And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.

2 KINGS 3:14KJV
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2 Kings 3:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 3:14 mean?

2 Kings 3:14 records the prophet Elisha declaring that, if it were not for his respect for Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, he would not even acknowledge or help the king of Israel. Elisha swears by the LORD that he only listens because of Jehoshaphat’s presence.

In this verse, Elisha is speaking to the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom, who have come to ask for God’s help during a military crisis. Elisha makes it clear that he does not approve of the king of Israel, but out of honor for Jehoshaphat—a king known for his faithfulness—Elisha is willing to listen and act. This moment highlights the importance of character and reputation in how God’s prophets respond to leaders.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 3:14

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that Elisha’s authority and oath come directly from Israel’s God, not just any deity.
  • hosts (צְבָאוֹת, tseva’ot): Often translated as “armies” or “hosts,” this title for God underscores His power and command over all spiritual and earthly forces, reinforcing the seriousness of Elisha’s oath.
  • regard (נָשָׂא, nasa’): This word means “to lift up” or “to show favor.” Elisha is saying he “lifts up” or pays attention to Jehoshaphat’s presence, showing that respect for a righteous person can influence God’s response.

Why 2 Kings 3:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Elisha’s willingness to help is not automatic; it is specifically because of Jehoshaphat’s character, not the king of Israel’s request.
  • The verse highlights the distinction between leaders who are faithful to God and those who are not, showing that God’s prophets respond differently based on a person’s relationship with God.
  • In the wider story, this sets up the miracle and guidance that follows, making it clear that God’s intervention is tied to the presence of a faithful king, not simply to political power or position.

Where else these words appear

“that” Hebrew H3884 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • 1 Samuel 25:34 For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.
  • Psalms 106:23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.

“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.

“look” Hebrew H5027 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
  • Psalms 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
  • Isaiah 38:11 I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.

“Jehoshaphat” Hebrew H3092 · used in 75 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
  • 2 Kings 3:1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.