Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” New Living Translation “Of course not!” Elisha replied. “Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master.” English Standard Version He answered, “You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down 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.” Berean Standard Bible “Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” Berean Literal Bible And he answered, “You shall not strike. Those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow, would you kill? Set food and water before their faces, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” King James Bible And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. New King James Version But he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” New American Standard Bible But he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set bread and water before them, so that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.” NASB 1995 He answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those 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.” NASB 1977 And he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those 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.” Legacy Standard Bible And he said, “You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and walk back to their master.” Amplified Bible Elisha answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those you have taken captive with your sword and bow? Serve them bread and water, so that they may eat and drink, and go back to their master [King Ben-hadad].” Berean Annotated Bible “Do not kill them, he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master. Christian Standard Bible Elisha replied, “Don’t kill them. Do you kill those you have captured with your sword or your bow? Set food and water in front of them so they can eat and drink and go to their master.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Elisha replied, “Don’t kill them. Do you kill those you have captured with your sword or your bow? Set food and water in front of them so they can eat and drink and go to their master.” American Standard Version And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. Contemporary English Version "No!" Elisha answered. "You didn't capture these troops in battle, so you have no right to kill them. Instead, give them something to eat and drink and let them return to their leader." English Revised Version And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. GOD'S WORD® Translation Elisha answered, "Don't kill them. Do you kill everyone you take captive in combat? Give them food and water. Let them eat and drink. Then let them go back to their master." Good News Translation "No," he answered. "Not even soldiers you had captured in combat would you put to death. Give them something to eat and drink, and let them return to their king." International Standard Version But he replied, "No! You're not to kill them! Would you execute those whom you've taken captive at the point of a sword or with your bow? Give them food and water so they can eat and drink. Then send them back to their master!" NET Bible 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." New Heart English Bible 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." Webster's Bible Translation And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldst thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” World English Bible 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, then go to their master.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says, “You do not strike; are you striking those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, and they eat, and drink, and go to their lord.” Berean Literal Bible And he answered, “You shall not strike. Those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow, would you kill? Set food and water before their faces, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” Young's Literal Translation And he saith, 'Thou dost not smite; those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow art thou smiting? set bread and water before them, and they eat, and drink, and go unto their lord.' Smith's Literal Translation And he will say, Thou shalt not strike: whom thou tookest captive with thy sword and with thy bow; strikest thou? set bread and water before them, and they shall eat and drink and go to their lord. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said: Thou shalt not kill them: for thou didst not take them with thy sword, or thy bow, that thou mayst kill them: but set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. Catholic Public Domain Version And he said: “You should not strike them. For you did not capture them with your sword or bow, so that you might strike them. Instead, set bread and water before them, so that they may eat and drink, and then go to their lord.” New American Bible Elisha replied, “You must not kill them. Do you slay those whom you have taken captive with your sword or bow? Serve them a meal. Let them eat and drink, and then go back to their master.” New Revised Standard Version He answered, “No! Did you capture with your sword and your bow those whom you want to kill? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink; and let them go to their master.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he answered, You shall not slay them; would you slay 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. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said to him: “You shall not strike with your sword and strike with your bow those whom you have captured! You set bread and water before them! They will eat and they will drink and they will go to their Master.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he answered: 'Thou shalt not smite them; hast thou taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow those whom thou wouldest smite? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said, Thou shalt not smite them, unless thou wouldest smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow: set bread and water before them, and let them eat and drink, and depart to their master. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans…21And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” 22“Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” 23So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.… Cross References “Do not kill them,” he replied. 1 Samuel 24:6 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” 1 Samuel 26:9-11 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? 2 Chronicles 28:9-11 But a prophet of the LORD named Oded was there, and he went out to meet the army that returned to Samaria. “Look,” he said to them, “because of His wrath against Judah, the LORD, the God of your fathers, has delivered them into your hand. But you have slaughtered them in a rage that reaches up to heaven. / And now you intend to reduce to slavery the men and women of Judah and Jerusalem. But are you not also guilty before the LORD your God? / Now therefore, listen to me and return the captives you took from your kinsmen, for the fierce anger of the LORD is upon you.” Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Luke 6:27-28 But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Set food and water before them, Proverbs 25:21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. Romans 12:20 On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Exodus 23:4-5 If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it. that they may eat and drink Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, 1 Samuel 30:11-12 Now his men found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David. They gave the man water to drink and food to eat— / a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins. So he ate and was revived, for he had not had any food or water for three days and three nights. 1 Kings 19:6-8 And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. / A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” / So he got up and ate and drank. And strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. and then return to their master.” 2 Chronicles 28:15 Then the men who were designated by name arose, took charge of the captives, and provided from the plunder clothing for the naked. They clothed them, gave them sandals and food and drink, anointed their wounds, and put all the feeble on donkeys. So they brought them to Jericho, the City of Palms, to their brothers. Then they returned to Samaria. Philemon 1:12-16 I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. / I would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel. / But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will. … Genesis 24:56 But he replied, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.” 1 Samuel 24:19 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day. Treasury of Scripture And he answered, You shall not smite them: would you smite 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. wouldest Deuteronomy 20:11-16 And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee… 2 Chronicles 28:8-13 And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria… thy sword Genesis 48:22 Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow. Joshua 24:12 And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow. Psalm 44:6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. set bread Proverbs 25:21,22 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: … Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Romans 12:20,21 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head… Jump to Previous Bow Bread Captive Captured Death Drink Eat Food Master Right Slay Smite Strike Sword Water WouldestJump to Next Bow Bread Captive Captured Death Drink Eat Food Master Right Slay Smite Strike Sword Water Wouldest2 Kings 6 1. Elisha, allowing the young prophets to enlarge dwellings, floats an axhead8. 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 “Do not kill them,” he replied. This phrase reflects a command of mercy and restraint. In the context of ancient warfare, captured enemies were often killed or enslaved. The prophet Elisha's directive to spare the Aramean soldiers highlights a principle of compassion and forgiveness. This mirrors God's mercy towards humanity, as seen in passages like Matthew 5:44, where Jesus instructs to love enemies and pray for persecutors. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow?” Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet in Israel, successor to Elijah, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel. 2. The King of Israel The unnamed king during Elisha's time, who sought Elisha's counsel regarding the captured Aramean soldiers. 3. Aramean Soldiers The enemy troops who were supernaturally blinded and led into Samaria by Elisha. 4. Samaria The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where the Aramean soldiers were brought. 5. The Aramean King The ruler of Aram, who was at war with Israel and whose soldiers were captured. Teaching Points Mercy Over VengeanceElisha's response to the king of Israel emphasizes the importance of showing mercy rather than seeking revenge. This reflects God's character and His call for us to act with compassion. Divine Strategy The situation demonstrates that God's ways are higher than our ways. Instead of a military victory, God orchestrates a peaceful resolution, teaching us to seek His wisdom in conflict. Hospitality as a Witness By feeding the enemy, Elisha turns a potential act of war into an opportunity for witness. Our actions can reflect God's love and potentially transform hearts. Trust in God's Protection The account reassures believers that God is in control, even in dire situations. We can trust Him to protect and guide us through challenges. Peaceful Resolution The passage encourages seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts, aligning with the biblical call to be peacemakers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 6:22?2. How does 2 Kings 6:22 demonstrate God's call for mercy over vengeance? 3. What does Elisha's response teach about loving enemies in difficult situations? 4. How can Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:44 relate to 2 Kings 6:22? 5. How can we apply Elisha's example of mercy in our daily conflicts? 6. What role does forgiveness play in resolving conflicts, as seen in 2 Kings 6:22? 7. How does 2 Kings 6:22 reflect God's perspective on mercy versus vengeance? 8. What historical context influenced the events described in 2 Kings 6:22? 9. How does 2 Kings 6:22 challenge traditional views on justice and retribution? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 6? 11. What are Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)? 12. How do we reconcile the events of 2 Samuel 13:1-22 with biblical laws condemning incest and rape? 13. Jeremiah 11:18-23: How do these threats on Jeremiah's life align with the idea of divine protection for those who follow God's will? 14. Jeremiah 34:3 - How could God promise Zedekiah would not die by the sword if 2 Kings 25:7 says Nebuchadnezzar blinded him and took him captive? What Does 2 Kings 6:22 Mean Do not kill them“Elisha answered, ‘Do not kill them.’” • Elisha recognizes that the victory belongs to the LORD, not to the Israelite army; to strike the blinded Arameans would be to seize credit that belongs to God alone (cf. Psalm 115:1; 1 Samuel 17:47). • Mercy in the moment of absolute power reflects God’s own character—slow to anger and abounding in loving-kindness (Exodus 34:6). • Similar restraint appears when David spares Saul: “Far be it from me… to lift my hand against him” (1 Samuel 24:6-7). • Jesus later affirms the same heart: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27-28). • God’s literal intervention calls His people to a literal obedience: if He has not commanded the sword, the sword must stay sheathed (Matthew 26:52). Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow?” • Elisha’s rhetorical question reminds Israel that these captives were not taken by human strength; the army never drew a sword. Killing them would break even the common wartime practice of sparing prisoners surrendered without resistance (Deuteronomy 20:10-15). • The question exposes pride: if soldiers would hesitate to execute their own captives, how much more should they hesitate when the captives are clearly God’s? (Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6). • God’s law upholds justice yet warns against vengeance (Leviticus 19:18). Elisha steers the king away from vengeance masked as justice. • 2 Chronicles 28:9-15 records another scene where captives are clothed, fed, and escorted home—demonstrating that God values compassion even in conflict. Set food and water before them “Set food and water before them” • Instead of swords, Elisha prescribes a banquet. Kindness disarms more powerfully than violence (Proverbs 25:21-22). • Hospitality is not optional; it is a tangible expression of covenant faithfulness (Genesis 18:1-8; Hebrews 13:2). • Meeting physical needs acknowledges that every person, even an enemy, bears God’s image (Genesis 1:27). • Jesus echoes this pattern: “I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink” (Matthew 25:35). That they may eat and drink and then return to their master “That they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” • The goal is restoration, not annihilation. By sending the Arameans home alive and well, Israel testifies to God’s supremacy and mercy (Psalm 67:1-2). • Romans 12:20-21 draws on this very principle: overcome evil with good, trusting God to handle justice. • The narrative’s next verse shows the result: “the Aramean raiders did not come again into the land of Israel” (2 Kings 6:23). Mercy became a deterrent. • When enemies experience unexpected grace, they glimpse the gospel pattern—God feeding and forgiving those who once opposed Him (Ephesians 2:1-7). summary 2 Kings 6:22 reveals God’s heart in wartime: restraint instead of revenge, kindness instead of killing. Elisha forbids execution, not out of weakness, but out of confidence that the LORD owns the victory and the captives. By feeding and freeing their foes, Israel mirrors divine mercy, overturns expected norms, and turns enemies into witnesses. The passage calls believers today to trust God’s sovereignty, reject vindictiveness, and practice radical goodness that points unmistakably to Him. (22) Thou shalt not.--Or, thou must not.Wouldest thou smite . . . thy bow?--The Hebrew order is, "An quos ceperis gladio et arcu percussuruses?" (Comp. Genesis 48:22.) Elisha says, "These men are virtually prisoners of war, and therefore are not to be slain in cold blood." The LXX., Targum, Syriac, and Vulg., ignore the interrogative particle. The Targum and Syriac render, "Lo those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword, &c., thou dost (or mayst) kill." (Comp. Deuteronomy 20:13.) The Vulg., "neque enim cepisti eos, ut percutias," and the Arabic, "Didst thou take them captive with thy sword, &c., that thou shouldest slay them?" come to the same thing. These renderings are interesting, as they make Elisha deny the king's right of disposal of these prisoners of Jehovah. The purpose of the miracle would have been frustrated by killing the Syrians. That purpose was to force their king and them to acknowledge the might of the true God. Verse 22. - And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them. The prophet has no doubt. His prohibition is absolute. These prisoners, at any rate, are not to be slain. "The object of the miracle," as Keil says, "would have been frustrated, if the Syrians had been slain. For the intention was to show the Syrians that they had to do with a prophet of the true God, against whom no human power could be of any avail, that they might learn to fear the Almighty God" ('Commentary on 2 Kings,' p. 3.27, Eng. trans.). There was also, perhaps, a further political object. By sparing the prisoners and treating them with kindness, it might be possible to touch the heart of the King of Syria, and dispose him towards peace. Wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? rather, Wouldest thou be smiting those, etc.? i.e. "Wouldest thou, in smiting these persons, be smiting those whom thou hadst made prisoners in war, so as to be able to justify thy conduct by Deuteronomy 20:13? No; thou wouldest not. Therefore thou shalt not smite them." Set bread and water before them. "Bread" and "water" stand for meat and drink generally. Elisha bids Jehoram entertain the captive Syrians hospitably, and then send them back to Benhadad. That they may eat and drink, and go to their master.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Do notלֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no kill them,” תַכֶּ֔ה (ṯak·keh) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike he replied. וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Would you אַתָּ֣ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you kill מַכֶּ֑ה (mak·keh) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike those הַאֲשֶׁ֥ר (ha·’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you have captured שָׁבִ֛יתָ (šā·ḇî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7617: To transport into captivity with your own sword בְּחַרְבְּךָ֥ (bə·ḥar·bə·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword or bow? וּֽבְקַשְׁתְּךָ֖ (ū·ḇə·qaš·tə·ḵā) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 7198: A bow, for, shooting, the iris Set שִׂים֩ (śîm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set food לֶ֨חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain and water וָמַ֜יִם (wā·ma·yim) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen before them, לִפְנֵיהֶ֗ם (lip̄·nê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face that they may eat וְיֹֽאכְלוּ֙ (wə·yō·ḵə·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 398: To eat and drink וְיִשְׁתּ֔וּ (wə·yiš·tū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 8354: To imbibe and then return וְיֵלְכ֖וּ (wə·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to their master.” אֲדֹנֵיהֶֽם׃ (’ă·ḏō·nê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller Links 2 Kings 6:22 NIV2 Kings 6:22 NLT 2 Kings 6:22 ESV 2 Kings 6:22 NASB 2 Kings 6:22 KJV 2 Kings 6:22 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 6:22 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 6:22 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 6:22 French Bible 2 Kings 6:22 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 6:22 He answered You shall not strike them: (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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