New International VersionWhen the king heard the woman’s words, he tore his robes. As he went along the wall, the people looked, and they saw that, under his robes, he had sackcloth on his body.
New Living TranslationWhen the king heard this, he tore his clothes in despair. And as the king walked along the wall, the people could see that he was wearing burlap under his robe next to his skin.
English Standard VersionWhen the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes—now he was passing by on the wall—and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth beneath on his body—
Berean Standard BibleWhen the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. And as he passed by on the wall, the people saw the sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin.
King James BibleAnd it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh.
New King James VersionNow it happened, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he tore his clothes; and as he passed by on the wall, the people looked, and there underneath he had sackcloth on his body.
New American Standard BibleWhen the king heard the woman’s words, he tore his clothes—and he was passing by on the wall—and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth underneath on his body.
NASB 1995When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes— now he was passing by on the wall— and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth beneath on his body.
NASB 1977And it came about when the king heard the words of the woman, that he tore his clothes—now he was passing by on the wall—and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth beneath on his body.
Legacy Standard BibleNow it happened that when the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes—now he was passing by on the wall—and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth beneath on his body.
Amplified BibleWhen the king heard the woman’s words, he tore his clothes—now he was still walking along on the wall—and the people looked [at him], and he had on sackcloth underneath [his royal robe] next to his skin.
Christian Standard BibleWhen the king heard the woman’s words, he tore his clothes. Then, as he was passing by on the wall, the people saw that there was sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen the king heard the woman’s words, he tore his clothes. Then, as he was passing by on the wall, the people saw that there was sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin.
American Standard VersionAnd it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes (now he was passing by upon the wall); and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh.
Contemporary English VersionThe king tore off his clothes in sorrow, and since he was on top of the city wall, the people saw that he was wearing sackcloth underneath.
English Revised VersionAnd it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; (now he was passing by upon the wall;) and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen the king heard the woman say this, he tore his clothes [in distress]. As he was walking on the city wall, the people saw that he was wearing sackcloth under his clothes.
Good News TranslationHearing this, the king tore his clothes in dismay, and the people who were close to the wall could see that he was wearing sackcloth under his clothes.
International Standard VersionWhen the king heard what the woman said, he ripped his garments as he continued walking along the city wall. As the people watched, all of a sudden they noticed he was wearing sackcloth underneath his clothes, inside next to his flesh!
NET BibleWhen the king heard what the woman said, he tore his clothes. As he was passing by on the wall, the people could see he was wearing sackcloth under his clothes.
New Heart English BibleIt happened, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he tore his clothes. Now he was passing by on the wall, and the people looked and saw that he had sackcloth against his skin.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. And as he passed by on the wall, the people saw the sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin.
World English BibleWhen the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. Now he was passing by on the wall, and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth underneath on his body. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass, at the king’s hearing the words of the woman, that he tears his garments, and he is passing by on the wall, and the people see, and behold, the sackcloth [is] within on his flesh.
Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass, at the king's hearing the words of the woman, that he rendeth his garments, and he is passing by on the wall, and the people see, and lo, the sackcloth is on his flesh within.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd it will be when the king heard the woman's words, and he will rend his garments; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people will see, and behold, sackcloth upon his flesh, from within. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhen the king heard this, he rent his garments, and passed by upon the wall. And all the people saw the haircloth which he wore within next to his flesh.
Catholic Public Domain VersionWhen the king had heard this, he tore his garments, and he passed along the wall. And all the people saw the haircloth that he had worn underneath, beside his flesh.
New American BibleWhen the king heard the woman’s words, he tore his garments. And as he was walking on the wall, the people saw that he was wearing sackcloth underneath, next to his skin.
New Revised Standard VersionWhen the king heard the words of the woman he tore his clothes—now since he was walking on the city wall, the people could see that he had sackcloth on his body underneath— Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes as he walked upon the wall, and the people looked, and behold, he was wearing sackcloth within upon his flesh.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd when the King heard the words of the woman as he walked on the wall, he ripped his clothes, and the people saw that sackcloth was worn on his body on the inside. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes--now he was passing by upon the wall--and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd it came to pass, when the king of Israel heard the words of the woman, that he rent his garments; and he passed by on the wall, and the people saw sackcloth within upon his flesh.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Siege and Famine of Samaria… 29So we boiled my son and ate him, and the next day I said to her, ‘Give up your son, that we may eat him.’ But she had hidden her son.” 30When the kingheardthe wordsof the woman,he torehis clothes.And as hepassed byonthe wall,the peoplesawthe sackclothunder his clothesnext tohis skin.31He announced, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders through this day!”…
Cross References 2 Kings 5:7When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!”
2 Kings 3:10“Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!”
1 Kings 21:27When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly.
1 Kings 20:31-32Then the servants of Ben-hadad said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go out to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life.” / So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.”
1 Kings 19:1-2Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. / So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like the lives of those you killed!”
1 Samuel 4:13-18When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out. / Eli heard the outcry and asked, “Why this commotion?” So the man hurried over and reported to Eli. / Now Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his gaze was fixed because he could not see. ...
1 Samuel 15:24-25Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. / Now therefore, please forgive my sin and return with me so I can worship the LORD.”
Genesis 37:29-34When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes, / returned to his brothers, and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?” / Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. ...
Job 1:20-21Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, / saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Isaiah 37:1On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD.
Jeremiah 36:24Yet in hearing all these words, the king and his servants did not become frightened or tear their garments.
Ezekiel 9:4“Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.”
Joel 1:13Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God, because the grain and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God.
Matthew 26:65At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
Matthew 27:51-54At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split. / The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. / After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people. ...
Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by on the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within on his flesh. he rent his clothes 2 Kings 5:7 And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said,Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me. 2 Kings 19:1 And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heardit, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD. 1 Kings 21:27 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. Jump to Previous BeneathBodyClothesFleshHairclothHandsHeardHearingPartingPassedPassingRendethRentRobeRobesSackclothToreUnderneathViolentlyWalkingWallWithinWoman'sWordsJump to Next BeneathBodyClothesFleshHairclothHandsHeardHearingPartingPassedPassingRendethRentRobeRobesSackclothToreUnderneathViolentlyWalkingWallWithinWoman'sWords2 Kings 6 1.Elisha, allowing the young prophets to enlarge dwellings, floats an axhead8.He discloses the king of Syria's counsel13.The army which was sent to Dothan to apprehend Elisha, is blinded19.Being brought into Samaria, they are dismissed in peace24.The famine in Samaria causes women to eat their own children30.The king sends to slay ElishaWhen the king heard the words of the womanThis phrase refers to King Jehoram of Israel during a time of severe famine in Samaria, caused by the Aramean siege. The woman's words, which are detailed earlier in the chapter, reveal the desperate conditions, including cannibalism. This reflects the fulfillment of the curses for disobedience found in Deuteronomy 28:53-57, where such dire circumstances are predicted as a consequence of turning away from God. he tore his clothes
Tearing one's clothes is a traditional expression of grief, distress, or repentance in ancient Israelite culture. This act signifies the king's deep anguish and helplessness in the face of the dire situation. It is a public display of mourning, similar to other biblical instances such asJob 1:20 and2 Samuel 13:19. And as he passed by on the wall
The wall of Samaria was a place of defense and oversight, where the king could survey the city and its dire conditions. This setting emphasizes the public nature of the king's actions and the visibility of his distress to the people. The wall also symbolizes the city's isolation and vulnerability during the siege. the people saw the sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin
Sackcloth is a coarse material traditionally worn as a sign of mourning or repentance. The fact that the king wore sackcloth under his royal garments indicates a personal acknowledgment of the need for repentance, though it is hidden from public view. This act can be seen as a superficial gesture, as his heart may not have been truly repentant, reflecting the broader spiritual state of Israel. Sackcloth is often associated with humility and seeking God's mercy, as seen inJonah 3:5-6 andIsaiah 58:5. Persons / Places / Events 1. The King of IsraelLikely King Jehoram, son of Ahab, who was ruling during the time of the Aramean siege of Samaria. His tearing of clothes signifies deep distress and mourning. 2. The WomanA desperate mother who approached the king with a grievous complaint, highlighting the dire circumstances of the siege. 3. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, under siege by the Arameans, leading to extreme famine and desperation among its inhabitants. 4. SackclothA coarse material worn as a sign of mourning or repentance. The king wearing sackcloth under his clothes indicates his hidden grief and perhaps a sign of repentance or humility. 5. The WallThe location where the king was walking, symbolizing the defense and the dire situation of the city under siege. Teaching Points The Reality of DesperationThe king's reaction to the woman's plea highlights the extreme desperation and suffering during the siege. It serves as a reminder of the physical and spiritual famines that can occur when a nation turns away from God. Hidden Grief and LeadershipThe king's hidden sackcloth suggests that leaders often carry burdens unseen by others. It challenges us to pray for and support our leaders, recognizing their need for wisdom and strength. Repentance and HumilitySackcloth is a biblical symbol of repentance. This passage encourages believers to examine their own lives for areas needing repentance and to approach God with humility. The Role of IntercessionThe king's visible distress calls for intercession. As believers, we are called to intercede for those in authority and for our communities, especially in times of crisis. Hope in DespairDespite the dire circumstances, the presence of sackcloth can also symbolize hope for divine intervention. It reminds us that in our darkest moments, turning to God can bring hope and deliverance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 6:30?
2.How does 2 Kings 6:30 reveal the king's response to Israel's dire situation?
3.What does the king's torn clothes symbolize in a biblical context?
4.How can we seek God in times of national or personal crisis today?
5.Compare the king's reaction to other biblical leaders facing adversity.
6.How should believers respond when leaders show signs of despair or helplessness?
7.Why did the king of Israel tear his clothes in 2 Kings 6:30?
8.What does the sackcloth beneath the king's clothes signify in 2 Kings 6:30?
9.How does 2 Kings 6:30 reflect the desperation during the siege of Samaria?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 6?
11.In 2 Chronicles 30:6, how could King Hezekiah send invitations throughout the northern kingdom if they had already been exiled according to 2 Kings 17?
12.2 Kings 6 overall: How do these grandiose miracles and supernatural events fit with the laws of nature and known history?
13.(2 Chronicles 17:6) How is the claim that Jehoshaphat removed high places consistent with other passages stating they persisted under various kings?
14.2 Kings 6:18-20: How could Elisha strike an entire enemy force with blindness and then restore their sight?What Does 2 Kings 6:30 Mean When the king heard the words of the woman“ ‘When the king heard the words of the woman…’ ” (2 Kings 6:30a) • The woman’s story of cannibalism (6:26-29) exposes the horrific depth of the famine brought on by the Aramean siege. • Such desperation fulfills covenant warnings—“You will eat the flesh of your own sons and daughters” (Deuteronomy 28:53-57). • The king’s immediate reaction shows that sin’s consequences have become unbearable, echoing earlier moments when leaders finally faced the gravity of judgment (Judges 2:18;1 Kings 21:20-24).
he tore his clothes“…he tore his clothes.” (6:30b) • Tearing garments signaled intense grief or repentance (Genesis 37:34;Job 1:20;Ezra 9:3). • Unlike prior kings who ignored prophetic warnings, Jehoram at least shows outward sorrow. Yet his next words (6:31) reveal anger at God’s prophet rather than true surrender—a reminder that outward emotion can mask unresolved rebellion (Joel 2:13;Matthew 27:3-5).
And as he passed by on the wall“…And as he passed by on the wall…” (6:30c) • Walking the city wall places the king in full public view, surveying the dire situation (2 Samuel 18:24-25). • The scene underscores leadership accountability: when calamity strikes, the people look to their rulers for response (1 Samuel 12:16-18;Isaiah 3:6-7).
the people saw the sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin“…the people saw the sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin.” (6:30d) • Sackcloth—coarse goat hair worn against bare skin—signified mourning and humility (1 Kings 21:27;Jonah 3:6). • By keeping it beneath his royal robes, the king had tried to mourn privately; God now exposes it, mirroring how hidden hearts are laid bare in crisis (Psalm 44:21;Luke 12:2). • The juxtaposition of royal attire and sackcloth dramatizes the emptiness of earthly power when a nation rejects the LORD (Psalm 33:16-19;Proverbs 21:30-31).
summary2 Kings 6:30 paints a vivid picture of a leader crushed by the visible consequences of sin. Jehoram’s torn clothes and hidden sackcloth reveal real anguish, yet his subsequent rage against Elisha shows that grief without repentance cannot bring deliverance. The verse invites us to let crisis drive us not to blame God but to humble, public, and wholehearted turning to Him, confident that He alone can end famine—physical or spiritual—and restore His people (2 Chronicles 7:14;Psalm 34:18-19). (30) And he passed.-- Now he was passing. The people in the streets below would see him well as he passed along the rampart. Looked.--Saw. He had sackcloth.--Rather,the sackcloth was. "The sackcloth"--i.e., the well-known garb of penitence and woe (1Kings 21:27). Jehoram had secretly assumed this ascetic garment in order to appease the wrath of Jehovah. That the king should wear sackcloth was a portent in the eyes of his subjects. The prophets wore itover the tunic as an official dress. Within.--Under his royal robes, "upon his flesh"--i.e., next the skin. (Comp.Isaiah 20:2-3.) Verse 30. - And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes. In horror and consternation at the terrible state of things revealed by the woman's story (comp. 2 Kings 5:7). And he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked. It is better to translate, with our Revisers, (Now he yeas passing by upon the wall;) and the people looked; or, and, as he was passing by upon the wall, the people looked. And, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh. Jehoram had secretly assumed the penitential garment, not a mere sign of woe, but a constant chastisement of the flesh. He wore sackcloth next his skin, no one suspecting it, until, in the exasperation of his feelings at the woman's tale, he rent his robe, and exposed to view the sackcloth which underlay it. We are scarcely entitled to deny him any true penitential feeling, though no doubt he was far from possessing a chastened or humble spirit. Poor weak humanity has at one and the same time good and evil impulses, praiseworthy and culpable feelings, thoughts which come from the Holy Spirit of God, and thoughts which are inspired by the evil one.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew When the kingהַמֶּ֜לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingheardכִשְׁמֹ֨עַ(ḵiš·mō·a‘)Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlythe wordsדִּבְרֵ֤י(diḇ·rê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeof the woman,הָֽאִשָּׁה֙(hā·’iš·šāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femalehe toreוַיִּקְרַ֣ע(way·yiq·ra‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7167:To rendhis clothes.בְּגָדָ֔יו(bə·ḡā·ḏāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 899:A covering, clothing, treachery, pillageAnd as heוְה֖וּא(wə·hū)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, arepassed byעֹבֵ֣ר(‘ō·ḇêr)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass ononעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe wall,הַחֹמָ֑ה(ha·ḥō·māh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2346:A wall of protectionthe peopleהָעָ֔ם(hā·‘ām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flocksawוַיַּ֣רְא(way·yar)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seethe sackclothהַשַּׂ֛ק(haś·śaq)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8242:A mesh, coarse loose cloth, sacking, a bagunder his clothesמִבָּֽיִת׃(mib·bā·yiṯ)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A housenext toעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthis skin.בְּשָׂר֖וֹ(bə·śā·rōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1320:Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man
Links 2 Kings 6:30 NIV2 Kings 6:30 NLT2 Kings 6:30 ESV2 Kings 6:30 NASB2 Kings 6:30 KJV
2 Kings 6:30 BibleApps.com2 Kings 6:30 Biblia Paralela2 Kings 6:30 Chinese Bible2 Kings 6:30 French Bible2 Kings 6:30 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Kings 6:30 It happened when the king heard (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
