And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

2 KINGS 8:6KJV
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2 Kings 8:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 8:6 mean?

2 Kings 8:6 shows the king of Israel listening to a woman’s story and then ordering that all her property and the produce from her land, lost during her absence, be returned to her. The king commands an official to make sure she receives everything that is rightfully hers, including the harvests from the time she was away.

In this scene, the king is speaking with the Shunammite woman who had left her home during a famine, as Elisha had advised. When she returns and pleads for her land, the king asks her about her situation. After hearing her account, he appoints an officer to ensure her property and its profits are restored, showing the king’s authority and concern for justice in her case.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 8:6

  • "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek): This word is used twice, emphasizing the king’s direct involvement and authority in the situation.
  • "appointed" (נָתַן, natan): This verb means “to give” or “to appoint.” Here, it shows the king isn’t just making a suggestion—he is officially assigning someone to act on the woman’s behalf.
  • "officer" (סָרִיס, saris): This word often refers to a court official or a trusted servant, indicating the king chose someone with authority and responsibility to carry out his order.
  • "restore" (שׁוּב, shuv): This verb means “to return” or “to restore.” The king is not only giving back the land but also ensuring all its produce is returned, highlighting a full restoration.

Why 2 Kings 8:6 matters

  • This verse clears up that the king is not just hearing the woman’s case but is actively ensuring justice by appointing an official to restore her losses.
  • The emphasis on returning both the land and its produce shows a concern for complete fairness, not just a partial solution.
  • The verse connects to the wider story of Elisha’s influence and God’s care for individuals, even in times of national trouble, by showing how the prophet’s earlier warning leads to the woman’s eventual restoration.

Where else these words appear

“fruits” Hebrew H8393 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 47:24 And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.
  • Deuteronomy 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
  • Proverbs 3:14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

“officer” Hebrew H5631 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:8 And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.
  • Isaiah 56:3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.