And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.

2 KINGS 13:16KJV
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2 Kings 13:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 13:16 mean?

2 Kings 13:16 describes the prophet Elisha telling the king of Israel to take hold of a bow, and as the king does so, Elisha places his own hands over the king’s hands. This action shows Elisha guiding or supporting the king in what is about to happen, highlighting a moment of shared purpose or blessing.

In this scene, Elisha is speaking to the king of Israel during a time of conflict with enemies. The gesture of Elisha placing his hands on the king’s hands while holding the bow is a symbolic act, often understood as showing God’s support or empowerment through the prophet. This sets the stage for the next actions Elisha will instruct, connecting the king’s military actions with divine guidance.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 13:16

  • The word for "hand" (יָד, yad) appears several times, emphasizing the physical act of grasping and the idea of support or strength being given.
  • The verb "put" (רָכַב, rakhav) is used for placing the hand on the bow, which can also carry the sense of mounting or taking up, suggesting readiness for action.
  • The name "Elisha" (אֱלִישָׁע, Elisha) is included to show the prophet’s direct involvement, not just as a bystander but as someone actively guiding the king.

Why 2 Kings 13:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the king’s coming actions are not just his own but are being guided by God through Elisha’s symbolic gesture.
  • The repeated mention of "hand" highlights the importance of physical touch in passing on authority, blessing, or support in biblical narratives.
  • Understanding this moment helps explain the significance of the following verses, where the king’s actions with the bow become a sign of victory or defeat for Israel, depending on his obedience and faith.

Where else these words appear

“Elisha” Hebrew H477 · used in 52 verses

  • 1 Kings 19:16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.
  • 2 Kings 4:1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
  • 2 Kings 6:21 And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?

“bow” Hebrew H7198 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:33 And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
  • Isaiah 66:19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

“Put” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
  • Psalms 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.