2 Kings 1:14
New International Version
See, fire has fallen from heaven and consumed the first two captains and all their men. But now have respect for my life!”

New Living Translation
See how the fire from heaven came down and destroyed the first two groups. But now please spare my life!”

English Standard Version
Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the two former captains of fifty men with their fifties, but now let my life be precious in your sight.”

Berean Standard Bible
Behold, fire has come down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty, with all their men. But now may my life be precious in your sight.”

King James Bible
Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.

New King James Version
Look, fire has come down from heaven and burned up the first two captains of fifties with their fifties. But let my life now be precious in your sight.”

New American Standard Bible
Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in your sight.”

NASB 1995
“Behold fire came down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in your sight.”

NASB 1977
“Behold fire came down from heaven, and consumed the first two captains of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in your sight.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the first two commanders of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in your sight.”

Amplified Bible
Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in your sight.”

Christian Standard Bible
Already fire has come down from heaven and consumed the first two captains with their companies, but this time let my life be precious to you.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Already fire has come down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of 50 with their fifties, but this time let my life be precious in your sight.”

American Standard Version
Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and consumed the two former captains of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in thy sight.

Contemporary English Version
Fire has already wiped out the other officers and their soldiers. Please don't let it happen to me."

English Revised Version
Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and consumed the two former captains of fifty with their fifties: but now let my life be precious in thy sight.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Fire has come from heaven and burned up the first two officers and their 100 men. But treat my life as something precious."

Good News Translation
The two other officers and their men were killed by fire from heaven; but please be merciful to me!"

International Standard Version
Look how fire fell from heaven and devoured the two other companies of 50 soldiers, along with their captains, but now please treat me as if my life were precious!"

Majority Standard Bible
Behold, fire has come down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty, with all their men. But now may my life be precious in your sight.”

NET Bible
Indeed, fire came down from the sky and consumed the two captains who came before me, along with their men. So now, please have respect for my life."

New Heart English Bible
Look, fire came down from the sky, and consumed the two former captains of fifty with their fifties. But now let my life be precious in your sight."

Webster's Bible Translation
Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.

World English Bible
Behold, fire came down from the sky and consumed the last two captains of fifty with their fifties. But now let my life be precious in your sight.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Behold, fire has come down from the heavens and consumes the two heads of the former fifties and their fifties; and now, let my soul be precious in your eyes.”

Young's Literal Translation
Lo, come down hath fire from the heavens, and consumeth the two heads of the former fifties and their fifties; and, now, let my soul be precious in thine eyes.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Behold, fire will come down from heaven and consume the two first captains and their fifties: and now shall my soul be precious in thine eyes?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold fire came down from heaven, and consumed the two first captains of fifty men, and the fifties that were with them: but now I beseech thee to spare my life.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Behold, fire from heaven descended and devoured the two previous leaders of fifty and the fifties who were with them. But now I beg you to take pity on my life.”

New American Bible
Already fire has come down from heaven, consuming the first two captains with their companies of fifty men. But now, let my life count for something in your sight!”

New Revised Standard Version
Look, fire came down from heaven and consumed the two former captains of fifty men with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in your sight.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For behold, there came fire down from heaven and consumed the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties; therefore let now my life be precious in your sight.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Behold, fire came down from Heaven and consumed two Captains of fifty and the fifty each that were with them, and now, let my life be precious in your eyes!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and consumed the two former captains of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in thy sight'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Behold, fire came down from heaven, and devoured the two first captains of fifty: and now, I pray, let my life be precious in thine eyes.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elijah Denounces Ahaziah
13So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. And the third captain went up, fell on his knees before Elijah, and begged him, “Man of God, may my life and the lives of these fifty servants please be precious in your sight. 14Behold, fire has come down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty, with all their men. But now may my life be precious in your sight.” 15Then the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him. Do not be afraid of him.” So Elijah got up and went down with him to the king.…

Cross References
Luke 9:54-56
When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” / But Jesus turned and rebuked them. / And He and His disciples went on to another village.

Matthew 17:1-3
After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. / There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. / Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.

Revelation 11:5
If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone who wants to harm them must be killed.

James 5:17-18
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. / Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops.

Mark 3:17
James son of Zebedee and his brother John (whom He named Boanerges, meaning “Sons of Thunder”),

Hebrews 12:29
“For our God is a consuming fire.”

1 Kings 18:36-38
At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. / Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” / Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench.

Exodus 9:23-24
So Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained down hail upon the land of Egypt. / The hail fell and the lightning continued flashing through it. The hail was so severe that nothing like it had ever been seen in all the land of Egypt from the time it became a nation.

Numbers 16:35
And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.

Leviticus 10:1-2
Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.

1 Samuel 12:18
So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.

2 Kings 2:11
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.

2 Kings 6:17
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

1 Kings 19:12
After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice.

Deuteronomy 4:24
For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.


Treasury of Scripture

Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in your sight.

behold

2 Kings 1:10,11
And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty…

let my life

1 Samuel 26:21,24
Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly…

Psalm 49:8
(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)

Psalm 72:14
He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

Jump to Previous
Burnt Captains Consumed Consumeth End Eyes Fallen Fifties Fifty Fire First Former Heads Heaven Life Precious Sight Sky Soul Value
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Burnt Captains Consumed Consumeth End Eyes Fallen Fifties Fifty Fire First Former Heads Heaven Life Precious Sight Sky Soul Value
2 Kings 1
1. Moab rebels
2. Ahaziah, sending to Baal-Zebub, has his judgement by Elijah
5. Elijah twice brings fire from heaven on those Ahaziah sent to apprehend him.
13. He pities the third captain,
15. and, encouraged by an angel, tells the king of his death
17. Jehoram succeeds Ahaziah














Behold
This word is often used in Scripture to draw attention to something significant or miraculous. In Hebrew, it is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an imperative to look or see. It emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the divine intervention that has occurred. The use of "behold" here underscores the awe and fear that the miraculous event of fire from heaven would inspire.

fire has come down from heaven
This phrase indicates a direct act of God, reminiscent of other biblical events where God demonstrates His power and judgment, such as the fire that consumed Elijah's sacrifice on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38). The Hebrew word for fire, "אֵשׁ" (esh), symbolizes God's presence and judgment. The descent of fire from heaven is a clear sign of divine authority and serves as a warning against defying God's chosen prophet, Elijah.

consumed
The Hebrew root "אָכַל" (akal) means to eat or devour. In this context, it signifies total destruction, leaving nothing behind. This consumption by fire is a vivid demonstration of God's power to protect His prophet and execute judgment on those who oppose Him. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of rebelling against God's commands.

the first two captains of fifty with their fifties
This phrase highlights the repeated nature of the event, emphasizing the stubbornness and rebellion of Ahaziah's men. The "captains of fifty" were military leaders, and their fifties were their troops. The repetition of this judgment on two separate occasions underscores the futility of resisting God's will and the importance of heeding His warnings.

But now
This transitional phrase indicates a change in the narrative. It suggests a shift from judgment to mercy, as the third captain approaches Elijah with humility. The Hebrew "וְעַתָּה" (ve'atah) marks a turning point, inviting the reader to anticipate a different outcome based on the captain's plea.

let my life be precious in your sight
The word "precious" in Hebrew is "יָקָר" (yaqar), meaning valuable or esteemed. This plea for mercy reflects a recognition of Elijah's authority and, by extension, God's power. The captain's request for his life to be valued indicates a humble submission to God's will, contrasting with the arrogance of the previous captains. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and reverence before God.

(14) Burnt.--Eat, or devoured (2Kings 1:10; 2Kings 1:12).

The two captains of the former fifties.--Rather, the former two captains of fifties.

Therefore let my life now.--And now (i.e., this time) let my life. Some MSS., and LXX., Vulg., and Arabic add the precative "now," that is, "I pray," as in 2Kings 1:13 ("I pray thee" = na').



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Behold,
הִ֠נֵּה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

fire
אֵשׁ֙ (’êš)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

has come down
יָ֤רְדָה (yā·rə·ḏāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

heaven
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם (haš·šā·ma·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

and consumed
וַ֠תֹּאכַל (wat·tō·ḵal)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

the first
הָרִאשֹׁנִ֖ים (hā·ri·šō·nîm)
Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

two
שְׁנֵ֞י (šə·nê)
Number - mdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

captains
שָׂרֵ֧י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of fifty,
הַחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים (ha·ḥă·miš·šîm)
Article | Number - common plural
Strong's 2572: Fifty

with all their men.
חֲמִשֵּׁיהֶ֑ם (ḥă·miš·šê·hem)
Number - common plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2572: Fifty

But now
וְעַתָּ֕ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

may my life
נַפְשִׁ֖י (nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

be precious
תִּיקַ֥ר (tî·qar)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3365: To be heavy, valuable, to make rare

in your sight.”
בְּעֵינֶֽיךָ׃ (bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain


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OT History: 2 Kings 1:14 Behold fire came down from the sky (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 1:13
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