Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. New Living Translation “Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface. English Standard Version Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. Berean Standard Bible “Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. And when he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. Berean Literal Bible And the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place, and he cut off a stick and threw it in there; and the iron he made float. King James Bible And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. New King James Version So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. New American Standard Bible Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float. NASB 1995 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float. NASB 1977 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick, and threw it in there, and made the iron float. Legacy Standard Bible Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. Amplified Bible The man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron [axe head] float. Berean Annotated Bible “Where did it fall? asked the man of God {Elohim}. And when he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. Christian Standard Bible Then the man of God asked, “Where did it fall? ” When he showed him the place, the man of God cut a piece of wood, threw it there, and made the iron float. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. American Standard Version And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither, and made the iron to swim. Contemporary English Version "Where did it fall in?" Elisha asked. The prophet pointed to the place, and Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. The ax head floated to the top of the water. English Revised Version And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither, and made the iron to swim. GOD'S WORD® Translation The man of God asked, "Where did it fall?" When he showed Elisha the place, Elisha cut off a piece of wood. He threw it into the water at that place and made the ax head float. Good News Translation "Where did it fall?" Elisha asked. The man showed him the place, and Elisha cut off a stick, threw it in the water, and made the ax head float. International Standard Version The man of God asked, "Where did it fall?" When he was shown the place, he cut off a branch, tossed it there, and made the iron axe head float. NET Bible The prophet asked, "Where did it drop in?" When he showed him the spot, Elisha cut off a branch, threw it in at that spot, and made the ax head float. New Heart English Bible The man of God asked, "Where did it fall?" He showed him the place. He cut down a stick, threw it in there, and made the iron float. Webster's Bible Translation And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron floated. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. And when he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. World English Bible The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” He showed him the place. He cut down a stick, threw it in there, and made the iron float. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the man of God says, “To where has it fallen?” And he shows him the place, and he cuts a stick, and casts [it] there, and causes the iron to swim, Berean Literal Bible And the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place, and he cut off a stick and threw it in there; and the iron he made float. Young's Literal Translation And the man of God saith, 'Whither hath it fallen?' and he sheweth him the place, and he cutteth a stick, and casteth thither, and causeth the iron to swim, Smith's Literal Translation And the man of God will say, Where fell it? And he will cause him to see the place. And he will cut down wood and cast there; and the iron will overflow. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the man of God said: Where did it fall? and he shewed him the place. Then he cut off a piece of wood, and cast it in thither: and the iron swam. Catholic Public Domain Version Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he indicated to him the place. Then he cut off a piece of wood, and he threw it in. And the iron floated up. New American Bible “Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. When he pointed out the spot, Elisha cut off a stick, threw it into the water, and brought the iron to the surface. New Revised Standard Version Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick, and threw it in there, and made the iron float. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the prophet of God said to him, Where did it fall? And he showed him the place. And he cut off a stick and thrust it in there; and it stuck in the hole of the axehead. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Prophet of God said to him: “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place, and he cut off wood and threw it there, and the iron floated. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the man of God said: 'Where fell it?' And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither, and made the iron to swim. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the man of God said, Where did it fall? and he shewed him the place: and he broke off a stick, and threw it in there, and the iron came to the surface. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Axhead Floats…5As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water. “Oh, my master,” he cried out, “it was borrowed!” 6“Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. And when he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. 7“Lift it out,” he said, and the man reached out his hand and took it.… Cross References “Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. Luke 15:8-9 Or what woman who has ten silver coins and loses one of them does not light a lamp, sweep her house, and search carefully until she finds it? / And when she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors to say, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost coin.’ 1 Samuel 9:20 As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, if not upon you and all your father’s house?” And when he showed him the place, John 11:34 “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. Genesis 13:14-15 After Lot had departed, the LORD said to Abram, “Now lift up your eyes from the place where you are, and look to the north and south and east and west, / for all the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever. the man of God cut a stick, Exodus 15:25 And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them, Exodus 17:5-6 And the LORD said to Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you. Take along in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. / Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 1 Kings 17:10-12 So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” / But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.” threw it there, Exodus 7:10-12 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD had commanded. Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent. / But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. / Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs. Jonah 1:15 Then they picked up Jonah and cast him into the sea, and the raging sea grew calm. Jeremiah 51:63-64 When you finish reading this scroll, tie a stone to it and cast it into the Euphrates. / Then you are to say, ‘In the same way Babylon will sink and never rise again, because of the disaster I will bring upon her. And her people will grow weary.’” Here end the words of Jeremiah. and made the iron float. 2 Kings 2:21-22 and 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. Joshua 3:13-17 When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—touch down in the waters of the Jordan, its flowing waters will be cut off and will stand up in a heap.” / So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. / Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, … Matthew 14:29-31 “Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. / But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” / Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” Acts 19:11-12 God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, / so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them. John 2:1-11 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, / and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. / When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” … Matthew 17:24-27 After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?” / “Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?” / “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him. … Treasury of Scripture And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. 2 Kings 2:21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land. 2 Kings 4:41 But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot. Exodus 15:25 And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, Jump to Previous Cast Casteth Causeth Cut Cutteth Cutting Elisha Fall Fallen Fell Float Floated Iron Shewed Sheweth Showed Stick Swim Thither Threw Top Water WhitherJump to Next Cast Casteth Causeth Cut Cutteth Cutting Elisha Fall Fallen Fell Float Floated Iron Shewed Sheweth Showed Stick Swim Thither Threw Top Water Whither2 Kings 6 1. Elisha, allowing the young prophets to enlarge dwellings, floats an axhead8. He discloses the king of Syria's counsel 13. The army which was sent to Dothan to apprehend Elisha, is blinded 19. Being brought into Samaria, they are dismissed in peace 24. The famine in Samaria causes women to eat their own children 30. The king sends to slay Elisha "Where did it fall?" asked the man of God. The "man of God" refers to the prophet Elisha, a prominent figure in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 9th century BC. Elisha succeeded Elijah and performed many miracles, demonstrating God's power and presence among His people. The question "Where did it fall?" indicates Elisha's concern and readiness to address the problem. This reflects the personal nature of God's care, as He is attentive to the needs of His people, even in seemingly small matters. The context here is a group of prophets expanding their living quarters, and the loss of the borrowed axe head would have been a significant problem due to the value of iron at the time. And when he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet in Israel, successor to Elijah, known for performing miracles and guiding the nation spiritually. 2. The Sons of the Prophets A group of prophetic disciples or students who were under the mentorship of Elisha. 3. The Jordan River A significant river in Israel where many biblical events occurred, including this miracle. 4. The Axe Head An iron tool that fell into the river, symbolizing a lost resource that was miraculously recovered. 5. The Miracle Elisha's act of making the iron axe head float, demonstrating God's power and care for even small concerns. Teaching Points God's Concern for Our NeedsGod cares about the details of our lives, even those that seem insignificant, like a lost axe head. Faith and Obedience Elisha's faith in God's power led to a miraculous outcome. Our faith and obedience can also lead to God's intervention in our lives. God's Provision Just as God provided for the sons of the prophets, He provides for us in our times of need, often in unexpected ways. The Power of Simple Acts Simple acts of faith, like Elisha throwing a stick, can lead to great outcomes when God is involved. Miracles as a Testimony Miracles serve as a testimony to God's power and presence, encouraging others to trust in Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 6:6?2. How does 2 Kings 6:6 demonstrate God's concern for our daily needs? 3. What does the recovery of the ax head teach about God's miraculous power? 4. How can we trust God to "make the iron float" in our lives? 5. Connect 2 Kings 6:6 with other miracles showing God's provision in Scripture. 6. How can we apply Elisha's faith in God's intervention to our challenges today? 7. How does 2 Kings 6:6 demonstrate God's power over nature? 8. What is the significance of the iron axe head floating in 2 Kings 6:6? 9. Does 2 Kings 6:6 suggest that God intervenes in everyday problems? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 6? 11. How do we reconcile Psalm 8's depiction of a caring God with other biblical passages that portray divine indifference or harsh judgment toward humans? 12. Why did the bush burn without being consumed? 13. 2 Kings 6:5-7: How could an iron axe head float on water merely by throwing in a stick, defying basic physics? 14. 2 Kings 6 overall: How do these grandiose miracles and supernatural events fit with the laws of nature and known history? What Does 2 Kings 6:6 Mean Where did it fall?- Elisha begins with a simple, practical question (2 Kings 6:6a). - He wants the young prophet to pinpoint the exact spot where the borrowed axe head disappeared. - Cross references: In Joshua 4:3,12 the precise location of stones mattered for memorial; in John 21:6 Jesus tells the disciples exactly where to cast the net. God often works through specific, tangible details. - Lesson: The Lord cares about concrete circumstances, not just lofty ideas. asked the man of God. - Scripture calls Elisha “the man of God,” underscoring his divine commission (see 1 Kings 17:24; 1 Timothy 6:11). - His authority rests on God’s Word, not personal cleverness. - When he speaks, the prophets-in-training expect heaven’s answer. - Even in ordinary needs—here, a lost tool—God uses His appointed servant. And when he showed him the place, - The student cooperates, pointing out the spot. - Faith and obedience unite: God’s servant asks, the disciple responds. - Cross references: 2 Kings 4:34–35, Elisha stretches himself on the Shunammite’s son at the precise location; John 11:41, they remove the stone before Jesus raises Lazarus. - Obedience positions us to witness God’s power. the man of God cut a stick, - Elisha’s action is strikingly ordinary. - Wood has no natural power to raise iron; the emphasis is on God, not the object. - Similar acts: Exodus 15:25, Moses throws wood into bitter water; 2 Kings 2:8, Elijah strikes the Jordan with a cloak. - God often couples the miraculous with the mundane, so no one confuses method with source. threw it there, - Throwing the stick marks the spot and becomes the channel for the miracle. - The gesture invites the onlookers to anticipate God’s intervention. - Cross references: 1 Samuel 17:49, David’s stone flies toward Goliath; John 9:6–7, Jesus applies mud to the blind man’s eyes. A simple motion, divinely empowered. and made the iron float. - “Iron” was precious, heavy, and naturally sinks; God overrides physics (Job 38:8–11, He commands the seas). - The miracle validates Elisha’s prophetic office (Hebrews 2:4) and shows God’s care for what seems minor yet matters to His servants (Matthew 10:29–31). - The borrowed tool is restored, protecting the young man from debt (Deuteronomy 24:6). - God’s sovereignty extends from cosmic scale to personal needs. summary 2 Kings 6:6 records a literal miracle: iron rising at the word of God through Elisha. Each step—locating the loss, obeying the prophet, employing an ordinary stick—highlights the Lord’s intimate concern and supreme power. God invites His people to trust Him with every detail, confident that nothing sinks beyond His reach. (6) Where.--Whereintof? or, Where fell it in?The iron did swim.--He caused the iron to float. (Comp. Deuteronomy 11:4 for the verb.) The iron ax-head did not swim, but simply rose to the surface. It had fallen in near the bank. Elisha's throwing in the stick was a symbolical act, intended to help the witnesses to realise that the coming up of the iron was not a natural, but a supernatural, event, brought about through the instrumentality of the prophet. As in the case of the salt thrown into the spring at Jericho, the symbol was appropriate to the occasion. It indicated that iron could be made to float like wood by the sovereign power of Jehovah. The properties of material substances depend on His will for their fixity, and may be suspended or modified at His pleasure. The moral of this little story is that God helps in small personal troubles as well as in great ones of larger scope. His providence cares for the individual as well as the race. Verse 6. - And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. Two natural explanations of this miracle have been attempted:(1) that Elisha passed a piece of wood underneath the axe-head, which he could see lying at the bottom of the river, and then lifted it up to the surface (Von Gerlach); (2) that he thrust a stick or bar of wood through the hole in the axe-head, made to receive the haft, and so pulled it out (Thenins). But both explanations do violence to the text; and we may be sure that, had either been true, the occurrence would not have been recorded. The sacred writers are not concerned to put on record mere acts of manual dexterity. Hebrew “Whereאָ֣נָה (’ā·nāh) Interrogative Strong's 575: Where?, whither?, when?, hither and thither did it fall?” נָפָ֑ל (nā·p̄āl) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie asked וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say the man אִישׁ־ (’îš-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of God. הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative And when he showed וַיַּרְאֵ֙הוּ֙ (way·yar·’ê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see him the place, הַמָּק֔וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition the man of God cut וַיִּקְצָב־ (way·yiq·ṣāḇ-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7094: To cut off, shear a stick, עֵץ֙ (‘êṣ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood threw וַיַּשְׁלֶךְ־ (way·yaš·leḵ-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7993: To throw out, down, away it there, שָׁ֔מָּה (šām·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular Strong's 8033: There, then, thither and made the iron הַבַּרְזֶֽל׃ (hab·bar·zel) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1270: Iron, an iron implement float. וַיָּ֖צֶף (way·yā·ṣep̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6687: To flow, overflow Links 2 Kings 6:6 NIV2 Kings 6:6 NLT 2 Kings 6:6 ESV 2 Kings 6:6 NASB 2 Kings 6:6 KJV 2 Kings 6:6 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 6:6 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 6:6 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 6:6 French Bible 2 Kings 6:6 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 6:6 The man of God asked Where did (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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