2 Kings 6:21 web — The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, "My father, shall I strike them? Shall I strike them?"

World English Bible

"The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, "My father, shall I strike them? Shall I strike them?""

— 2 Kings 6:21, World English Bible

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2 Kings 6:21 in Other Translations

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2 Kings 6 — Context

18

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 the word of Elisha.

19

Elisha said to them, "This is not the way, neither is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek." He led them to Samaria.

20

It happened, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, "Yahweh, open the eyes of these men, that they may see." Yahweh opened their eyes, and they saw; and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.

21

The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, "My father, shall I strike them? Shall I strike them?"

22

He answered, "You shall not strike them. Would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master."

23

He prepared great feast for them. When they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. The bands of Syria stopped raiding the land of Israel.

24

It happened after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his army, and went up 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 World English Bible reads: “The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, "My father, shall I strike them? Shall I strike them?"”
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 (WEB): “The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, "My father, shall I strike them? Shall I strike them?"” 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.
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