2 Kings 3:11
New International Version
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here, through whom we may inquire of the LORD?” An officer of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”

New Living Translation
But King Jehoshaphat of Judah asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD with us? If there is, we can ask the LORD what to do through him.” One of King Joram’s officers replied, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to be Elijah’s personal assistant.”

English Standard Version
And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here, through whom we may inquire of the LORD?” Then one of the king of Israel’s servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.”

Berean Standard Bible
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”

King James Bible
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

New King James Version
But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?” So one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.”

New American Standard Bible
But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?” And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”

NASB 1995
But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?” And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”

NASB 1977
But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?” And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not a prophet of Yahweh here, that we may inquire of Yahweh by him?” And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”

Amplified Bible
But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here from whom we may inquire of the LORD?” One of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who used to pour water over Elijah’s hands.”

Christian Standard Bible
But Jehoshaphat said, “Isn’t there a prophet of the LORD here? Let’s inquire of the LORD through him.” One of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat, who used to pour water on Elijah’s hands, is here.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Jehoshaphat said, “Isn’t there a prophet of the LORD here? Let’s inquire of Yahweh through him.” One of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat, who used to pour water on Elijah’s hands, is here.”

American Standard Version
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of Jehovah, that we may inquire of Jehovah by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.

Contemporary English Version
Jehoshaphat said, "Which of the LORD's prophets is with us? We can find out from him what the LORD wants us to do." One of Joram's officers answered, "Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He was one of Elijah's closest followers."

English Revised Version
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Jehoshaphat asked, "Isn't there a prophet of the LORD whom we could ask?" One of the officials of the king of Israel answered, "Elisha, the son of Shaphat, is here. He used to be Elijah's assistant."

Good News Translation
King Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there a prophet here through whom we can consult the LORD?" An officer of King Joram's forces answered, "Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He was Elijah's assistant."

International Standard Version
Jehoshaphat asked, "Isn't there a prophet who belongs to the LORD and through whom we can ask the LORD a question?" One of the king of Israel's attendants replied, "Shaphat's son Elisha lives here. He used to be Elijah's personal attendant."

Majority Standard Bible
But Jehoshaphat asked, ?Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.? And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, ?Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.?

NET Bible
Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there no prophet of the LORD here that we might seek the LORD's direction?" One of the servants of the king of Israel answered, "Elisha son of Shapat is here; he used to be Elijah's servant."

New Heart English Bible
But Jehoshaphat said, "Isn't there here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?" One of the king of Israel's servants answered, "Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah."

Webster's Bible Translation
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.

World English Bible
But Jehoshaphat said, “Isn’t there a prophet of Yahweh here, that we may inquire of Yahweh by him?” One of the king of Israel’s servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah, is here.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jehoshaphat says, “Is there not a prophet of YHWH here, and we seek YHWH by him?” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answers and says, “Here [is] Elisha son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehoshaphat saith, 'Is there not here a prophet of Jehovah, and we seek Jehovah by him?' And one of the servants of the king of Israel answereth and saith, 'Here is Elisha son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehoshaphat will say, Is there not here a prophet to Jehovah, and we will seek Jehovah from him? And one of the servants of the king of Israel will answer and say, Here is Elisha, son of Shaphat, who poured water upon, the hands of Elijah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Josaphat said: Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may beseech the Lord by him? And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered: Here is Eliseus the son of Saphat, who poured water on the hands of Elias.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not a prophet of the Lord here, so that we may appeal to the Lord through him?” And one of the servants of the king of Israel responded, “Elisha, the son of Shaphat, is here, who poured water upon the hands of Elijah.”

New American Bible
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here through whom we may inquire of the LORD?” One of the servants of the king of Israel replied, “Elisha, son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah, is here.”

New Revised Standard Version
But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here, through whom we may inquire of the LORD?” Then one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah, is here.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yushaphat said: “Is there not here a Prophet of LORD JEHOVAH that we may inquire the word of LORD JEHOVAH from him?” And one of the Servants of the King of Israel answered and said: “Elisha son of Shaphat is here who was pouring out water on the hands of Elyah!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But Jehoshaphat said: 'Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?' And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said: 'Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Josaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may enquire of the Lord by him? And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, There is here Elisaie son of Saphat, who poured water on the hands of Eliu.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joram Overcomes Moab's Rebellion
10“Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!” 11But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” 12Jehoshaphat affirmed, “The word of the LORD is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.…

Cross References
1 Kings 19:19-21
So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.

1 Kings 22:7
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”

2 Kings 2:12-15
As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two. / Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. / Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over. ...

2 Kings 4:1
Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!”

2 Kings 5:8
Now when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: “Why have you torn your clothes? Please let the man come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.”

2 Kings 6:12
But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”

2 Kings 13:14
When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!”

1 Samuel 9:6
“Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.”

1 Samuel 10:11
When all those who had formerly known Saul saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

1 Chronicles 29:29
Now the acts of King David, from first to last, are indeed written in the Chronicles of Samuel the Seer, the Chronicles of Nathan the Prophet, and the Chronicles of Gad the Seer,

2 Chronicles 20:20
Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.”

Matthew 17:3
Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.

Matthew 17:10-13
The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” / Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things. / But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” ...

Luke 4:27
And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”

Luke 9:30
Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus.


Treasury of Scripture

But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

Is there not here

1 Kings 22:7
And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him?

Psalm 74:9
We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.

Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

that we may

2 Kings 3:1,3
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years…

Joshua 9:14
And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.

Judges 20:8-11
And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any of us go to his tent, neither will we any of us turn into his house…

Genesis 18:4
Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

Joshua 1:1
Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

1 Kings 19:21
And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

Jump to Previous
Directions Elijah Elisha Eli'sha Enquire Hands Inquire Israel Israel's Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Officer Pour Poured Prophet Seek Servant Servants Shaphat Used Water
Jump to Next
Directions Elijah Elisha Eli'sha Enquire Hands Inquire Israel Israel's Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Officer Pour Poured Prophet Seek Servant Servants Shaphat Used Water
2 Kings 3
1. Jehoram's reign
4. Mesha rebels
6. Jehoram, with Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom, being distressed for want of water,
13. by Elisha obtains water, and promise of victory
21. The Moabites, deceived by the colour of the water, coming to spoil, are overcome
26. The king of Moab sacrifices his son, and raises the siege














But Jehoshaphat asked
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is portrayed as a ruler who seeks divine guidance. His inquiry reflects a heart inclined towards God, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's will in times of uncertainty. Historically, Jehoshaphat is known for his reforms and efforts to bring Judah back to the worship of Yahweh, which aligns with his desire to consult a prophet.

Is there no prophet of the LORD here
This phrase underscores the significance of prophets in Israelite society as mediators between God and the people. The Hebrew term for "prophet" is "navi," which denotes someone who is called to speak on behalf of God. Jehoshaphat's question highlights the need for divine direction and the recognition of prophets as vessels of God's revelation.

through whom we may inquire of the LORD
The act of inquiring of the LORD indicates a dependence on divine wisdom rather than human understanding. In the Hebrew context, "inquire" (darash) implies seeking with diligence and care. This reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a desire to align with His purposes.

An officer of the king of Israel answered
The presence of an officer, or servant, who knows of Elisha suggests that even within the apostate kingdom of Israel, there are those who recognize the true prophets of God. This highlights the remnant of faithfulness that exists even in spiritually dark times.

Elisha son of Shaphat is here
Elisha, the successor of Elijah, is introduced as a prophet of God. His name means "God is salvation," which is fitting given his role in delivering God's messages. The mention of his father, Shaphat, roots Elisha in a historical and familial context, emphasizing the continuity of God's work through generations.

He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah
This phrase signifies Elisha's humble beginnings and his service under Elijah. In ancient Near Eastern culture, pouring water on someone's hands was a menial task, indicating servitude. However, it also symbolizes preparation and faithfulness, as Elisha was being trained and prepared for his prophetic ministry. This serves as an inspirational reminder that God often prepares His servants through humble service before entrusting them with greater responsibilities.

(11) But (and) Jehoshaphat . . . by him?--The same question is asked by Jehoshaphat in 1Kings 22:7.

By him.--Heb., from with him (m?'otho for m?'itto, both here and in the parallel place--a mark of the same hand). Jehoshaphat is for "seeking Jehovah" through a prophet, in contrast with Jehoram, who at once despairs. (Comp. Amos 5:4; Amos 5:8; and Note on 1Chronicles 13:3; 2Chronicles 15:2.) . . .

Verse 11. - But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may inquire of the Lord by him? The Israelite monarch despairs at once; the Jewish monarch retains faith and hope. Undoubtedly he ought to have had inquiry made of the Lord before he consented to accompany Jehoram on the expedition. But one neglect of duty does not justify persistence in neglect. This he sees, and therefore suggests that even now, at the eleventh hour, the right course shall be taken. It may not even yet be too late. And one of the King of Israel's servants - i.e., one of the officers in attendance on him - answered and said, Here is Elisha. Apparently,-Jehoram was not aware of Elisha's presence with the army. He had to be enlightened by one of his attendants, who happened to be acquainted with the fact. We may suppose that Elisha had joined the army "at the instigation of the Spirit of God" (Keil), God having resolved to rescue the Israelites from their peril by his instrumentality, and at the same time to show forth his glory before the people of Moab. The son of Shaphat (comp. 1 Kings 19:16, 19), which poured water on the hands of Elijah; i.e. who was accustomed to minister to Elijah's wants, and to attend upon him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But Jehoshaphat
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֗ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

asked,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Is there no
הַאֵ֨ין (ha·’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

prophet
נָבִיא֙ (nā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

of the LORD
לַֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

here?
פֹּ֤ה (pōh)
Adverb
Strong's 6311: This place, here

Let us inquire
וְנִדְרְשָׁ֥ה (wə·niḏ·rə·šāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

of the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

through him.”
מֵאוֹת֑וֹ (mê·’ō·w·ṯōw)
Preposition-m | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

And one
אֶחָ֞ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

of the servants
מֵעַבְדֵ֤י (mê·‘aḇ·ḏê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

of the king
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

answered,
וַ֠יַּעַן (way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

“Elisha
אֱלִישָׁ֣ע (’ĕ·lî·šā‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 477: Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Shaphat
שָׁפָ֔ט (šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8202: Shaphat -- 'he has judged', five Israelites

is here.
פֹּ֚ה (pōh)
Adverb
Strong's 6311: This place, here

[He]
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

used to pour
יָ֥צַק (yā·ṣaq)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3332: To pour out, to melt, cast as metal, to place firmly, to stiffen, grow hard

water
מַ֖יִם (ma·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the hands
יְדֵ֥י (yə·ḏê)
Noun - fdc
Strong's 3027: A hand

of Elijah.”
אֵלִיָּֽהוּ׃ (’ê·lî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 452: Elijah -- 'Yah is God', a well-known prophet of Israel, also three other Israelites


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OT History: 2 Kings 3:11 But Jehoshaphat said Isn't there here (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
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