2 Kings 6:9
New International Version
The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.”

New Living Translation
But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, “Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there.”

English Standard Version
But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.”

Berean Literal Bible
And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, “Beware of passing over this place. For there Aram is coming down.”

King James Bible
And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.

New King James Version
And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there.”

New American Standard Bible
But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, saying, “Be careful that you do not pass this place, because the Arameans are coming down there.”

NASB 1995
The man of God sent word to the king of Israel saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Arameans are coming down there.”

NASB 1977
And the man of God sent word to the king of Israel saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Arameans are coming down there.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And the man of God sent word to the king of Israel saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Arameans are coming down there.”

Amplified Bible
The man of God sent word to the king of Israel saying, “Be careful not to pass by this place, because the Arameans are pulling back to there.”

Berean Annotated Bible
Then the man of God {Elohim} sent word to the king of Israel (he wrestles with God): “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans (exalted) are going down there.

Christian Standard Bible
But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful passing by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful passing by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.”

American Standard Version
And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are coming down.

Contemporary English Version
Each time, Elisha would send this warning to the king of Israel: "Don't go near there. That's where the Syrian troops have set up camp."

English Revised Version
And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are coming down.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So the man of God would send a message to the king of Israel, "Be careful not to go by that place. The Arameans are hiding there."

Good News Translation
But Elisha sent word to the king of Israel, warning him not to go near that place, because the Syrians were waiting in ambush there.

International Standard Version
So the man of God sent a message to the king of Israel, warning him, "Keep an eye on that area, because the Arameans are going to be there!"

NET Bible
But the prophet sent this message to the king of Israel, "Make sure you don't pass through this place because Syria is invading there."

New Heart English Bible
The man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, "Beware that you not pass such a place; for the Arameans are coming down there."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians have come down.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.”

World English Bible
The man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, “Beware that you not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the man of God sends to the king of Israel, saying, “Take heed of passing by this place, for the Arameans are coming down there”;

Berean Literal Bible
And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, “Beware of passing over this place. For there Aram is coming down.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the man of God sendeth unto the king of Israel, saying, 'Take heed of passing by this place, for thither are the Aramaeans coming down;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the man of God will send to the king of Israel, saying, Watch from passing through this place, for there Aram encamps.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying: Beware that thou pass not to such a place: for the Syrians are there in ambush.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying: “Take care not to pass by that place. For the Syrians are there in ambush.”

New American Bible
But the man of God would send word to the king of Israel, “Be careful! Do not pass by this place, for Aram will attack there.”

New Revised Standard Version
But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Take care not to pass this place, because the Arameans are going down there.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the prophet of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, Beware that you do not pass this place; for the Arameans are lying in wait.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Prophet of God sent to the King of Israel, and he said to him: “Beware you do not pass this place, because there the Edomites are laying wait!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying: 'Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Arameans are coming down.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Elisaie sent to the king of Israel, saying, Take heed that thou pass not by that place, for the Syrians are hidden there.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans
8Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” 9Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful passing by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” 10So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.…

Cross References
Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel:

1 Kings 20:13
Meanwhile a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Do you see this entire great army? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand this very day, and you will know that I am the LORD.’”

2 Kings 19:6-7
who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. / Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’”

2 Samuel 12:1
Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor.
“Be careful not to pass by this place,

Proverbs 4:14-15
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. / Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.

Proverbs 22:3
The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.

Deuteronomy 2:5
Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footprint, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession.
for the Arameans are going down there.”

1 Kings 20:1-2
Now Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he marched up, besieged Samaria, and waged war against it. / Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel,

2 Kings 5:2
At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife.

2 Kings 7:6-7
For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives.
2 Kings 6:10
So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.

2 Kings 6:12
But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”

2 Kings 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

2 Kings 1:3
But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’

2 Kings 3:16-19
and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ / For 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. …

1 Kings 22:17
So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”

1 Samuel 23:9-12
When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” / And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account. / Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD. …


Treasury of Scripture

And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, Beware that you pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.

Beware

2 Kings 3:17-19
For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts…

1 Kings 20:13,28
And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD…

thither the Syrians

2 Kings 4:27
And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.

Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Revelation 1:1
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Jump to Previous
Aramaeans Arameans Beware Care Israel Passing Secret Syrians Thither Waiting Word
Jump to Next
Aramaeans Arameans Beware Care Israel Passing Secret Syrians Thither Waiting Word
2 Kings 6
1. Elisha, allowing the young prophets to enlarge dwellings, floats an axhead
8. 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












Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel:
The "man of God" refers to the prophet Elisha, who succeeded Elijah as a major prophet in Israel. Prophets were often intermediaries between God and the people, delivering divine messages. Elisha's role here underscores the importance of prophetic guidance in Israel's history. The king of Israel at this time was likely Jehoram, son of Ahab, who reigned during a period of frequent conflict with neighboring nations. This phrase highlights the divine protection and insight provided to Israel through God's prophets, a recurring theme in the Old Testament.

Be careful not to pass by this place:
This warning indicates a specific location that was strategically significant. The phrase suggests a divine revelation of military intelligence, showcasing God's omniscience and care for His people. The warning implies a potential ambush or danger, emphasizing the need for vigilance and obedience to divine instruction. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God guiding and protecting His people when they heed His warnings.

For the Arameans are going down there:
The Arameans, also known as Syrians, were frequent adversaries of Israel. Their capital was Damascus, and they often engaged in military campaigns against Israel. This phrase indicates a planned movement or attack by the Arameans, revealing the geopolitical tensions of the time. The Arameans' presence in the region is well-documented in both biblical and extrabiblical sources, such as Assyrian records. This situation illustrates the constant threat Israel faced from surrounding nations and the need for divine intervention. The prophetic insight given to Elisha serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to thwart the plans of Israel's enemies.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elisha
The "man of God" referred to in this verse, Elisha was a prophet in Israel who succeeded Elijah. He was known for his miracles and his role as a spiritual leader.

2. King of Israel
The ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel during this time. He received warnings from Elisha about the movements of the Aramean army.

3. Arameans
A group of people from Aram (modern-day Syria) who were often in conflict with Israel. They were planning to ambush the Israelites.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom, distinct from Judah, often in conflict with surrounding nations, including Aram.

5. The Place
While not named in this verse, it refers to a specific location where the Arameans planned to attack, highlighting the strategic military intelligence provided by Elisha.
Teaching Points
Divine Guidance and Protection
God provides guidance and protection to His people through His servants. Just as Elisha warned the king, God often uses His Word and His people to guide us away from danger.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets in the Bible served as God's mouthpiece, delivering messages of warning, guidance, and hope. Today, we can seek God's guidance through prayer and Scripture.

Spiritual Warfare Awareness
Just as the Arameans plotted against Israel, we face spiritual battles. Being aware of the enemy's tactics is crucial, and we must rely on God's wisdom to navigate these challenges.

Obedience to God's Warnings
The king of Israel heeded Elisha's warnings, which saved his people. We must be attentive and obedient to God's warnings in our lives to avoid spiritual pitfalls.

Community and Leadership
Elisha's relationship with the king highlights the importance of godly counsel in leadership. Leaders should seek and value the wisdom of those who are spiritually mature.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 6:9?

2. How does 2 Kings 6:9 demonstrate God's protection over His people today?

3. What role does divine revelation play in our decision-making processes?

4. How can we discern God's warnings in our daily lives?

5. Connect 2 Kings 6:9 with other instances of divine guidance in Scripture.

6. How can we apply Elisha's obedience to God's warnings in our own lives?

7. How does 2 Kings 6:9 demonstrate God's protection over His people?

8. What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 6:9?

9. How does 2 Kings 6:9 reflect God's communication with prophets?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 6?

11. What events are described in 2 Kings?

12. What are the key events in 2 Kings?

13. What does it mean when God says no?

14. What protects Elisha's claim to divine power in this chapter (2 Kings 5:8-9) from being just legend or folklore?
What Does 2 Kings 6:9 Mean
Then the man of God

• “Man of God” identifies Elisha as a prophet wholly devoted to the LORD, the same title given to Moses (Deuteronomy 33:1) and Elijah (1 Kings 17:24; 2 Kings 4:9).

• Scripture treats prophetic words as the very words of God (2 Peter 1:20-21), so the scene begins by underscoring divine authority and reliability.

• Elisha’s life is already marked by miraculous interventions (2 Kings 2–5), reminding readers that God actively guides and protects His people through chosen servants.


sent word to the king of Israel

• God bridges the gap between heaven and the throne room. As Nathan confronted David (2 Samuel 12:1) and Isaiah counseled Hezekiah (Isaiah 37:6-7), Elisha now informs Jehoram.

• Though the king often wavered spiritually (2 Kings 3:1-3), the LORD still reaches out—evidence of divine patience and covenant faithfulness (Exodus 34:6).

• The verse models healthy governance: leaders need prophetic truth. Ignoring it brings peril, as Amaziah learned when silencing Amos (Amos 7:10-13).


“Be careful not to pass by this place”

• The warning is specific and practical; God’s guidance addresses real-time dangers, not just spiritual abstractions.

Proverbs 22:3 says, “The prudent see danger and take cover.” God equips His people to act wisely, not fatalistically.

• Similar protective alerts appear when the Magi were “warned in a dream” to avoid Herod (Matthew 2:12) and when Paul cautioned the crew before the storm (Acts 27:9-10).


for the Arameans are going down there.

• The LORD exposes enemy strategy. Earlier, “the king of Aram was warring against Israel” (2 Kings 6:8), but divine omniscience frustrates human plots (Psalm 33:10-11).

• Nothing can be hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13). By revealing the ambush, He both spares lives and demonstrates sovereignty over nations (Isaiah 14:24-27).

• This intel also serves as a faith lesson: deliverance is God-given, not luck or military genius (2 Kings 19:35). The same God who healed Naaman of Aram (2 Kings 5:1-14) now thwarts Aram’s aggression—He rules friend and foe alike.


summary

2 Kings 6:9 shows a living God who speaks through His prophet, engages earthly rulers, offers practical protection, and overrides hostile plans. The verse calls believers to trust divine revelation, heed godly counsel, and rest in the Lord’s precise, sovereign care.

(9) Pass.--Pass over, across, or through.

Such a place.--This place.

Thither.--There.

Come down.--Coming down. Another anomalous Hebrew form (n?hittim). Some would recognise here again a corruption of the same verb as in 2Kings 6:8, and render, "for there the Syrians are about hiding" (nehbim, i.e., nehb?'im). This is supported by the LXX., "??? ???? ????? ?????????;" the Syriac and Arabic, "are lurking;" the Vulg., "in insidiis sunt;" and the Targum, "are hidden." But the word (Heb.) is really an irregular participial formation from nahath, "to descend," and the Authorised Version is therefore correct. The versions have deduced the idea of hiding from that of going down, as if crouching on the ground were meant.

Verse 9. - And the man of God - i.e. Elisha, who at the time was "the man of God "(κατ ἐξοήν) - sent unto the King of Israel - Jehoram, undoubtedly (see ver. 32) - saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. Some translate, "Beware that thou neglect not such a place, for thither the Syrians are coming down;" but our version is probably correct, and is approved by Bahr and Thenius. Elisha did not suffer his hostile feeling towards Jehoram personally (2 Kings 3:13; 2 Kings 5:8; 2 Kings 6:32) to interfere with his patriotism. When disaster threatened his country, he felt it incumbent on him to warn even an ungodly king.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the man
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of God
הָאֱלֹהִ֗ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֞ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

word to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the king
מֶ֤לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Israel:
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

“Be careful
הִשָּׁ֕מֶר (hiš·šā·mer)
Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

passing by
מֵעֲבֹ֖ר (mê·‘ă·ḇōr)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

this
הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

place,
הַמָּק֣וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the Arameans
אֲרָ֥ם (’ă·rām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

are going down
נְחִתִּֽים׃ (nə·ḥit·tîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 5181: To sink, descend, to press, lead down

there.”
שָׁ֖ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither


Links
2 Kings 6:9 NIV
2 Kings 6:9 NLT
2 Kings 6:9 ESV
2 Kings 6:9 NASB
2 Kings 6:9 KJV

2 Kings 6:9 BibleApps.com
2 Kings 6:9 Biblia Paralela
2 Kings 6:9 Chinese Bible
2 Kings 6:9 French Bible
2 Kings 6:9 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Kings 6:9 The man of God sent to (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 6:8
Top of Page
Top of Page