2 Kings 6 12

2 Kings 6:12 kjv

And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.

2 Kings 6:12 nkjv

And one of his servants said, "None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom."

2 Kings 6:12 niv

"None of us, my lord the king," said one of his officers, "but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom."

2 Kings 6:12 esv

And one of his servants said, "None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom."

2 Kings 6:12 nlt

"It's not us, my lord the king," one of the officers replied. "Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!"

2 Kings 6 verses

2 Kings 6 12 Meaning

The verse reveals that the King of Aram's repeatedly thwarted military strategies were not due to a traitor among his own servants but rather to the divine insight granted by God to His prophet Elisha in Israel. Elisha supernaturally perceived the Aramaic king's most secret plans and disclosed them to the king of Israel, thereby enabling Israel to evade the ambushes. This emphasizes God's omniscience and His protective care over His people through His chosen servants.

2 Kings 6 12 Context

This verse is nestled within 2 Kings chapter 6, which vividly illustrates the ongoing conflict between Aram (Syria) and Israel during the reign of Joram, King of Israel. The king of Aram repeatedly plots ambushes against Israel, only to find his plans inexplicably foiled time and again, as the king of Israel is always forewarned. Frustrated and suspicious of betrayal among his own inner circle, the Aramaic king questions his servants. This verse provides the pivotal answer: not human espionage, but divine revelation through the prophet Elisha, is the source of Israel's advantage. This setting underscores the active and supernatural intervention of God in the political and military affairs of nations, primarily to protect His covenant people.

2 Kings 6 12 Word analysis

• And one of his servants: This servant is a high-ranking official or trusted advisor, as he is present in the king’s private council and feels bold enough to contradict the king’s suspicion directly. The implication is that he has observed Elisha's influence or is aware of the power of the God of Israel.
• said, No, my lord, O king: The immediate, respectful, but firm denial (`Lo ‘adoni ha-melek` - לֹא אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶךְ). This is a stark moment as it deflects the king’s anger from potential human betrayal towards a supernatural explanation. The use of "my lord, O king" is a common address signifying utmost respect and loyalty to the monarch, even in contradiction.
• but Elisha: Hebrew: `’Eliysha` (אֱלִישָׁע). Meaning "God is salvation." The named prophet, succeeding Elijah, is presented as the singular reason for Aram’s failures. This directs the king’s attention from human factors to divine intervention.
• the prophet: Hebrew: `han-navi` (הַנָּבִיא). One who speaks on behalf of God, receives direct revelation. This title clearly identifies his source of knowledge as divine, not human. It contrasts starkly with any pagan diviners or oracles the Aramaic king might consult.
• that is in Israel: Hebrew: `’ăsher bî-Yiśrā’ēl` (אֲשֶׁר בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל). This phrase grounds the divine intervention geographically and politically within the rival nation. It highlights that the power protecting Israel originates from within its borders, specifically from a prophet of their God. This implies a powerful divine allegiance to Israel.
• telleth the king of Israel: Hebrew: `yaggîḏ ləmeleḵ Yiśrā’ēl` (יַגִּ֣יד לְמֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל). "Telleth" implies an ongoing action, a consistent flow of information. It showcases Elisha's active role as God's instrument for Israel's defense, acting as a divine intelligence agent.
• the words: Hebrew: `ha-dəḇārîm` (הַדְּבָרִים). Not just isolated words, but the "matters" or "plans" being discussed. This suggests complete knowledge of the king's intentions and strategies.
• that thou speakest in thy bedchamber: Hebrew: `təḏabêr bəḥeder miškaḇeḵā` (תְּדַבֵּר בַּחֲדַר מִשְׁכָּבֶךָ). This is the climax of the revelation. The "bedchamber" signifies the utmost privacy, a place where one feels most secure and utters their innermost thoughts and secret plans. For these secrets to be known reveals a power that transcends all physical barriers and human attempts at secrecy. It challenges the Aramaic king’s sense of ultimate security and control.

• "No, my lord, O king; but Elisha...telleth...": This phrase initiates a polemic against pagan beliefs. It shifts the explanation from human treachery, a common concern in ancient courts, to divine intervention. It effectively declares that the God of Israel has unparalleled power, even over the deepest secrets of foreign rulers, a power far superior to any local deity or divination method of Aram.
• "the prophet that is in Israel": This phrase contrasts Elisha’s true divine prophetic power with any court astrologers, diviners, or wise men that the Aramean king might rely upon. It posits that true revelation and power come from the God of Israel through His specific servant, challenging the efficacy of other spiritual sources.
• "the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber": This specific detail is a profound demonstration of God's omniscience. Ancient kings believed their most private thoughts and plans were secure. For these to be known reveals that Yahweh's reach extends beyond borders and into the most secret places, showing that no human counsel or secret strategy can escape the divine gaze. This would have been deeply unsettling and humbling for a pagan monarch.

2 Kings 6 12 Bonus section

This incident showcases not just Elisha's power, but also the Lord's profound commitment to His covenant people. Despite Israel's spiritual failings during this period, God continued to defend them against external threats through miraculous intervention. The Aramaic servant's statement effectively disabused his king of a purely human explanation, pointing to a transcendent power beyond military strength or cunning. This confrontation between human strategy and divine foresight underscores a central biblical truth: ultimate victory and knowledge belong to God. The very phrase "bedchamber" (חדר משכבך) amplifies the perceived impossibility of such knowledge by human means, solidifying the divine origin of the information and intensifying the awe (or fear) inspired by the God of Israel in the surrounding nations.

2 Kings 6 12 Commentary

2 Kings 6:12 highlights God's sovereign involvement in the affairs of nations, demonstrating that His wisdom and power far exceed any human stratagem or earthly defense. The Aramaic king's consternation over his foiled plans leads to suspicion within his own ranks, a common anxiety for rulers. However, a discerning servant, perhaps knowing of Elisha’s reputation, points to a supernatural source. Elisha, by God’s Spirit, possessed knowledge of even the king’s private, "bedchamber" counsels. This incredible insight not only underscores God's omniscience but also serves as a potent affirmation of His protective hand over Israel, even when they faced overwhelming military might. It vividly illustrates that human efforts and nationalistic aspirations are utterly subject to the divine will and perception. This event serves as a stark reminder to rulers and nations, then and now, that there are no secrets from the God of Heaven, and His purposes for His people will prevail against all opposition.