2 Kings 6 6

2 Kings 6:6 kjv

And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.

2 Kings 6:6 nkjv

So the man of God said, "Where did it fall?" And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float.

2 Kings 6:6 niv

The man of God asked, "Where did it fall?" When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float.

2 Kings 6:6 esv

Then the man of God said, "Where did it fall?" When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float.

2 Kings 6:6 nlt

"Where did it fall?" the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface.

2 Kings 6 verses

2 Kings 6 6 Meaning

The sixth verse of 2 Kings chapter 6 narrates a specific miracle performed by the prophet Elisha. It details Elisha's inquiry about where a lost, borrowed iron axe head had fallen into the Jordan River. Upon being shown the exact location, Elisha cut off a stick, threw it into the water at that spot, and miraculously caused the iron axe head to float to the surface, enabling its recovery. This incident underscores God's sovereign power over creation and His compassionate attentiveness to the seemingly small, everyday concerns of His people.

2 Kings 6 6 Context

The context of 2 Kings 6:6 is found within the ongoing prophetic ministry of Elisha in Israel, following the ascent of Elijah. The preceding verses (2 Kgs 6:1-7) describe how the "sons of the prophets"—disciples under Elisha's guidance—decided to enlarge their dwelling space by cutting timber by the Jordan River. While working, a borrowed axe head fell into the deep water. The loss was significant due to its essential nature as a tool and, critically, because it was borrowed, implying a debt of honor or financial obligation for the borrower. This chapter generally illustrates Elisha's role not just as a national prophet, but as one concerned with the daily, practical needs of individuals. This specific miracle serves to affirm Elisha's divine authority and demonstrates God's immediate involvement in the mundane difficulties of His devoted servants, reinforcing their faith and highlighting God's power over natural laws.

2 Kings 6 6 Word analysis

• So the man of God said: The Hebrew phrase is אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים (ish ha'Elohim), literally "man of the God." This designation consistently refers to a prophet, emphasizing that Elisha acts not by his own power, but as God's representative and instrument, empowered and directed by divine authority. His words and actions are implicitly those of God.

• 'Where did it fall?': The question אָנָה נָפַל (anah nafal), "where did it fall?", is a simple, direct inquiry. It shows Elisha engaging with the situation practically, acknowledging the specific nature of the problem, and requiring cooperation from the man in need. It indicates that divine intervention, though supernatural, often operates within the observable reality.

• And he showed him the place: This action indicates cooperation and trust on the part of the distraught man. It signifies that faith and obedience to the prophet's instruction can be prerequisites for divine action. God often acts in response to a clear acknowledgment of need and active participation.

• So he cut off a stick: The Hebrew uses וַיִּקַּח עֵץ (vayiqqach etz), meaning "and he took wood/a tree." The "stick" is a common, natural object, utterly devoid of inherent magical or powerful properties. Its use highlights that the power resided solely with God, not in the instrument or any ritualistic action. God often uses simple, humble means to achieve extraordinary ends, defying human expectations.

• and threw it in there: This is a deliberate, decisive action by Elisha. The throwing of the stick into the water serves as the physical point of contact for the miracle, linking the prophet's obedient act with the divine intervention. It's a symbolic, faith-filled action that activates God's power.

• and made the iron float: The key phrase is וַיָּצֶף אֶת־הַבַּרְזֶל (vayatzef et-ha'barzel), meaning "and he caused the iron to float."

  • בַּרְזֶל (barzel): This Hebrew word for "iron" is significant. Iron is notably heavy and denser than water, designed to sink. The very nature of iron makes its floating a stark contradiction of natural laws.
  • וַיָּצֶף (vayatzef): This verb comes from the root צוּף (tsuf), meaning "to float, to rise up, to brim." In the Hiphil causative stem used here, it means "to cause to float." This is the miraculous core of the verse: an undeniable reversal of natural properties by divine power. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "So the man of God said, 'Where did it fall?' And he showed him the place": This opening exchange sets a pattern for divine intervention that is personal and responsive. Elisha, acting as God's representative, doesn't immediately know the solution but seeks out the specifics of the human problem. This interaction highlights the collaborative aspect of divine miracles, requiring human confession of need and location for God to act. It emphasizes God's engagement with human concerns.
  • "So he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float": This sequence illustrates the prophet's faith-filled obedience and God's extraordinary power. The selection of a simple stick, its precise placement, and the immediate miraculous result underline that the power emanated not from Elisha or the stick, but solely from God who chose to act through His servant's instruction and the seemingly insignificant object. This showcases God's ability to transcend natural limitations through His direct intervention.

2 Kings 6 6 Bonus section

• Implicit Polemic against Contemporary Beliefs: This miracle serves as a silent polemic against pagan beliefs prevalent in Elisha's time, particularly the Canaanite worship of gods like Baal, who were associated with natural cycles but had no genuine power to command or overturn natural laws at will. Unlike Baal, who was confined to specific aspects of nature, the God of Israel demonstrates absolute, spontaneous, and immediate sovereignty over all creation, including its fundamental physical properties. No pagan deity would be interested in or capable of recovering a lost, borrowed axe head, emphasizing the unique, personal, and comprehensive nature of Yahweh's power.
• Theological Implication of God's Immanence: The event powerfully portrays God's immanence – His active, intimate involvement in the affairs of His creation and the daily lives of His people. He is not a distant, unconcerned deity but one who condescends to intervene even in mundane situations to show His presence and care.
• Symbolic Interpretations (from a New Testament perspective): While anachronistic to the original audience, some Christian reflections see the "stick" thrown into the water as a subtle type or foreshadowing of Christ's cross—a seemingly weak and ordinary wooden object that becomes the instrument through which redemption and the recovery of that which was lost (humanity, spiritual life) are achieved, defying spiritual "gravity" (the pull of sin and death).
• Distinction from Magic: Elisha's act is markedly different from contemporary magic or sorcery. There are no elaborate rituals, incantations, or attempts to manipulate spirits. Instead, it is a straightforward, authoritative command and simple action by God's chosen prophet, demonstrating the sheer power of God directly intervening rather than through external, manipulated forces.

2 Kings 6 6 Commentary

The miracle of the floating axe head in 2 Kings 6:6, though brief, provides profound insights into God's character and operation. It powerfully demonstrates His omnipotence, as He overrides the fundamental laws of nature, causing a heavy metal to float effortlessly. This event signifies that no problem, however small or seemingly trivial in human estimation (such as a lost borrowed tool), is beneath God's concern. His intervention showcases His intimate care for His children, addressing their immediate, practical needs and alleviating distress over personal losses. Elisha, as the "man of God," acts merely as an instrument, illustrating that God often works through His appointed servants and by seemingly simple, natural means (the stick) to accomplish supernatural outcomes. This miracle not only provides relief for an anxious individual but also reinforces the faith of the "sons of the prophets" and strengthens their belief in Elisha's divine commission and God's active presence in their lives. It's a vivid reminder that God's compassion extends to every detail of our existence, making even the impossible possible.