here or hence.">here,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: wā·mā·ṯə·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">we will also die.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lə·ḵū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">So come</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">now,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: wə·nip·pə·lāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cp) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">let us go over</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: ma·ḥă·nêh (N-csc) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">the camp</a> <a href="/hebrew/758.htm" title="758: ’ă·rām (N-proper-fs) -- Syria and its inhab., also the names of a son of Shem, a grandson of Nahor, and an Isr. ">of the Arameans.</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/2421.htm" title="2421: niḥ·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">they let us live,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: yə·ḥay·yu·nū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp:: 1cp) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">we will live;</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yə·mî·ṯu·nū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp:: 1cp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">they kill us,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: wā·mā·ṯə·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">we will die.”</a> 5So they arose at twilight and went to the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the outskirts of the camp, there was not a man to be found.…<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="/2_kings/6-25.htm">2 Kings 6:25-29</a> So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver. / As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried out to him, “Help me, my lord the king!” / He answered, “If the LORD does not help you, where can I find help for you? From the threshing floor or the winepress?” ... <a href="/2_kings/18-27.htm">2 Kings 18:27</a> But the Rabshakeh replied, “Has my master sent me to speak these words only to you and your master, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are destined with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?” <a href="/jeremiah/14-18.htm">Jeremiah 14:18</a> If I go out to the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I enter the city, I see those ravaged by famine! For both prophet and priest travel to a land they do not know.’” <a href="/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Jeremiah 38:2</a> “This is what the LORD says: Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war, and he will live. <a href="/lamentations/4-9.htm">Lamentations 4:9-10</a> Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce. / The hands of compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people. <a href="/isaiah/36-12.htm">Isaiah 36:12</a> But the Rabshakeh replied, “Has my master sent me to speak these words only to you and your master, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are destined with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?” <a href="/jeremiah/21-9.htm">Jeremiah 21:9</a> Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war. <a href="/deuteronomy/28-53.htm">Deuteronomy 28:53-57</a> Then you will eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters whom the LORD your God has given you, in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you. / The most gentle and refined man among you will begrudge his brother, the wife he embraces, and the rest of his children who have survived, / refusing to share with any of them the flesh of his children he will eat because he has nothing left in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you within all your gates. ... <a href="/leviticus/26-29.htm">Leviticus 26:29</a> You will eat the flesh of your own sons and daughters. <a href="/ezekiel/5-12.htm">Ezekiel 5:12</a> A third of your people will die by plague or be consumed by famine within you, a third will fall by the sword outside your walls, and a third I will scatter to every wind and unleash a sword behind them. <a href="/ezekiel/7-15.htm">Ezekiel 7:15</a> The sword is outside; plague and famine are within. Those in the country will die by the sword, and those in the city will be devoured by famine and plague. <a href="/matthew/24-7.htm">Matthew 24:7</a> Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. <a href="/luke/21-11.htm">Luke 21:11</a> There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven. <a href="/revelation/6-8.htm">Revelation 6:8</a> Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth. <a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">Matthew 4:4</a> But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall to the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.we will enter<a href="/jeremiah/14-18.htm">Jeremiah 14:18</a> If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.let us fall<a href="/1_chronicles/12-19.htm">1 Chronicles 12:19</a> And there fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads.<a href="/jeremiah/37-13.htm">Jeremiah 37:13,14</a> And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans… if they save us<a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a> Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.<a href="/jeremiah/8-14.htm">Jeremiah 8:14</a> Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.<a href="/jonah/3-9.htm">Jonah 3:9</a> Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/5-7.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-23.htm">Arameans</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-24.htm">Army</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-24.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-3.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-3.htm">Die</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-24.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-6.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-25.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-24.htm">Host</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-21.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-2.htm">Live</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-27.htm">Save</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-3.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-43.htm">Spare</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-23.htm">Syrians</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/7-12.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-5.htm">Arameans</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-6.htm">Army</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-5.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-10.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-10.htm">Die</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-5.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-18.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-1.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-6.htm">Host</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-12.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-19.htm">Live</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-12.htm">Save</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-30.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-22.htm">Spare</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-5.htm">Syrians</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 7</div>1. <a href="/2_kings/7-1.htm">Elisha prophesies incredible plenty in Samaria</a> 3. <a href="/2_kings/7-3.htm">four lepers, venturing on the host of the Syrians, bring tidings of their flight</a> 12. <a href="/2_kings/7-12.htm">The king, finding by spies the news to be true, spoils the tents of the Syrians.</a> 17. <a href="/2_kings/7-17.htm">The lord who would not believe the prophecy of plenty is trampled in the press</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/7.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/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there from the famine in the city; The context of this phrase is the severe famine in Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, during the siege by the Arameans (Syrians). The famine was so dire that people resorted to extreme measures for survival, as described earlier in <a href="/2_kings/6-25.htm">2 Kings 6:25-29</a>. The city represents a place of safety and provision under normal circumstances, but due to the siege, it has become a place of death. This reflects the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, as famine was one of the curses for covenant unfaithfulness (<a href="/deuteronomy/28-52.htm">Deuteronomy 28:52-53</a>).but if we sit here, we will also die. The lepers, who are the speakers in this passage, are outside the city gates due to their condition, which made them ceremonially unclean (<a href="/leviticus/13-45.htm">Leviticus 13:45-46</a>). Their situation is desperate, as remaining where they are offers no hope of survival. This highlights the theme of human helplessness and the need for divine intervention, a recurring theme in the Bible. It also reflects the broader spiritual truth that inaction in the face of spiritual death is not a viable option.So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. The Arameans, also known as Syrians, were a significant military power and frequent adversaries of Israel. Their camp represents a potential source of food and survival, albeit with great risk. This decision to approach the enemy camp is an act of desperation but also of faith, as it involves stepping into the unknown. Theologically, it can be seen as a type of repentance, turning away from certain death towards the possibility of life, reminiscent of the prodigal son's return in <a href="/luke/15-17.htm">Luke 15:17-20</a>.If they let us live, we will live; This phrase expresses a glimmer of hope amidst despair. The lepers acknowledge the possibility of mercy from the Arameans, which is ironic given that they are the enemy. This reflects the biblical theme that God can use unexpected means and people to provide deliverance, as seen in the story of Rahab in <a href="/joshua/2.htm">Joshua 2</a>. It also underscores the sovereignty of God in using even adversaries to fulfill His purposes.if they kill us, we will die.” The lepers recognize the risk of death, but it is a risk they are willing to take given their dire circumstances. This acceptance of potential martyrdom can be seen as a foreshadowing of the Christian call to take up one's cross and follow Christ (<a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24-25</a>). It also highlights the biblical principle that sometimes faith requires stepping into situations where the outcome is uncertain, trusting in God's providence.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_four_lepers.htm">The Four Lepers</a> These individuals are the central figures in this verse. They are outcasts due to their leprosy and are situated at the city gate, facing a dire situation due to the famine in Samaria. 2. <a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a> The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which is under siege by the Arameans, leading to a severe famine within the city. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_arameans.htm">The Arameans</a> The enemy army besieging Samaria, causing the famine and desperation among the people inside the city. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_famine.htm">The Famine</a> A severe lack of food in Samaria due to the Aramean siege, leading to extreme desperation among the inhabitants. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_city_gate.htm">The City Gate</a> The location where the lepers are situated, symbolizing a place of decision and transition.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/decision_in_desperation.htm">Decision in Desperation</a> The lepers' decision highlights the importance of taking action in desperate situations. When faced with dire circumstances, faith can lead us to make bold decisions. <a href="/topical/f/faith_over_fear.htm">Faith Over Fear</a> The lepers chose to act despite the fear of death. This teaches us to trust God and step out in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain. <a href="/topical/g/god's_providence.htm">God's Providence</a> The lepers' decision ultimately leads to the deliverance of Samaria, illustrating how God can use unlikely individuals and situations to fulfill His purposes. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_initiative.htm">The Power of Initiative</a> Taking initiative, even when options seem limited, can lead to unexpected blessings and breakthroughs. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_hopelessness.htm">Hope in Hopelessness</a> The lepers' situation seemed hopeless, yet their decision brought hope and salvation. This reminds us that God can bring hope in our darkest moments.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 7</a> <a href="/q/2_kings_7_1__famine_to_feast_in_24_hours.htm">2 Kings 7:1 -- How can a city under severe famine suddenly have an abundance of food within 24 hours?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_an_army_flee_after_hearing_sounds.htm">2 Kings 7:6-7 -- What natural or historical explanation accounts for an entire army fleeing upon hearing mysterious sounds?</a> <a href="/q/how_many_baths_did_solomon_build.htm">Solomon built a facility containing how many baths? Two thousand (1 Kings 7:26) Over three thousand (2 Chronicles 4:5)</a> <a href="/q/why_does_the_bronze_sea's_capacity_differ.htm">How do we reconcile the apparent capacity discrepancy of the bronze sea between 1 Kings 7:26 (2,000 baths) and 2 Chronicles 4:5 (3,000 baths)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) Fall unto--i.e., desert, go over to.If they save us alive.--And give us food, for pity's sake.We shall but die.--As we shall if we stop here, or if we go into the city. (The "but" is not in the Hebrew.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. The lepers were certainly not at liberty to enter the city when they pleased; but perhaps they might have managed, in one way or another, to return within the walls. They ask themselves, however, "Cut bone?" What will he the use of it? The famine is inside the town no less than outside. If they entered the city, by hook or by crook, it would only be to "die there" And if we sit still here, we die also; rather, if we remain here, or, if we dwell here. Lepers, excluded from a city, are in the habit of building themselves huts near the gateways. "The lepers of Jerusalem, at the present day, have their tents by the side of the Zion gate" (Keil, ad loc.). If the leprous men remained where they were, death stared them in the face equally. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians. Let us, i.e., fall away from our own side, desert them, and go over to the enemy (comp. <a href="/2_kings/25-11.htm">2 Kings 25:11</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/37-13.htm">Jeremiah 37:13, 14</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/39-9.htm">Jeremiah 39:9</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/52-15.htm">Jeremiah 52:15</a>). If they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die; i.e. we cannot be worse off than we are, even if they kill us; while it may be that they will be more merciful, and let us live. <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/7-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not we say, אָמַרְנוּ֩ (’ā·mar·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘Let us go into נָב֨וֹא (nā·ḇō·w) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go the city,’ הָעִ֜יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement we will die וָמַ֣תְנוּ (wā·maṯ·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill there שָׁ֔ם (šām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither from the famine וְהָרָעָ֤ב (wə·hā·rā·‘āḇ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7458.htm">Strong's 7458: </a> Famine, hunger in the city; בָּעִיר֙ (bā·‘îr) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement but if וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not we sit יָשַׁ֥בְנוּ (yā·šaḇ·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry here, פֹ֖ה (p̄ōh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6311.htm">Strong's 6311: </a> This place, here we will also die. וָמָ֑תְנוּ (wā·mā·ṯə·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill So come now, וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time let us go over וְנִפְּלָה֙ (wə·nip·pə·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the camp מַחֲנֵ֣ה (ma·ḥă·nêh) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4264.htm">Strong's 4264: </a> An encampment, an army of the Arameans. אֲרָ֔ם (’ă·rām) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_758.htm">Strong's 758: </a> Aram -- Syria If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not they let us live, נִֽחְיֶ֔ה (niḥ·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> To live, to revive we will live; יְחַיֻּ֣נוּ (yə·ḥay·yu·nū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> To live, to revive if וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not they kill us, יְמִיתֻ֖נוּ (yə·mî·ṯu·nū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill we will die.? וָמָֽתְנוּ׃ (wā·mā·ṯə·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/7-4.htm">2 Kings 7:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/7-4.htm">2 Kings 7:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/7-4.htm">2 Kings 7:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/7-4.htm">2 Kings 7:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/7-4.htm">2 Kings 7:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/7-4.htm">2 Kings 7:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/7-4.htm">2 Kings 7:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/7-4.htm">2 Kings 7:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/7-4.htm">2 Kings 7:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/7-4.htm">2 Kings 7:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-4.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 7:4 If we say We will enter into (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/7-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 7:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 7:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/7-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 7:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 7:5" /></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>