2 Kings 6:31

The Siege and Famine of Samaria · 2 Kings 6:24–33
Read 2 Kings 6

Translations

Modern
He announced, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders through this day!”
Traditional
Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.
Literal
And he said, “Thus may God do to me, and thus He does add, if remains the head of Elisha son of Shaphat on him today.”
Latin
Et ait rex: Hæc mihi faciat Deus, et hæc addat, si steterit caput Elisei filii Saphat super ipsum hodie.

Original

Hebrew
English
He announced, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders through this day!”

Notes

the head of Elisha … on his shoulders: Decapitating enemies was common (2 Kings 10:6–8; 1 Samuel 17:51; 31:9; 2 Samuel 4:7–8, 12; 20:22; Matthew 14:11) in the ancient Near East. Joram thought the problem arose because Elisha had spared Ben-hadad’s troops earlier (2 Kings 6:22–23). Ben-hadad had also been pursuing Elisha (2 Kings 6:13), putting the entire city at risk.

Theme notes and profiles

Elijah Elisha

Events

People

Elisha: A prophet who succeeded Elijah Shaphat: Father of Elisha the prophet

Glossary

Criminal Law and Punishment Elisha Kings, Books of First and Second Samaria Shaphat Sons of the Prophets

Topics

Armies: March in Ranks of Samaria Elisha: Life of, Sought by Jehoram Head: The Uppermost and Chief Member of the Body Israel: The City of Samaria Besieged Malice: Jehoram Toward Elisha Oath: King of Samaria Confirms his Word with An Persecution of Elisha Samaria: City of, Built by Omri: Besieged by Ben-Hadad Shaphat: Father of Elisha