New International VersionIt happened as the man of God had said to the king: “About this time tomorrow, a seah of the finest flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.”
New Living TranslationThe man of God had said to the king, “By this time tomorrow in the markets of Samaria, six quarts of choice flour will cost one piece of silver, and twelve quarts of barley grain will cost one piece of silver.”
English Standard VersionFor when the man of God had said to the king, “Two seahs of barley shall be sold for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour for a shekel, about this time tomorrow in the gate of Samaria,”
Berean Standard BibleIt happened just as the man of God had told the king: “About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel.”
King James BibleAnd it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria:
New King James VersionSo it happened just as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two seahs of barley for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour for a shekel, shall be sold tomorrow about this time in the gate of Samaria.”
New American Standard BibleSo it happened just as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two measures of barley for a shekel and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, will be sold about this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria.”
NASB 1995It happened just as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two measures of barley for a shekel and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, will be sold tomorrow about this time at the gate of Samaria.”
NASB 1977And it came about just as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two measures of barley for a shekel and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be sold tomorrow about this time at the gate of Samaria.”
Legacy Standard BibleSo it happened just as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two seahs of barley for a shekel and a seah of fine flour for a shekel will be sold tomorrow about this time at the gate of Samaria.”
Amplified BibleIt happened just as [Elisha] the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two measures of barley will be sold for a shekel and a measure of finely-milled flour for a shekel tomorrow about this time at the gate of Samaria.”
Christian Standard BibleWhen the man of God had said to the king, “About this time tomorrow twelve quarts of barley will sell for a half ounce of silver and six quarts of fine flour will sell for a half ounce of silver at Samaria’s gate,”
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen the man of God had said to the king, “About this time tomorrow 12 quarts of barley will sell for a shekel and six quarts of fine meal will sell for a shekel at the gate of Samaria,”
American Standard VersionAnd it came to pass, as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to-morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria;
Contemporary English VersionEarlier, when the king was at Elisha's house, Elisha had told him that flour or barley would sell for almost nothing.
English Revised VersionAnd it came to pass, as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be tomorrow about this time in the gate of Samaria;
GOD'S WORD® Translation(It happened exactly as the man of God told the king, "48 cups of barley will sell for half an ounce of silver. And 24 cups of the best flour will sell for half an ounce of silver. This will happen about this time tomorrow in the gateway to Samaria."
Good News TranslationElisha had told the king that by that time the following day ten pounds of the best wheat or twenty pounds of barley would be sold in Samaria for one piece of silver,
International Standard VersionIt happened just as the man of God had spoken to the king: "At about this time tomorrow, in Samaria's city gate, a seah of finely ground flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel."
NET BibleThe prophet told the king, "Two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel, and a seah of finely milled flour for a shekel; this will happen about this time tomorrow in the gate of Samaria."
New Heart English BibleIt happened, as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, "Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be tomorrow about this time in the gate of Samaria";
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to-morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIt happened just as the man of God had told the king: “About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel.”
World English BibleIt happened as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two seahs of barley for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour for a shekel, shall be tomorrow about this time in the gate of Samaria;” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionindeed, it comes to pass, according to the speaking of the man of God to the king, saying, “Two measures of barley at a shekel, and a measure of fine flour at a shekel are, at this time tomorrow, in the Gate of Samaria”;
Young's Literal Translation yea, it cometh to pass, according to the speaking of the man of God unto the king, saying, 'Two measures of barley at a shekel, and a measure of fine flour at a shekel are, at this time to-morrow, in the gate of Samaria;'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd it will be as the man of God spake to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel will be about the time tomorrow in the gate of Shomeron. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd it came to pass according to the word of the man of God, which he spoke to the king, when he said: Two bushels of barley shall be for a stater, and a bushel of fine flour for a stater, at this very time to morrow in the gate of Samaria.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd this happened in accord with the word of the man of God, which he had spoken to the king, when he said: “Two measures of barley will be one silver coin, and one measure of fine wheat flour will be one silver coin, at this same time tomorrow, at the gate of Samaria.”
New American BibleThis was in accordance with the word the man of God spoke to the king: “Two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour for a shekel at this time tomorrow in the market of Samaria.”
New Revised Standard VersionFor when the man of God had said to the king, “Two measures of barley shall be sold for a shekel, and a measure of choice meal for a shekel, about this time tomorrow in the gate of Samaria,” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd it came to pass as the prophet of God had foretold to the king, saying, A measure of fine flour for a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel shall be sold tomorrow at this time in the gate of Samaria.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the word of the Prophet of God that he spoke to the King was: “A seah of fine flour for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel will be sold tomorrow at this time in the gate of Samaria.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it came to pass, as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying: 'Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to-morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria';
Brenton Septuagint TranslationSo it came to pass as Elisaie had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley shall be sold for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel; and it shall be as at this time to-morrow in the gate of Samaria.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Siege Lifted… 17Now the king had appointed the officer on whose arm he leaned to be in charge of the gate, but the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died, just as the man of God had foretold when the king had come to him. 18It happenedjust as the manof Godhad toldthe king:“About this timetomorrowat the gateof Samaria,two seahsof barleywill sell for a shekel,and a seahof fine flourwill sellfor a shekel.”19And the officer had answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” So Elisha had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!”…
Cross References 2 Kings 6:24-25Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria. / So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver.
2 Kings 4:43-44But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.
2 Kings 5:10-14Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.” / But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy. / Are not the Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not have washed in them and been cleansed?” So he turned and went away in a rage. ...
2 Kings 3:17-20For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ / This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. / And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.” ...
2 Kings 2:21-22and Elisha went out to the spring, cast the salt into it, and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness.’” / And the waters there have been healthy to this day, according to the word spoken by Elisha.
1 Kings 17:14-16for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” / So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her household. / The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Elijah.
1 Kings 18:41-45And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” / So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the summit of Carmel, bent down on the ground, and put his face between his knees. / “Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” ...
Exodus 16:4-5Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions. / Then on the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”
Exodus 16:13-15That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. / When the layer of dew had evaporated, there were thin flakes on the desert floor, as fine as frost on the ground. / When the Israelites saw it, they asked one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. So Moses told them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.
Numbers 11:31-32Now a wind sent by the LORD came up, drove in quail from the sea, and brought them near the camp, about two cubits above the surface of the ground, for a day’s journey in every direction around the camp. / All that day and night, and all the next day, the people stayed up gathering the quail. No one gathered less than ten homers, and they spread them out all around the camp.
Psalm 78:23-25Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of the heavens. / He rained down manna for them to eat; He gave them grain from heaven. / Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance.
Isaiah 55:1-2“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.
Matthew 14:17-21“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. / “Bring them here to Me,” Jesus said. / And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ...
Matthew 15:32-38Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.” / The disciples replied, “Where in this desolate place could we find enough bread to feed such a large crowd?” / “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” ...
Mark 6:41-44Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus spoke a blessing and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to His disciples to set before the people. And He divided the two fish among them all. / They all ate and were satisfied, / and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. ...
Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria: as the man 2 Kings 7:1,2 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this timeshall a measure of fine flourbe sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria… 2 Kings 6:32 But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; andthe king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door:is not the sound of his master's feet behind him? Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Jump to Previous BarleyFineFlourGateMealMeasureMeasuresMorrowOfferedPriceSamariaSeahShekelSoldSpeakingTimeTomorrowTo-MorrowWordsJump to Next BarleyFineFlourGateMealMeasureMeasuresMorrowOfferedPriceSamariaSeahShekelSoldSpeakingTimeTomorrowTo-MorrowWords2 Kings 7 1.Elisha prophesies incredible plenty in Samaria3.four lepers, venturing on the host of the Syrians, bring tidings of their flight12.The king, finding by spies the news to be true, spoils the tents of the Syrians.17.The lord who would not believe the prophecy of plenty is trampled in the pressIt happened just as the man of God had told the king:This phrase emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting the reliability of God's word through His prophets. The "man of God" refers to Elisha, a prominent prophet in Israel who succeeded Elijah. This fulfillment underscores the divine authority behind prophetic messages and serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It also reflects the biblical theme that God's promises, whether of judgment or blessing, are certain and will come to pass. “About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria:
The phrase "about this time tomorrow" indicates the immediacy and precision of the prophecy. The "gate of Samaria" was a central place for commerce and legal matters in the city, serving as a marketplace and a location for public announcements. Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and during this time, it was under siege by the Arameans, leading to severe famine. The prophecy's setting at the city gate highlights the public nature of the fulfillment, ensuring that it would be witnessed by many. two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel:
A "seah" is a unit of dry measure, roughly equivalent to about 7-9 liters or 1.5-2 gallons. Barley was a staple grain, often considered less valuable than wheat, and used primarily for feeding animals and the poor. The mention of "two seahs of barley for a shekel" indicates a dramatic reversal of the famine conditions, as food would become abundant and affordable. A "shekel" was a standard unit of currency, and this price suggests a return to normalcy and economic stability. and a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel.”
"Fine flour" was a more refined and desirable product than barley, used for making bread and other baked goods. The prophecy that a "seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel" further emphasizes the miraculous nature of the provision, as fine flour would typically be more expensive. This prediction of economic recovery and abundance serves as a sign of God's intervention and blessing, contrasting sharply with the dire circumstances of the siege. The fulfillment of this prophecy demonstrates God's power to provide and His ability to change situations swiftly and unexpectedly. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaThe prophet of God who delivered the prophecy about the end of the famine in Samaria. 2. The King of IsraelThe ruler during the time of the famine, who doubted the prophecy given by Elisha. 3. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was under siege and suffering from a severe famine. 4. The OfficerThe king's officer who doubted Elisha's prophecy and was trampled at the gate as the prophecy was fulfilled. 5. The SiegeThe event where the Arameans besieged Samaria, leading to extreme famine conditions. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and FaithfulnessGod's word is always fulfilled, demonstrating His sovereignty over all circumstances. The Danger of DoubtDoubting God's promises can lead to missing out on His blessings, as seen in the fate of the king's officer. The Power of ProphecyProphecy serves as a testament to God's control over future events and His ability to provide for His people. Trust in God's TimingGod's timing is perfect, and His provision often comes when we least expect it. The Role of Faith in CrisisIn times of crisis, faith in God's promises can sustain us and lead to miraculous outcomes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 7:18?
2.How does 2 Kings 7:18 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?
3.What can we learn about God's sovereignty from 2 Kings 7:18?
4.How does 2 Kings 7:18 connect to God's provision in Exodus 16:4?
5.How should 2 Kings 7:18 influence our trust in God's word today?
6.In what ways can we apply the lessons of 2 Kings 7:18 daily?
7.How does 2 Kings 7:18 demonstrate God's sovereignty over human affairs and predictions?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 7:18?
9.How does 2 Kings 7:18 challenge our understanding of divine intervention in desperate situations?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 7?
11.What events occurred at the city gate in the Bible?
12.2 Kings 7:16 -- Is there any credible record outside the Bible confirming that Samaria's economy recovered so quickly?
13.2 Kings 7:8-9 -- If the Arameans truly abandoned everything, why do we find no external historical or archaeological evidence of such an event?
14.2 Kings 7:6-7 -- What natural or historical explanation accounts for an entire army fleeing upon hearing mysterious sounds?What Does 2 Kings 7:18 Mean It happened just as the man of God had told the kingThe verse opens by recording the precise fulfillment of Elisha’s prophecy (2 Kings 7:1). • God’s word never falters—“God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19). • Earlier, Israel had seen the same fidelity when Elijah’s word brought rain exactly as promised (1 Kings 18:41-45). •2 Kings 7:16 immediately precedes our verse, confirming that the city found an unexpected abundance, proving Elisha’s message true. The lesson is straightforward: whenever God speaks, events align with His declaration, underscoring the unshakable reliability of Scripture (Isaiah 55:10-11).
About this time tomorrowGod fixed a specific, near-term deadline. • Similar prophetic time stamps appear when the LORD told Abraham and Sarah, “At the appointed time next year” (Genesis 18:14), and when Moses said, “Stand firm, for the salvation of the LORD will be shown you today” (Exodus 14:13). • Such precision magnifies divine power; only the Creator rules both circumstances and the clock (Psalm 31:15). • For the desperate people of Samaria, the promise of relief within twenty-four hours transformed despair into hope (Romans 15:13).
At the gate of SamariaThe city gate served as marketplace, court, and community center (Ruth 4:1-2). • Siege had turned this gate into a symbol of starvation (2 Kings 6:25). • God chose the very place of shame to showcase His deliverance, just as He later turned the cross—a place of execution—into the emblem of salvation (Colossians 2:14-15). • By specifying the gate, the Lord ensured that every citizen would witness the miracle firsthand (Psalm 23:5).
Two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekelThis pricing promised a drastic reversal: • During the siege, a donkey’s head cost eighty shekels and dove dung five shekels (2 Kings 6:25). • Overnight, barley and fine flour—the staples of common and premium diets—would be affordable again, illustratingPsalm 107:9, “For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” • The economic swing confirmedLeviticus 26:4-5, where obedience leads to abundance; here God graciously intervened despite Israel’s failings, revealing His mercy (Lamentations 3:22-23). • The equal pricing of barley and flour testified that every need, from basic to refined, lay within His gracious supply (Philippians 4:19).
summary2 Kings 7:18 records the flawless fulfillment of Elisha’s earlier prophecy, demonstrating that God’s word is exact in timing, place, and outcome. He turned a starvation siege into overflowing plenty within a day, proving His sovereignty over circumstances and economies alike. Believers today can rest in the same dependable promise-keeping character of the Lord, confident that what He says, He will surely do. (18) To the king.--The LXX. and Syriac have, "to the messenger." (See Note on 2Kings 6:23.) In this and the following verse the author repeats the prediction and its fulfilment with obvious satisfaction. The moral is a warning against unbelief. Verse 18. - And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be tomorrow about this time in the gate of Samaria. The otiose repetition of almost the whole of ver. 1 can only be explained as a mode of emphasizing, and so impressing upon the reader two main points: (1) Elisha's prophetic powers; and (2) the dreadful consequences that follow on scornful rejection of a message from God (see the comment on ver. 2).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew It happenedוַיְהִ֗י(way·hî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bejust as the manאִ֣ישׁ(’îš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personof Godהָאֱלֹהִ֔ים(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativehad toldכְּדַבֵּר֙(kə·ḏab·bêr)Preposition-k | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subduethe king:הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A king“About this timeכָּעֵ֣ת(kā·‘êṯ)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256:Time, now, whentomorrowמָחָ֔ר(mā·ḥār)Adverb
Strong's 4279:Deferred, the morrow, tomorrow, hereafterat the gateבְּשַׁ֖עַר(bə·ša·‘ar)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8179:An opening, door, gateof Samaria,שֹׁמְרֽוֹן׃(šō·mə·rō·wn)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8111:Samaria -- capital of northern kingdom of Israeltwo seahsסָאתַ֨יִם(sā·ṯa·yim)Noun - fd
Strong's 5429:A seah, certain measure, for, grainof barleyשְׂעֹרִ֜ים(śə·‘ō·rîm)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8184:Barleywill sell for a shekel,בְּשֶׁ֗קֶל(bə·še·qel)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8255:A weight, a commercial standardand a seahוּֽסְאָה־(ū·sə·’āh-)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5429:A seah, certain measure, for, grainof fine flourסֹ֙לֶת֙(sō·leṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5560:Fine flourwill sellיִהְיֶה֙(yih·yeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, befor a shekel.”בְּשֶׁ֔קֶל(bə·še·qel)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8255:A weight, a commercial standard
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OT History: 2 Kings 7:18 It happened as the man of God (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
