Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The officer on whose arm the king was leaning said to the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” answered Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it!” New Living Translation The officer assisting the king said to the man of God, “That couldn’t happen even if the LORD opened the windows of heaven!” But Elisha replied, “You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won’t be able to eat any of it!” English Standard Version Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, “If the LORD himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” But he said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.” Berean Standard Bible But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.” Berean Literal Bible And the officer, whom the king on his hand leaned, answered the man of God and said, “Behold, if YHWH would make windows in the heavens, could this thing come to pass?” And he said, “Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, and from there you shall not eat.” King James Bible Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. New King James Version So an officer on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God and said, “Look, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” And he said, “In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.” New American Standard Bible The royal officer on whose hand the king was leaning responded to the man of God and said, “Even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this thing happen?” Then he said, “Behold, you are going to see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it.” NASB 1995 The royal officer on whose hand the king was leaning answered the man of God and said, “Behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” Then he said, “Behold, you will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat of it.” NASB 1977 And the royal officer on whose hand the king was leaning answered the man of God and said, “Behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” Then he said, “Behold you shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.” Legacy Standard Bible And the royal officer on whose hand the king was leaning answered the man of God and said, “Behold, if Yahweh should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” Then he said, “Behold, you will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat of it.” Amplified Bible Then the royal officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God and said, “If the LORD should make windows in heaven [for the rain], could this thing take place?” Elisha said, “Behold, you will see it with your own eyes, but [because you doubt] you will not eat of it.” Berean Annotated Bible But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God {Elohim}, “Look, even if the LORD {YHWH} were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen? “You will see it with your own eyes, replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it. Christian Standard Bible Then the captain, the king’s right-hand man, responded to the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen? ” Elisha announced, “You will in fact see it with your own eyes, but you won’t eat any of it.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the captain, the king’s right-hand man, responded to the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” Elisha announced, “You will in fact see it with your own eyes, but you won’t eat any of it.” American Standard Version Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if Jehovah should make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. Contemporary English Version The chief officer there with the king replied, "I don't believe it! Even if the LORD sent a rainstorm, it couldn't produce that much grain by tomorrow." "You will see it happen, but you won't eat any of the food," Elisha warned him. English Revised Version Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. GOD'S WORD® Translation The servant on whose arm the king was leaning answered the man of God, "Could this happen even if the LORD poured rain through windows in the sky?" Elisha replied, "You will see it with your own eyes, but you won't eat any of it." Good News Translation The personal attendant of the king said to Elisha, "That can't happen--not even if the LORD himself were to send grain at once!" "You will see it happen, but you won't get to eat any of the food," Elisha replied. International Standard Version But the royal attendant on whom the king depended responded to the man of God: "Look here! Even if the LORD were to open a window in the sky, how could this happen?" He replied, "No, you look! You'll see it with your eyes, but you won't eat any of it!" NET Bible An officer who was the king's right-hand man responded to the prophet, "Look, even if the LORD made it rain by opening holes in the sky, could this happen so soon?" Elisha said, "Look, you will see it happen with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of the food!" New Heart English Bible Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, "Look, if the LORD made windows in heaven, could this thing be?" He said, "Look, you shall see it with your eyes, but shall not eat of it." Webster's Bible Translation Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thy eyes, but shalt not eat of it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.” World English Bible Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, “Behold, if Yahweh made windows in heaven, could this thing be?” He said, “Behold, you will see it with your eyes, but will not eat of it.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the captain whom the king has, by whose hand he has been supported, answers the man of God and says, “Behold, YHWH is making windows in the heavens—will this thing be?” And he says, “Behold, you are seeing it with your eyes, and you do not eat thereof.” Berean Literal Bible And the officer, whom the king on his hand leaned, answered the man of God and said, “Behold, if YHWH would make windows in the heavens, could this thing come to pass?” And he said, “Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, and from there you shall not eat.” Young's Literal Translation And the captain whom the king hath, by whose hand he hath been supported, answereth the man of God and saith, 'Lo, Jehovah is making windows in the heavens -- shall this thing be?' and he saith, 'Lo, thou art seeing it with thine eyes, and thereof thou dost not eat.' Smith's Literal Translation And the third, which was to the king leaning upon his hand, will answer the man of God, and say, Behold, Jehovah making lattices in the heavens, will this word be? and he will say, Behold thee seeing with thine eyes, and from thence thou shalt not eat. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen one of the lords, upon whose hand the king leaned, answering the man of God, said: If the Lord should make hood-gates in heaven, can that possibly be which thou sayest? And he said: Thou shalt see it with thy eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. Catholic Public Domain Version And one of the leaders, upon whose hand the king leaned, responding to the man of God, said, “Even if the Lord will open the floodgates of heaven, how can what you say possibly be?” And he said, “You will see it with your own eyes, and you will not eat from it.” New American Bible But the adjutant, upon whose arm the king leaned, answered the man of God, “Even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, how could this happen?” Elisha said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.” New Revised Standard Version Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, “Even if the LORD were to make windows in the sky, could such a thing happen?” But he said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat from it.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the king's aide answered and said, If the LORD should make windows in heaven, could this thing be? And Elisha said to him, Behold, you will see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the man of the King leaning on his hands answered and he said: “If LORD JEHOVAH shall make windows in Heaven, would this result occur?” And he said to him: “Behold, you shall see with your eyes and you shall not eat of it.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said: 'Behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might this thing be?' And he said: 'Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the officer on whose hand the king rested, answered Elisaie, and said, Behold, if the Lord shall make flood-gates in heaven, might this thing be? and Elisaie said, Behold, thou shalt see with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Siege Lifted1Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the LORD says: ‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel.’ ” 2But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “ but you will not eat any of it.” 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?… Cross References But the officer on whose arm the king leaned 2 Kings 5:18 Yet may the LORD forgive your servant this one thing: When my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my arm, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant in this matter.” Isaiah 22:15-19 This is what the Lord GOD of Hosts says: “Go, say to Shebna, the steward in charge of the palace: / What are you doing here, and who authorized you to carve out a tomb for yourself here—to chisel your tomb in the height and cut your resting place in the rock? / Look, O mighty man! The LORD is about to shake you violently. He will take hold of you, … 1 Kings 22:24-27 Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah went up, struck Micaiah in the face, and demanded, “Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go when He departed from me to speak with you?” / Micaiah replied, “You will soon see, on that day when you go and hide in an inner room.” / And the king of Israel declared, “Take Micaiah and return him to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son, … answered the man of God, 1 Kings 13:14 and went after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree and asked, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” “I am,” he replied. 1 Kings 13:18 Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him, 2 Kings 1:9-10 Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’” / Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. Malachi 3:10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure. Psalm 78:23-24 Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of the heavens. / He rained down manna for them to eat; He gave them grain from heaven. “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, Psalm 91:8 You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked. Deuteronomy 1:35-36 “Not one of the men of this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your fathers, / except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land on which he has set foot, because he followed the LORD wholeheartedly.” Numbers 14:23 not one will ever see the land that I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have treated Me with contempt will see it. “but you will not eat any of it.” Luke 14:24 For I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will taste my banquet.’” Numbers 14:29-30 Your bodies will fall in this wilderness—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me. / Surely none of you will enter the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. Hebrews 3:18-19 And to whom did He swear that they would never enter His rest? Was it not to those who disobeyed? / So we see that it was because of their unbelief that they were unable to enter. Genesis 18:12-14 So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” / And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’ / Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.” Treasury of Scripture Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, but shall not eat thereof. a lord, etc. 2 Kings 5:18 In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing. if the Lord Genesis 18:12-14 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? … Numbers 11:21-23 And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month… Psalm 78:19-21,41 Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? … windows Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. thou shalt see it 2 Kings 7:17-20 And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him… Deuteronomy 3:27 Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan. 2 Chronicles 20:20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. Jump to Previous Captain Eat Eyes Hand Heaven Leaned Officer Royal Thereof WindowsJump to Next Captain Eat Eyes Hand Heaven Leaned Officer Royal Thereof Windows2 Kings 7 1. Elisha prophesies incredible plenty in Samaria3. four lepers, venturing on the host of the Syrians, bring tidings of their flight 12. The king, finding by spies the news to be true, spoils the tents of the Syrians. 17. The lord who would not believe the prophecy of plenty is trampled in the press But the officer on whose arm the king leaned This phrase indicates a position of trust and authority. The officer is likely a high-ranking official or advisor to the king, possibly the captain of the guard. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such positions were often held by those who had proven their loyalty and competence. The phrase "on whose arm the king leaned" suggests a close relationship, indicating that the king relied on this officer for support and counsel. This reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient monarchies, where the king's inner circle held significant influence. answered the man of God “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha “but you will not eat any of it.” Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet of God who succeeded Elijah and performed many miracles. In this passage, he delivers a prophecy of hope during a time of famine. 2. The Officer A royal officer who doubted Elisha's prophecy. His skepticism represents a lack of faith in God's power and promises. 3. The King of Israel Though not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the ruler during this time of famine and siege, relying on his officer for counsel. 4. Samaria The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was under siege by the Arameans, leading to severe famine. 5. The Arameans The enemy army besieging Samaria, causing the dire circumstances that set the stage for Elisha's prophecy. Teaching Points The Danger of DoubtDoubt can blind us to God's power and promises. The officer's skepticism serves as a warning against allowing doubt to overshadow faith. Faith in God's Provision Even in dire circumstances, we are called to trust in God's ability to provide and deliver, as Elisha prophesied against all odds. The Consequences of Unbelief The officer's fate—seeing but not partaking—illustrates the spiritual truth that unbelief can lead to missing out on God's blessings. God's Sovereignty This passage reminds us of God's ultimate control over all situations, encouraging believers to trust in His timing and methods. Prophetic Fulfillment Elisha's prophecy and its fulfillment underscore the reliability of God's word, encouraging believers to hold fast to biblical promises. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 7:2?2. How does 2 Kings 7:2 challenge our faith in God's promises today? 3. What can we learn about doubting God's power from 2 Kings 7:2? 4. How does 2 Kings 7:2 connect with Hebrews 11:6 on faith? 5. How should we respond when God's plans seem impossible, as in 2 Kings 7:2? 6. What actions can strengthen our trust in God's word, based on 2 Kings 7:2? 7. How does 2 Kings 7:2 challenge our understanding of God's power and human doubt? 8. What does the officer's skepticism in 2 Kings 7:2 reveal about faith in divine promises? 9. How does 2 Kings 7:2 illustrate the consequences of disbelief in God's word? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 7? 11. What does "open the windows of heaven" mean? 12. What are the "windows of heaven"? 13. 2 Kings 7:1 — How can a city under severe famine suddenly have an abundance of food within 24 hours? 14. 2 Kings 7:19-20 -- How do we reconcile the exact fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy about the officer's death without invoking the supernatural? What Does 2 Kings 7:2 Mean The officer on whose arm the king leaned• This royal adjutant was a trusted aide, leaning physically close to King Joram (cf. 2 Kings 5:18 for a similar phrase of dependence). • His position gave him influence, yet also accountability; proximity to power never excuses disbelief (compare 2 Chronicles 16:7-10, where King Asa’s counselor faced rebuke). Answered the man of God • Elisha stands as God’s authenticated spokesman (2 Kings 6:32); rejecting him equals rejecting the Lord who sent him (Luke 10:16). • The officer’s response shows that skepticism can sound sensible when circumstances are dire; Samaria was under siege and starving (2 Kings 6:24-29). “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” • The phrase “windows in heaven” echoes Genesis 7:11 and Malachi 3:10—times God opened heaven to pour out floodwaters or blessing. • Doubt rests on eyesight, not faith. The officer assumes God is bound by natural means, ignoring earlier miracles of flour, oil, and axe-head (2 Kings 4:1-7; 6:5-7). • Similar unbelief appears in Psalm 78:19 where Israel asked, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha • God’s word through Elisha is both gracious and just: the officer will witness fulfillment, proving divine power (Isaiah 46:9-10). • Sight without participation foreshadows later themes—Thomas believing only after seeing (John 20:27-29) and Zechariah struck mute for disbelief yet witnessing John’s birth (Luke 1:18-20). “but you will not eat any of it.” • Unbelief forfeits blessing. While the city enjoys sudden abundance (2 Kings 7:16), the officer dies at the city gate trampled by the crowd (v. 17). • This fulfills Deuteronomy 28:2, 15—obedience draws blessing, disbelief draws curse. • Hebrews 3:19 warns that unbelief keeps people from entering rest; here it keeps one man from tasting relief. summary 2 Kings 7:2 contrasts human skepticism with God’s unfailing word. The royal officer, secure in rank yet insecure in faith, questions the possibility of divine intervention. Elisha affirms that God will act regardless of doubt, but unbelief will cost the skeptic personal participation in the miracle. The verse calls readers to trust God’s promises even when circumstances seem impossible, reminding us that faith opens the door to blessing while disbelief shuts us out from what God delights to give. (2) Then a lord.--And the adjutant (shalish: comp. 2Samuel 23:8; 1Kings 9:22; 1Chronicles 11:11), or aide-de-camp or esquire (equerry).On whose hand . . . leaned.--Comp. the similar expression in reference to Naaman (2Kings 5:18). Leaned.--Was leaning. Behold, if the Lord . . . this thing be? Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But the officerהַשָּׁלִ֡ישׁ (haš·šā·lîš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7991: A triple, a triangle, a three-fold measure, a general of the third rank on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against whose arm יָד֜וֹ (yā·ḏōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand the king לַמֶּלֶךְ֩ (lam·me·leḵ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king leaned נִשְׁעָ֨ן (niš·‘ān) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8172: To lean, support oneself answered וַיַּ֣עַן (way·ya·‘an) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond the man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of God, הָאֱלֹהִים֮ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative “Look, הִנֵּ֣ה (hin·nêh) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! even if the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel were to make עֹשֶׂ֤ה (‘ō·śeh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make windows אֲרֻבּוֹת֙ (’ă·rub·bō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 699: A lattice, a window, dovecot, chimney, sluice in heaven, בַּשָּׁמַ֔יִם (baš·šā·ma·yim) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky could this הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that really happen?” הֲיִהְיֶ֖ה (hă·yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be “You will see [it] רֹאֶה֙ (rō·’eh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see with your own eyes,” בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ (bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain replied [Elisha], וַיֹּאמַר֒ (way·yō·mar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “but you will not eat תֹאכֵֽל׃ (ṯō·ḵêl) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 398: To eat any of it.” וּמִשָּׁ֖ם (ū·miš·šām) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither Links 2 Kings 7:2 NIV2 Kings 7:2 NLT 2 Kings 7:2 ESV 2 Kings 7:2 NASB 2 Kings 7:2 KJV 2 Kings 7:2 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 7:2 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 7:2 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 7:2 French Bible 2 Kings 7:2 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 7:2 Then the captain on whose hand (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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