And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.

2 KINGS 6:19KJV
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2 Kings 6:19 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 6:19 mean?

2 Kings 6:19 describes how Elisha misleads a group of enemy soldiers by telling them they are on the wrong road and in the wrong city, and offers to lead them to the man they are seeking—himself—while actually leading them into Samaria, the capital city of Israel. Elisha uses this strategy to protect himself and the city, turning the situation to Israel’s advantage.

In this scene, Elisha is speaking to Aramean soldiers who have come to capture him. Instead of revealing himself, Elisha tells them, “This is not the way, neither is this the city,” and offers to guide them. The verse shows Elisha’s wisdom and courage, as he leads the blinded soldiers into Samaria, where they are surrounded by Israel’s army. This moment is part of a larger story showing God’s protection of Elisha and the people of Israel.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 6:19

  • "Way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means "road" or "path." Elisha’s use of דֶּרֶךְ (derek) emphasizes that the soldiers are not just lost physically, but also being redirected in their mission.
  • "City" (עִיר, ir): The word for "city" here highlights that Elisha is claiming they are in the wrong place, even though they are actually near where he wants them to be.
  • "Follow" (יָלַךְ, yalak; אַחַר, achar): The phrase uses both the verb for "go" and the preposition for "after," stressing that the soldiers are to physically follow Elisha’s lead.
  • "Seek" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This word means "to search for" or "to seek." Elisha refers to himself as the one they are seeking, but he does not reveal his identity directly.
  • "Samaria" (שֹׁמְרוֹן, Shomron): Naming Samaria is significant because it is the heart of Israel’s territory, showing how Elisha brings the enemy right into Israel’s stronghold.

Why 2 Kings 6:19 matters

  • This verse clears up the misconception that Elisha simply lied; instead, he uses clever words and God-given authority to protect his people without violence.
  • The verse highlights Elisha’s role as a prophet who relies on wisdom and faith rather than force, showing a different kind of leadership in a time of crisis.
  • Understanding this verse helps readers see the larger story of God’s protection over Israel and the unique ways prophets like Elisha acted in dangerous situations.

Where else these words appear

“this” Hebrew H2090 · used in 12 verses

  • Judges 18:4 And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.
  • Psalms 132:12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

“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 6:31 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.

“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.