But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

2 KINGS 3:11KJV
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2 Kings 3:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 3:11 mean?

2 Kings 3:11 shows King Jehoshaphat asking if there is a prophet of the LORD present, so they can seek God's guidance. One of the king of Israel's servants points out Elisha, who had served Elijah, as someone who could speak for God.

In this verse, Jehoshaphat is with other kings facing a crisis and wants spiritual direction from a true prophet (not just any advisor). The mention of Elisha "pouring water on the hands of Elijah" highlights Elisha’s close relationship with Elijah, showing he was a trusted helper and now a worthy successor. The verse sets up Elisha as the one through whom God’s word will come in the story.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 3:11

  • "prophet" (נָבִיא, navi’): This word means someone who speaks on behalf of God. Jehoshaphat’s question is about finding a genuine spokesperson for the LORD, not just a religious figure.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, showing Jehoshaphat wants to hear from the God of Israel specifically, not just any deity.
  • "enquire" (דָּרַשׁ, darash): This word means to seek or consult, often used for seeking God’s will or guidance, emphasizing the seriousness of their request.
  • "poured" (יָצַק, yatsaq): The phrase about Elisha pouring water on Elijah’s hands refers to serving him personally, a sign of humility and apprenticeship, not just a menial task.

Why 2 Kings 3:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehoshaphat values true prophetic guidance from the LORD, not just political or military advice.
  • The verse establishes Elisha’s authority by connecting him to Elijah, a respected prophet, showing continuity in God’s guidance for Israel.
  • It highlights the importance of seeking God’s direction in times of crisis, setting the stage for the events that follow in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“Shaphat” Hebrew H8202 · used in 8 verses

  • Numbers 13:5 Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori.
  • 1 Kings 19:19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.
  • 1 Chronicles 3:22 And the sons of Shechaniah; Shemaiah: and the sons of Shemaiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six.

“poured” Hebrew H3332 · used in 51 verses

  • Genesis 28:18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
  • Leviticus 14:26 And the priest shall pour of the oil into the palm of his own left hand:
  • 2 Kings 4:40 So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.

“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 4:2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
  • 2 Kings 6:31 Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.

“Elijah” Hebrew H452 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
  • 1 Kings 18:30 And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.
  • 2 Kings 1:12 And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.