Lexical Summary eykoh: "How?" or "Where?" Original Word: אֵיכֹה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance where Probably a variation for 'eyk, but not as an interogative; where -- where. see HEBREW 'eyk Brown-Driver-Briggs אֵיכוֺ 2 Kings 6:13 Qr where? see אֵיכָה 3 above Topical Lexicon Usage in Scripture The interjection appears once in the Hebrew canon at 2 Kings 6:13, voiced by the Aramean king who is enraged that Elisha has been disclosing his military secrets to the king of Israel. The king demands, “Go and see where he is, that I may send men and capture him”. The word functions as a direct question of location, expressing urgency, frustration, and the desire to seize control of a situation that has slipped from human hands because of divine intervention. Historical Setting The sole occurrence falls within the Aramean-Israelite conflict during the ministry of Elisha (mid-ninth century B.C.). Aram’s repeated raids had been thwarted because Elisha prophetically revealed the enemy’s movements (2 Kings 6:8-12). The king’s cry “Where?” underscores the futility of human stratagem against the God who “reveals the deep and hidden things” (Daniel 2:22). In the wider narrative, the question precipitates a demonstration of God’s sovereign protection, as an entire contingent sent to capture one prophet is itself rendered powerless (2 Kings 6:17-18). Theological Themes 1. Divine Omniscience versus Human Blindness The king’s demand for Elisha’s location confronts the ironic reality that, while he gropes for geographical coordinates, the prophet already sees into the king’s bedroom plans (2 Kings 6:12). The narrative elevates God’s limitless sight over the myopia of earthly rulers (Psalm 94:9). 2. Spiritual Warfare and Protection The question sets the stage for the unveiling of “the mountain … full of horses and chariots of fire” surrounding Elisha (2 Kings 6:17). The unseen army makes plain that believers are shielded even when outnumbered (Psalm 34:7; Hebrews 1:14). 3. The Folly of Opposing God’s Servant The Aramean king assumes that capturing the prophet will silence God’s word. Scripture repeatedly shows the opposite: Pharaoh, Saul, Herod, and others prove that resisting God’s messenger only magnifies divine glory (Exodus 10:1; Acts 12:23-24). Resonance with the Broader Biblical Question “Where?” Although the specific form appears only once, Scripture often records pivotal “where” questions. Each instance marks a turning point, exposing human limitation while advancing redemptive history. The Aramean king’s query likewise becomes a hinge upon which God’s deliverance turns. Hermeneutical Insights The word’s singular appearance heightens its literary impact. It arrests the reader at the precise moment when human hostility collides with divine omnipotence. By allowing the enemy himself to utter the question, the text amplifies the irony: the one seeking Elisha’s whereabouts is the one most profoundly lost. Ministerial Applications • Confidence in God’s Protection Pastors may encourage believers facing opposition that, like Elisha, they are surrounded by heavenly forces invisible to natural eyes. • Discernment in Spiritual Leadership Elisha’s quiet assurance contrasts with the king’s panic. Ministry leaders are called to cultivate spiritual vision through prayer rather than react in fear to worldly threats. • Evangelistic Challenge The king’s futile search invites hearers to ask a far more urgent question: “Where is the Lord?” (Jeremiah 2:6). The gospel answers that He is near to all who call on Him in truth (Romans 10:13). Christological Connection The theme climaxes in the incarnation: humanity asked, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). As with Elisha, human authorities sought to capture Jesus, yet His surrender at Calvary was voluntary, turning instruments of aggression into instruments of redemption (John 10:18). The empty tomb forever answers the searching heart: He is risen and ever-present with His people (Matthew 28:20). Forms and Transliterations אֵיכֹ֣ה איכה ’ê·ḵōh ’êḵōh eiChohLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 6:13 HEB: לְכ֤וּ וּרְאוּ֙ אֵיכֹ֣ה ה֔וּא וְאֶשְׁלַ֖ח NAS: and see where he is, that I may send KJV: and spy where he [is], that I may send INT: Go and see where I may send |
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