But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.
2 KINGS 6:5KJVWhat does 2 Kings 6:5 mean?
2 Kings 6:5 describes how, while one of the prophets was cutting wood, the iron head of his borrowed axe fell into the water, causing him to cry out in distress to Elisha because the tool was not his own. The verse highlights the concern and anxiety of losing something borrowed, especially when it cannot easily be replaced.
In this scene, a group of prophets is working by the Jordan River to build a larger meeting place. One of them, using a borrowed axe, accidentally loses the iron head in the river. He immediately calls out to Elisha, the leader and prophet, expressing worry because he is responsible for returning the borrowed tool. The verse sets up the need for a miracle and shows the everyday struggles and honesty of these men.
The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 6:5
- "Alas" (אֲהָהּ, 'ahah): This word is an exclamation of distress or alarm. It shows the genuine worry and helplessness the man feels about losing something that does not belong to him.
- "Borrowed" (שָׁאַל, sha'al): This word means "asked for" or "borrowed." It emphasizes that the axe was not his own, making the loss more serious because he is accountable to someone else.
Why 2 Kings 6:5 matters
- The verse shows the practical, everyday lives of the prophets, reminding readers that even spiritual leaders face ordinary problems and anxieties.
- The detail that the axe was borrowed underlines the seriousness of the loss and the prophet's sense of responsibility, making the coming miracle more meaningful.
- This verse sets the stage for Elisha’s compassionate response, highlighting themes of care, provision, and God’s concern for even small troubles.