2 Kings 6:18
New International Version
As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.

New Living Translation
As the Aramean army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please make them blind.” So the LORD struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked.

English Standard Version
And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha.

Berean Standard Bible
As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha.

King James Bible
And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

New King James Version
So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

New American Standard Bible
And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness in accordance with the word of Elisha.

NASB 1995
When they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, “Strike this people with blindness, I pray.” So He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

NASB 1977
And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, “Strike this people with blindness, I pray.” So He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they came down to him, and Elisha prayed to Yahweh and said, “Strike this people with blindness, I pray.” So He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Amplified Bible
When the Arameans came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, “Please strike this people (nation) with blindness.” And God struck them with blindness, in accordance with Elisha’s request.

Christian Standard Bible
When the Arameans came against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike this nation with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, according to Elisha’s word.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the Arameans came against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike this nation with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to Elisha’s word.

American Standard Version
And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto Jehovah, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Contemporary English Version
As the Syrian army came closer, Elisha prayed, "LORD, make those soldiers blind!" And the LORD blinded them with a bright light.

English Revised Version
And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As the Arameans came down to get him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, "Please strike these people with blindness." The LORD struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.

Good News Translation
When the Syrians attacked, Elisha prayed, "O LORD, strike these men blind!" The LORD answered his prayer and struck them blind.

International Standard Version
When the army approached him, Elisha spoke to the LORD, asking him, "LORD, I'm asking you please to afflict this group of people with blindness!" So he afflicted them with blindness, just as Elisha had asked.

Majority Standard Bible
As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha.

NET Bible
As they approached him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, "Strike these people with blindness." The LORD struck them with blindness as Elisha requested.

New Heart English Bible
When they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, "Please strike this people with blindness." He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

World English Bible
When they came down to him, Elisha prayed to Yahweh, and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” He struck them with blindness according to Elisha’s word.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they come down to it, and Elisha prays to YHWH and says, “Please strike this nation with blindness”; and He strikes them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha.

Young's Literal Translation
And they come down unto it, and Elisha prayeth unto Jehovah, and saith, 'Smite, I pray Thee, this nation with blindness;' and He smiteth them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will come down to him, and Elisha will pray to Jehovah, and say, Strike now, this nation with blindness. And he will strike them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the enemies came down to him, but Eliseus prayed to the Lord, saying: Strike, I beseech thee, this people with blindness. And the Lord struck them with blindness, according to the word of Eliseus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then truly, the enemies descended to him. But Elisha prayed to the Lord, saying: “Strike, I beg you, this people with blindness.” And the Lord struck them, so that they would not see, in accord with the word of Elisha.

New American Bible
When the Arameans came down to get him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Strike this people blind, I pray you.” And the LORD struck them blind, according to Elisha’s word.

New Revised Standard Version
When the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, “Strike this people, please, with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, Smite this people with dimness of vision. And he smote them with dimness according to the word of Elisha.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they came down to them and Elisha prayed before LORD JEHOVAH and said: “Strike this people with hallucinations!” And he struck them with hallucinations according to the word of Elisha.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said: 'Smite this people, I pray Thee, with blindness.' And He smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they came down to him; and he prayed to the Lord, and said, Smite, I pray thee, this people with blindness. And he smote them with blindness, according to the word of Elisaie.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans
17Then 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. 18As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. 19And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria.…

Cross References
Acts 13:11
Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and for a time you will be blind and unable to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

Genesis 19:11
And they struck the men at the entrance, young and old, with blindness, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the door.

Acts 9:8
Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could not see a thing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.

Luke 24:16
But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.

John 9:39
Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.”

Matthew 13:13-15
This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ / In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’

Isaiah 29:10
For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers.

Romans 11:8
as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.”

Isaiah 6:9-10
And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

2 Corinthians 4:4
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Exodus 4:11
And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD?

Deuteronomy 28:28
The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind,

Isaiah 44:18
They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand.

John 12:40
“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.”

1 Samuel 14:15
Then panic struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked, and panic spread from God.


Treasury of Scripture

And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray you, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Genesis 19:11
And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

on which see the Note

Deuteronomy 28:28
The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:

Job 5:14
They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night.

Zechariah 12:4
In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

Jump to Previous
Accordance Aramaeans Blind Blindness Elisha Eli'sha Elisha's Enemy Please Prayed Prayer Prayeth Smite Smiteth Smote Strike Struck Syrians Word
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Accordance Aramaeans Blind Blindness Elisha Eli'sha Elisha's Enemy Please Prayed Prayer Prayeth Smite Smiteth Smote Strike Struck Syrians Word
2 Kings 6
1. Elisha, allowing the young prophets to enlarge dwellings, floats an axhead
8. He discloses the king of Syria's counsel
13. The army which was sent to Dothan to apprehend Elisha, is blinded
19. Being brought into Samaria, they are dismissed in peace
24. The famine in Samaria causes women to eat their own children
30. The king sends to slay Elisha














As the Arameans came down against him
The Arameans, also known as the Syrians, were a significant power in the ancient Near East, often in conflict with Israel. The phrase "came down" suggests a military maneuver, indicating a strategic descent upon Elisha. Historically, the Arameans were known for their chariots and cavalry, which would have been a formidable sight. This context highlights the imminent danger Elisha faced, underscoring the miraculous nature of the subsequent events.

Elisha prayed to the LORD
Elisha's immediate response to the threat was prayer, demonstrating his reliance on divine intervention rather than human strength. The Hebrew root for "prayed" (פָּלַל, palal) implies intercession and supplication, reflecting a deep trust in God's power and willingness to act. This act of prayer is a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and intervention in times of crisis.

Please strike these people with blindness
Elisha's request for blindness is both strategic and merciful. The Hebrew word for "blindness" (סַנְוֵרִים, sanwerim) is rare, suggesting a specific kind of disorientation rather than total darkness. This aligns with the narrative's outcome, where the Arameans are led away without harm. Elisha's prayer reflects a desire to neutralize the threat without unnecessary bloodshed, showcasing a balance of justice and mercy.

So He struck them with blindness
The phrase indicates God's immediate response to Elisha's prayer, affirming the prophet's authority and the power of prayer. The divine intervention is a testament to God's sovereignty and willingness to protect His people. This act also serves as a reminder of God's control over all circumstances, encouraging believers to trust in His providence.

according to the word of Elisha
This phrase underscores the alignment between Elisha's words and God's actions, highlighting the prophet's role as God's spokesperson. It reflects the biblical principle that God honors the faith and words of His servants when they align with His will. This serves as an encouragement for believers to speak and act in faith, trusting that God will honor His promises.

(18) And when they came down to him.--This would mean that the Syrians came down to Elisha. But the prophet was, to begin with, in the city, which lay on the top of the hill; and the heavenly host intervened between him and his enemies, so that the latter must have occupied the lower position. The reading of the Syriac and Josephus ?s, "and they (i.e., Elisha and his servant) went down to them"--i.e., to the Syrian force; and this is apparently right. The sight of the heavenly host guarding his master had inspired the prophet's follower with courage to face any danger in his master's company.

Elisha prayed.--And Elisha; prayed--mentally, as he approached his foes.

This people.--Perhaps in the sense of multitude.

Blindness.--Sanw?rim: the term used in Genesis 19:11, and nowhere besides. It denotes not so much blindness as a dazing effect, accompanied by mental bewilderment and confusion. "They saw, but knew not what they saw" (Rashi). Ewald pronounces the passage in Genesis the model of the present one.

Verse 18. - And when they came down to him. Keil and others suppose this to mean that the Syrians "came down" to Elisha; hut, if they were in the plain that surrounds the hill whereon Dothan was built, as appears from ver. 15, they would have had to ascend in order to reach Elisha, not to descend. We must, therefore, with F. Meyer, Thenius, and Bahr, translate, "When they [Elisha and his servant] came down to them [the Syrians]" - either changing אֵלָיו into אֲלַיהֶם, as Thenius does, or understanding אֵלָיו to refer to the "host" (חַיִל) of the Syrians. Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. Not literal blindness, or they could not have followed Elisha's lead, and marched a distance of twelve miles to Samaria; but a state of confusion and Bewilderment, in which" seeing they saw, but did not perceive" (compare the "blindness" of the men of Sodom, in Genesis 19:11). And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As the Arameans came down
וַיֵּרְדוּ֮ (way·yê·rə·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

against him,
אֵלָיו֒ (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

prayed
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֨ל (way·yiṯ·pal·lêl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6419: To judge, to intercede, pray

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

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

“Please
נָ֥א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

strike
הַךְ־ (haḵ-)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

these
הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

people
הַגּוֹי־ (hag·gō·w-)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

with blindness.”
בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֑ים (bas·san·wê·rîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5575: Sudden blindness

So He struck
וַיַּכֵּ֥ם (way·yak·kêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5221: To strike

them with blindness,
בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֖ים (bas·san·wê·rîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5575: Sudden blindness

according to the word
כִּדְבַ֥ר (kiḏ·ḇar)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

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


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OT History: 2 Kings 6:18 When they came down to him Elisha (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 6:17
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