2 Kings 6:21 net — When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha,“Should I strike them down, my master?”

NET Bible

"When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha,“Should I strike them down, my master?”"

— 2 Kings 6:21, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

2 Kings 6:21 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

2 Kings 6 — Context

18

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

19

Then Elisha said to them,“This is not the right road or city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you’re looking for.” He led them to Samaria.

20

When they had entered Samaria, Elisha said,“O LORD, open their eyes, so they can see.” The LORD opened their eyes and they saw that they were in the middle of Samaria.

21

When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha,“Should I strike them down, my master?”

22

He replied,“Do not strike them down! You did not capture them with your sword or bow, so what gives you the right to strike them down? Give them some food and water, so they can eat and drink and then go back to their master.”

23

So he threw a big banquet for them and they ate and drank. Then he sent them back to their master. After that no Syrian raiding parties again invaded the land of Israel.

24

The Lord Saves Samaria Later King Ben Hadad of Syria assembled his entire army and attacked and besieged Samaria.

2 Kings 6:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Kings 6:21 say?
2 Kings 6:21 in the NET Bible reads: “When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha,“Should I strike them down, my master?””
Where is 2 Kings 6:21 in the Bible?
2 Kings 6:21 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Kings, chapter 6, verse 21.
Who wrote 2 Kings?
2 Kings is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Jeremiah). It was written c. 561–538 BC.
What is the book of 2 Kings about?
2 Kings carries the divided kingdom from Elijah and Elisha through the fall of both Israel and Judah. Despite the prophets' warnings, both kingdoms decline through idolatry — the north into Assyrian captivity, the south into Babylonian exile — fulfilling the covenant curses.
What are the major themes of 2 Kings?
2 Kings explores themes including Judgment, Exile, Prophets, Covenant Curses, Remnant. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Kings 6:21.
What translation should I read 2 Kings 6:21 in?
2 Kings 6:21 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Kings 6:21?
2 Kings 6:21 reads (NET): “When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha,“Should I strike them down, my master?”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2