2 Kings 3:13
New International Version
Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Why do you want to involve me? Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother.” “No,” the king of Israel answered, “because it was the LORD who called us three kings together to deliver us into the hands of Moab.”

New Living Translation
“Why are you coming to me?” Elisha asked the king of Israel. “Go to the pagan prophets of your father and mother!” But King Joram of Israel said, “No! For it was the LORD who called us three kings here—only to be defeated by the king of Moab!”

English Standard Version
And Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No; it is the LORD who has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.”

Berean Standard Bible
Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel, “What have we to do with each other? Go to the prophets of your father and of your mother!” “No,” replied the king of Israel, “for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”

King James Bible
And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

New King James Version
Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No, for the LORD has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”

New American Standard Bible
Now Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What business do you have with me? Go to your father’s prophets and your mother’s prophets.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No, for the LORD has called these three kings together to hand them over to Moab.”

NASB 1995
Now Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What do I have to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” And the king of Israel said to him, “No, for the LORD has called these three kings together to give them into the hand of Moab.”

NASB 1977
Now Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What do I have to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” And the king of Israel said to him, “No, for the LORD has called these three kings together to give them into the hand of Moab.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What do I have to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” And the king of Israel said to him, “No, for Yahweh has called these three kings together to give them into the hand of Moab.”

Amplified Bible
Now Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What business do you have with me? Go to the prophets of your [wicked] father [Ahab] and to the prophets of your [pagan] mother [Jezebel].” But the king of Israel said to him, “No, for the LORD has called these three kings together to be handed over to Moab.”

Christian Standard Bible
However, Elisha said to King Joram of Israel, “What do we have in common? Go to the prophets of your father and your mother! ” But the king of Israel replied, “No, because it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings to hand them over to Moab.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
However, Elisha said to King Joram of Israel, “We have nothing in common. Go to the prophets of your father and your mother!” But the king of Israel replied, “No, because it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings to hand them over to Moab.”

American Standard Version
And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay; for Jehovah hath called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

Contemporary English Version
and he asked Joram, "Why did you come to me? Go talk to the prophets of the foreign gods your parents worshiped." "No," Joram answered. "It was the LORD who led us out here, so that Moab's army could capture us."

English Revised Version
And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Elisha asked the king of Israel, "Why did you come to me? Go to your father's prophets or your mother's prophets." The king of Israel answered him, "No. The LORD has called the three of us in order to put us at Moab's mercy."

Good News Translation
"Why should I help you?" Elisha said to the king of Israel. "Go and consult those prophets that your father and mother consulted." "No!" Joram replied. "It is the LORD who has put us three kings at the mercy of the king of Moab."

International Standard Version
Elisha asked the king of Israel, "What do I have in common with you? Go visit your parents' prophets." The king of Israel replied, "No! The LORD has summoned these three kings so he can hand them over to Moab!"

Majority Standard Bible
Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel, ?What have we to do with each other? Go to the prophets of your father and of your mother!? ?No,? replied the king of Israel, ?for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab.?

NET Bible
Elisha said to the king of Israel, "Why are you here? Go to your father's prophets or your mother's prophets!" The king of Israel replied to him, "No, for the LORD is the one who summoned these three kings so that he can hand them over to Moab."

New Heart English Bible
Elisha said to the king of Israel, "What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father, and to the prophets of your mother." The king of Israel said to him, "No; for the LORD has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Elisha said to the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? go to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said to him, No: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

World English Bible
Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father, and to the prophets of your mother.” The king of Israel said to him, “No, for Yahweh has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Elisha says to the king of Israel, “And what do I [have to do] with you? Go to the prophets of your father, and to the prophets of your mother”; and the king of Israel says to him, “No, for YHWH has called for these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Elisha saith unto the king of Israel, 'What -- to me and to thee? go unto the prophets of thy father, and unto the prophets of thy mother;' and the king of Israel saith to him, 'Nay, for Jehovah hath called for these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Elisha will say to the king of Israel, What to me; and to thee go to the prophets of thy father and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel will say to him, Nay for Jehovah called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Eliseus said to the king of Israel: What have I to do with thee? go to the prophets of thy father, and thy mother. And the king of Israel said to him: Why hath the Lord gathered together these three kings, to deliver them into the hands of Moab?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Elisha said to the king of Israel: “What is there between you and me? Go to the prophets of your father and your mother.” And the king of Israel said to him, “Why has the Lord gathered these three kings, so that he might deliver them into the hands of Moab?”

New American Bible
Elisha asked the king of Israel, “What do you want with me? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” The king of Israel replied, “No, the LORD has called these three kings together only to deliver us into the power of Moab.”

New Revised Standard Version
Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to your father’s prophets or to your mother’s.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No; it is the LORD who has summoned us, three kings, only to be handed over to Moab.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Elisha said to the king of Israel, What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother. And the king of Israel said to him, Truly for this the LORD has called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Elisha said to the King of Israel: “What do I have to do with you? Go to the Prophets of your father and to the Prophets of your mother!” The King of Israel said to him: “Because of this, indeed, LORD JEHOVAH called these three Kings to deliver them into the hands of Moab!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Elisha said unto the king of Israel: 'What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother.' And the king of Israel said unto him: 'Nay; for the LORD hath called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Elisaie said to the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? go to the prophets of thy father, and the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said to him, Has the Lord called the three kings to deliver them into the hands of Moab?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joram Overcomes Moab's Rebellion
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. 13Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel, “What have we to do with each other? Go to the prophets of your father and of your mother!” “No,” replied the king of Israel, “for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab.” 14Then Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not for my regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or acknowledge you.…

Cross References
1 Kings 22:7-8
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” / The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.

Jeremiah 2:28
But where are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them rise up in your time of trouble and save you if they can; for your gods are as numerous as your cities, O Judah.

Ezekiel 14:3-4
“Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way? / Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry,

Amos 5:14-15
Seek good, not evil, so that you may live. And the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be with you, as you have claimed. / Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”

Isaiah 8:19
When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?

Jeremiah 37:19
Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, claiming, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you or this land’?

1 Kings 18:21
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.

2 Chronicles 18:6-7
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” / The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.

Hosea 4:12
My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God.

Micah 3:11
Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

James 1:5-6
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. / But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

John 4:22
You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.

Matthew 15:24
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Luke 4:24
Then He added, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown.


Treasury of Scripture

And Elisha said to the king of Israel, What have I to do with you? get you to the prophets of your father, and to the prophets of your mother. And the king of Israel said to him, No: for the LORD has called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

What

Ezekiel 14:3-5
Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them? …

Matthew 8:29
And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

John 2:4
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

get

Judges 10:14
Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.

Ruth 1:15
And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

Proverbs 1:28
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

the prophets

1 Kings 18:19
Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

1 Kings 22:6,10,11,22-25
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king…

Nay

2 Kings 3:10
And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!

Deuteronomy 32:37-39
And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted, …

Hosea 6:1
Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

Jump to Previous
Deliver Elisha Eli'sha Hand Israel Kings Moab Mother Prophets Three Together
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Deliver Elisha Eli'sha Hand Israel Kings Moab Mother Prophets Three Together
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














Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel
The prophet Elisha stands as a pivotal figure in the narrative, representing God's voice and authority. The Hebrew root for "Elisha" means "God is salvation," which is significant as Elisha often acts as a conduit for God's saving power. His address to the "king of Israel" is notable, as it reflects the tension between the prophet and the northern kingdom's leadership, which often strayed from God's commandments. Historically, the kings of Israel were frequently at odds with the prophets, who called them back to covenant faithfulness.

What have we to do with each other?
This phrase is a rhetorical question that underscores the disconnect between Elisha and the king. The Hebrew idiom here suggests a separation or a lack of common purpose. Elisha's question highlights the spiritual divide between the prophet, who serves Yahweh, and the king, who has been influenced by idolatrous practices. This reflects a broader biblical theme of the tension between God's holiness and human sinfulness.

Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother
Elisha's directive to seek the "prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother" is a pointed reference to the idolatrous prophets of Baal and Asherah, whom the king's parents, Ahab and Jezebel, had promoted. This historical context is crucial, as it reminds the reader of the spiritual corruption that had permeated Israel due to the influence of these false prophets. Elisha's words serve as a rebuke, calling the king to recognize the futility of seeking guidance from those who do not serve the true God.

No, replied the king of Israel
The king's response, "No," indicates a moment of desperation and acknowledgment of the true source of power. Despite his previous reliance on false prophets, the king recognizes that only Yahweh, through His prophet Elisha, can provide the deliverance they seek. This moment reflects a recurring biblical theme where human leaders, in times of crisis, are brought to the realization of their need for divine intervention.

for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings
The king's acknowledgment that "it is the LORD" who has orchestrated the events underscores the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. The Hebrew name for God used here, "Yahweh," emphasizes His covenantal relationship with Israel. This statement reflects a theological truth that God is actively involved in history, guiding and directing the outcomes according to His divine purposes.

to deliver them into the hand of Moab
The phrase "to deliver them into the hand of Moab" speaks to the immediate threat facing the coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom. Historically, Moab was a frequent adversary of Israel, and this conflict is part of the larger narrative of Israel's struggles with surrounding nations. Theologically, this situation serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for reliance on God for deliverance. The king's fear of being delivered into Moab's hand highlights the urgency of seeking God's intervention through His prophet.

(13) Unto the king of Israel.--As the leader of the confederacy; or as Elisha's sovereign, who might be supposed to have brought the others to the prophet.

The prophets of thy father--i.e., the Baal prophets (comp. 1Kings 18:19) and false prophets of Jehovah (1Kings 22:6; 1Kings 22:11). Elisha's sarcasm indicates that the former had not been wholly rooted out.

Nay.--Heb., 'al; Greek, ??. "Say not so;" or, "Repulse me not." (Comp. Ruth 1:13.)

These three kings.--And not one (myself) only, emphasising the word three. Or else Jehoram would rouse compassion by the magnitude of the imminent disaster. . . .

Verse 13. - And Elisha said unto the King of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. Despite Jehoram's self-humiliation, Elisha regards it as incumbent on him to rebuke the monarch, who, though he had "put away the image of Baal which his father had made," still "wrought evil in the sight of the Lord," and "cleaved to the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat" (2 Kings 2:2, 3). Jehoram must not be allowed to suppose that he has done enough by his half-repentance and partial reformation; he must be rebuked and shamed, that he may, if possible, be led on to a better frame of mind. "What," says the prophet, "have I to do with thee? What common ground do we occupy? What is there that justifies thee in appealing to me for aid? Get thee to the prophets of thy father" - the four hundred whom Ahab gathered together at Samaria, to advise him as to going up against Ramoth-Gilead (1 Kings 22:6) - "and the prophets of thy mother," the Baal-prophets, whom Jezebel, who was still alive, and held the position of queen-mother, still maintained (2 Kings 10:19) - "get thee to them, and consult them. On them thou hast some claim; on me, none." And the King of Israel said unto him; Nay: for the Lord hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab. A most soft and meek answer - one well calculated to "turn away wrath." "Nay," says the king; "say not so. Let not that be thy final answer. For it is not I alone who am in danger. We are three kings who have come down to thee to ask thy aid; we are all in equal danger; have respect unto them, if thou wilt not have respect unto me; and show them a way of deliverance."

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the king
מֶ֤לֶךְ (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

“What have we to do
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

with [each other]?
וָלָ֔ךְ (wā·lāḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew

Go
לֵ֚ךְ (lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the prophets
נְבִיאֵ֣י (nə·ḇî·’ê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

of your father
אָבִ֔יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

and
וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

of your mother!”
אִמֶּ֑ךָ (’im·me·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 517: A mother, )

“No,”
אַ֗ל (’al)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

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

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

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

“for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

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

who has summoned
קָרָ֤א (qā·rā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

these
הָאֵ֔לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

three
לִשְׁלֹ֙שֶׁת֙ (liš·lō·šeṯ)
Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

kings
הַמְּלָכִ֣ים (ham·mə·lā·ḵîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4428: A king

to deliver
לָתֵ֥ת (lā·ṯêṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

them
אוֹתָ֖ם (’ō·w·ṯām)
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

into the hand
בְּיַד־ (bə·yaḏ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

of Moab.”
מוֹאָֽב׃ (mō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled


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OT History: 2 Kings 3:13 Elisha said to the king of Israel (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 3:12
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