And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel.

2 KINGS 3:6KJV
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2 Kings 3:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 3:6 mean?

2 Kings 3:6 describes how King Jehoram of Israel left Samaria and gathered, or counted, all the people of Israel. This action shows Jehoram preparing his nation for a significant event, likely a military campaign.

At this point in the story, Jehoram is the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, and Samaria is his capital city. The verse marks the beginning of his response to a crisis involving Moab rebelling against Israel. The act of "numbering" Israel means Jehoram is organizing his troops, a common step before going to war in the ancient world.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 3:6

  • יְהוֹרָם (Yehoram; Jehoram): This is the king's name, meaning "Yahweh is exalted." Knowing his name helps place the story in its historical context, as Jehoram is a key figure in this section of Kings.
  • שֹׁמְרוֹן (Shomron; Samaria): This is the capital city of Israel at the time. Mentioning Samaria highlights that Jehoram is acting as the central authority of his nation.
  • פָּקַד (paqad; "numbered"): This word often means to muster, count, or organize people, especially for military service. It is not just a headcount, but an act of preparing for action, usually war.

Why 2 Kings 3:6 matters

  • This verse sets the stage for the coming conflict with Moab, explaining why Jehoram is mobilizing his people.
  • The use of "numbered" (פָּקַד, paqad) shows that Jehoram is taking formal, organized steps, not acting impulsively.
  • Understanding that Samaria is the capital and Jehoram is the king helps clarify the political and military structure of Israel at this time in the Bible.

Where else these words appear

“Jehoram” Hebrew H3088 · used in 26 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:50 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 9:21 And Joram said, Make ready. And his chariot was made ready. And Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out against Jehu, and met him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite.
  • 2 Chronicles 21:4 Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

“Samaria” Hebrew H8111 · used in 101 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:32 For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
  • 2 Kings 13:1 In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:9 But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.