Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.

2 KINGS 7:2KJV
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2 Kings 7:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 7:2 mean?

2 Kings 7:2 describes how a high official of the king doubted the prophet Elisha’s message that God would soon provide abundant food during a siege. Elisha replied that the official would see this miracle happen with his own eyes but would not get to enjoy any of it himself.

The scene takes place during a severe famine in Samaria, where the king’s trusted officer questions Elisha’s prophecy by sarcastically asking if God could make "windows in heaven" to provide food. Elisha’s response warns that the official’s disbelief will have serious consequences, setting up the fulfillment of this warning in the story that follows.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 7:2

  • "windows" (אֲרֻבָּה, ’arubbah): This word refers to openings or windows, often imagined as literal or figurative openings in the sky. The official’s use of this word shows his skepticism, as if only a supernatural opening in the heavens could bring relief.
  • "see" (רָאָה, ra’ah) and "eat" (אָכַל, akal): The contrast between seeing and eating in Elisha’s reply highlights that the official will witness the miracle but not benefit from it. This sharp distinction underlines the seriousness of doubting God’s promise.

Why 2 Kings 7:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that disbelief in God’s word, especially when spoken through His prophet, carries real consequences in the story.
  • The official’s sarcastic question reveals the depth of despair and cynicism in Samaria during the siege, helping readers understand the dramatic turnaround that follows.
  • The verse sets up a key theme in the chapter: God’s ability to provide in impossible circumstances, and the danger of dismissing that possibility.

Where else these words appear

“windows” Hebrew H699 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • 2 Kings 7:19 And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.
  • Isaiah 60:8 Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

“lord” Hebrew H7991 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 14:7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.
  • 2 Kings 7:19 And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:9 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.

“leaned” Hebrew H8172 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • 2 Chronicles 13:18 Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers.
  • Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.