2 Kings 7:19
New International Version
The officer had said to the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” The man of God had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!”

New Living Translation
The king’s officer had replied, “That couldn’t happen even if the LORD opened the windows of heaven!” And the man of God had said, “You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won’t be able to eat any of it!”

English Standard Version
the captain had answered the man of God, “If the LORD himself should make windows in heaven, could such a thing be?” And he had said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”

Berean Standard Bible
And 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!”

Berean Literal Bible
And that officer had answered the man of God and said, “And behold, if YHWH should make windows in the heavens, could this word come to pass?” And he had said, “Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, and from there you shall not eat.”

King James Bible
And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.

New King James Version
Then that officer had answered the man of God, and said, “Now look, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, could such a thing be?” And he had said, “In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”

New American Standard Bible
At that time the royal officer had responded to the man of God and said, “Now even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could such a thing as this happen?” And he had said, “Behold, you are going to see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it.”

NASB 1995
Then the royal officer answered the man of God and said, “Now behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, could such a thing be?” And he said, “Behold, you will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat of it.”

NASB 1977
Then the royal officer answered the man of God and said, “Now behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, could such a thing be?” And he said, “Behold, you shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And the royal officer had answered the man of God and said, “Now behold, if Yahweh should make windows in heaven, could such a thing be?” And he had said, “Behold, you will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat of it.”

Amplified Bible
The royal officer had answered the man of God and said, “Now behold, [even] if the LORD should make windows in heaven, could such a thing happen?” And Elisha had answered, “You will see it with your own eyes, but [because of your doubt] you will not eat it.”

Berean Annotated Bible
And the officer had answered the man of God {Elohim}, “Look, even if the LORD {YHWH} 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!

Christian Standard Bible
this captain had answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen? ” Elisha had said, “You will in fact see it with your own eyes, but you won’t eat any of it.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
this captain had answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” Elisha had said, “You will in fact see it with your own eyes, but you won’t eat any of it.”

American Standard Version
and that captain answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if Jehovah should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? and he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof:

Contemporary English Version
But the officer refused to believe that even the LORD could do that. So Elisha warned him that he would see it happen, but would not eat any of the food.

English Revised Version
and that captain answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? and he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the servant answered the man of God, "Could this happen even if the LORD poured rain through windows in the sky?" Elisha answered, "You will see it with your own eyes, but you won't eat any of it.")

Good News Translation
to which the officer had answered, "That can't happen--not even if the LORD himself were to send grain at once!" And Elisha had replied, "You will see it happen, but you won't get to eat any of the food."

International Standard Version
But the royal attendant on whom the king depended responded to the man of God: "Look here! Even if the LORD were to make a window in the sky, how could this happen?" He replied, "No, you look! You'll see it with your eyes, but you won't eat any of it!"

NET Bible
But the officer replied to the prophet, "Look, even if the LORD made it rain by opening holes in the sky, could this happen so soon?" Elisha said, "Look, you will see it happen with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of the food!"

New Heart English Bible
and that captain answered the man of God, and said, "Now, look, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be?" and he said, "Look, you shall see it with your eyes, but shall not eat of it."

Webster's Bible Translation
And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thy eyes, but shalt not eat of it.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And 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!”

World English Bible
and that captain answered the man of God, and said, “Now, behold, if Yahweh made windows in heaven, might such a thing be?” and he said, “Behold, you will see it with your eyes, but will not eat of it.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the captain answers the man of God and says, “And behold, YHWH is making windows in the heavens—will this thing be?” And he says, “Behold, you are seeing it with your eyes, and you do not eat thereof”;

Berean Literal Bible
And that officer had answered the man of God and said, “And behold, if YHWH should make windows in the heavens, could this word come to pass?” And he had said, “Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, and from there you shall not eat.”

Young's Literal Translation
and the captain answereth the man of God, and saith, 'And lo, Jehovah is making windows in the heavens -- it is according to this word?' and he saith, 'Lo, thou art seeing with thine eyes, and thereof thou dost not eat;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the third will answer the man of God and say, Behold, Jehovah making lattices in the heavens, will it be according to this word? and he will say, Behold thee seeing with thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat from thence.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
When that lord answered the man of' God, and said: Although the Lord should make flood-gates in heaven, could this come to pass which thou sayest? And he said to him: Thou shalt see with thy eyes, and shalt not eat thereof.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then that leader had responded to the man of God, and he had said, “Even if the Lord will open the floodgates of heaven, how can what you say possibly happen?” And he said to him, “You will see it with your own eyes, and you will not eat from it.”

New American Bible
The adjutant had answered the man of God, “Even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, how could this happen?” And Elisha had replied, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”

New Revised Standard Version
the captain had answered the man of God, “Even if the LORD were to make windows in the sky, could such a thing happen?” And he had answered, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat from it.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But that mighty man had answered the prophet of God and said, If the LORD should make windows in heaven, could this thing be? And the prophet had said, Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And that Mighty Man had answered and said to the Prophet of God: “If LORD JEHOVAH made windows in Heaven, would this event happen?” And he had said to him: “Behold, you shall see with your eyes, and you shall not eat of it.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and that captain answered the man of God, and said: 'Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be?' and he said: 'Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof';

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the officer answered Elisaie, and said, Behold, if the Lord makes flood-gates in heaven, shall this thing be? and Elisaie said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not eat thereof.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Siege Lifted
18It 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.” 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!” 20And that is just what happened to him. The people trampled him in the gateway, and he died.…

Cross References
And the officer had answered the man of God,

2 Kings 1:9
Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’”

2 Kings 1:11
So the king sent to Elijah another captain with his fifty men. And the captain said to Elijah, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down at once!’”

2 Kings 1:13
So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. And the third captain went up, fell on his knees before Elijah, and begged him, “Man of God, may my life and the lives of these fifty servants of yours please be precious in your sight.
“Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven,

Genesis 7:11
In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.

Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

Psalm 78:23
Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of the heavens.
could this really happen?”

Genesis 18:14
Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.”

Jeremiah 32:17
“Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!

Luke 1:37
For no word from God will ever fail.”
So Elisha had replied,

1 Kings 17:13-14
“Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son, / for 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.’”

2 Kings 4:16-17
And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” / But the woman did conceive, and at that time the next year she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.

2 Kings 8:10
Elisha answered, “Go and tell him, ‘You will surely recover.’ But the LORD has shown me that in fact he will die.”
“You will see it with your own eyes,

Deuteronomy 34:4
And the LORD said to him, “This is the land that I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross into it.”

Deuteronomy 3:27
Go to the top of Pisgah and look to the west and north and south and east. See the land with your own eyes, for you will not cross this Jordan.

Deuteronomy 32:52
Although you shall see from a distance the land that I am giving the Israelites, you shall not enter it.”
but you will not eat any of it!”

Deuteronomy 28:30-31
You will be pledged in marriage to a woman, but another man will violate her. You will build a house but will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard but will not enjoy its fruit. / Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat any of it. Your donkey will be taken away and not returned to you. Your flock will be given to your enemies, and no one will save you.


Treasury of Scripture

And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, but shall not eat thereof.

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Captain Eat Eyes Floodgates Food Heaven Heavens Officer Open Possible Royal Taste Thereof Windows
2 Kings 7
1. Elisha prophesies incredible plenty in Samaria
3. four lepers, venturing on the host of the Syrians, bring tidings of their flight
12. 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 press












And the officer had answered the man of God,
This phrase refers to a royal officer who served the king of Israel. The "man of God" is Elisha, a prominent prophet in Israel. Elisha succeeded Elijah and performed many miracles, serving as God's spokesperson. The officer's response reflects skepticism and disbelief in the prophetic word given by Elisha. This skepticism is a recurring theme in the Bible, where human doubt contrasts with divine promise.

“Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven,
The officer uses hyperbolic language to express his disbelief. The phrase "windows in heaven" suggests an opening through which blessings or rain could pour down, a metaphor for divine intervention. This imagery is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Malachi 3:10, where God promises to "open the windows of heaven" to bless those who are faithful. The officer's statement reflects a lack of faith in God's power to intervene miraculously.

could this really happen?”
This rhetorical question underscores the officer's doubt about the possibility of the miraculous provision Elisha prophesied. It highlights a common human tendency to doubt God's ability to work beyond natural means. The context of this doubt is a severe famine in Samaria, making the promise of abundant food seem impossible. This skepticism is reminiscent of other biblical figures who doubted God's promises, such as Sarah's laughter at the promise of Isaac's birth (Genesis 18:12).

So Elisha had replied,
Elisha's response is authoritative, reflecting his role as a prophet who speaks God's truth. Prophets in the Old Testament often delivered messages that challenged the status quo and called people to trust in God's power and plan. Elisha's reply is not just a prediction but a declaration of divine judgment on the officer's unbelief.

“You will see it with your own eyes,
This phrase indicates that the officer will witness the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy. It emphasizes the certainty of God's word coming to pass, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. Seeing with one's own eyes is a powerful motif, as it implies undeniable evidence of God's intervention. This is similar to Thomas's need to see Jesus' wounds to believe in His resurrection (John 20:25-29).

but you will not eat any of it!”
Elisha's prophecy concludes with a personal judgment on the officer's unbelief. The officer's inability to partake in the blessing serves as a warning about the consequences of doubt and disbelief. This outcome is fulfilled later in the narrative, illustrating the principle that faith is necessary to experience God's promises. The officer's fate is a sobering reminder of the importance of trusting in God's word, akin to the Israelites who doubted and did not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:22-23).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elisha
A prophet of God who succeeded Elijah and performed many miracles. He is central to this account as the one who prophesies the abundance of food.

2. The Officer
A royal officer who doubted Elisha's prophecy. His skepticism is a key element in the unfolding of the events.

3. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was under siege by the Arameans, leading to a severe famine.

4. The Siege
The Aramean army besieged Samaria, causing extreme famine and desperation among the people.

5. The Prophecy
Elisha's prophecy that the famine would end and food would be abundant, which was met with disbelief by the officer.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Doubt
Doubt can blind us to God's power and promises. The officer's skepticism led to his downfall, serving as a warning against disbelief.

God's Sovereignty and Provision
God is sovereign and can provide in miraculous ways, even when circumstances seem impossible. Trust in His provision is crucial.

The Consequences of Unbelief
Unbelief can lead to missing out on God's blessings. The officer saw the fulfillment of the prophecy but did not partake in it.

Faith in God's Promises
Believers are called to have faith in God's promises, even when they seem unlikely. Faith is a key component of the Christian walk.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 7:19?

2. How does 2 Kings 7:19 demonstrate the consequences of doubting God's promises?

3. What can we learn about faith from the officer's response in 2 Kings 7:19?

4. How does 2 Kings 7:19 relate to Hebrews 11:6 about faith's importance?

5. How can we apply the lesson of belief from 2 Kings 7:19 today?

6. What steps can we take to strengthen our faith in God's provision?

7. How does 2 Kings 7:19 challenge our understanding of God's power and promises?

8. What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 7:19?

9. How does 2 Kings 7:19 illustrate the consequences of disbelief?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 7?

11. 2 Kings 7:19–20 — How do we reconcile the exact fulfillment of Elisha’s prophecy about the officer’s death without invoking the supernatural?

12. How do we reconcile the harsh judgment carried out by Jehu in 2 Kings 9 with biblical themes of mercy and divine justice?

13. How does 2 Kings 10:1-11 reconcile mass slaughter with the broader biblical prohibition against murder?

14. How do Psalms foreshadow Jesus Christ's life and mission?
What Does 2 Kings 7:19 Mean
The officer had answered the man of God

• Samaria is starving under Aramean siege (2 Kings 6:24–29). Elisha has just proclaimed that by the next day food will be plentiful and cheap (2 Kings 7:1).

• This “royal officer on whose arm the king leaned” (2 Kings 7:2) voices the court’s response. Like earlier officials who scoffed at Elijah (2 Kings 1:9-14) and later mockers who “despised His words and scoffed at His prophets” (2 Chronicles 36:16), he represents hard-hearted unbelief.

• His words target “the man of God,” yet by dismissing the prophet he dismisses the God who sent him (1 Samuel 8:7; Luke 10:16).


Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven

• The phrase drips with sarcasm: “Even if God threw open the sky, I still wouldn’t believe.”

• Scripture uses “windows of heaven” both for judgment (Genesis 7:11) and for blessing (Malachi 3:10). Elisha’s promise involves blessing, but the officer refuses to imagine divine intervention.

• Similar scoffing: “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:4); “How can God spread a table in the wilderness?” (Psalm 78:19).


Could this really happen?

• Doubt stands in direct contrast to faith that “considers Him faithful who promised” (Hebrews 11:11).

• Unbelief evaluates God’s word by visible circumstances; faith evaluates circumstances by God’s word (Romans 4:20-21).

• Jesus faced the same mindset in Nazareth, where “He could not do many miracles because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58).


You will see it with your own eyes

• Elisha answers with a personal, precise prophecy. The officer will witness the miracle, confirming God’s truth (Jeremiah 1:12), but merely seeing will not benefit him (John 3:36).

• Precedent: Moses views Canaan from Pisgah yet cannot enter (Deuteronomy 32:52). Jesus warns that Abraham’s sons may “see the kingdom… but be thrown out” (Luke 13:28).


But you will not eat any of it!

• Judgment fits the offense: the man who doubted provision will starve amid abundance. Fulfillment is recorded the next day when the people trample him in the gate (2 Kings 7:17-20).

• The principle echoes throughout Scripture:

– “Whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

– Israel in the wilderness “could not enter because of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:19).

– Pride brings exclusion: “He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34).


summary

2 Kings 7:19 highlights the deadly seriousness of unbelief. In the face of God’s clear promise, the officer scoffs, limiting the Almighty to human possibilities. Elisha answers that the man will witness the miracle yet miss its blessings—a warning that God’s word will surely stand, and faith is the door through which His provision is enjoyed.

(19) That lord.--The adjutant.

Now.--And.

Might such a thing be?--Literally, Might it happen according to this word? But the LXX., Syriac, and Vulg.,with many Hebrew MSS., read, as in 2Kings 7:2, "Might this thing (or word) be?"

Verse 19. - And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the Lord should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof (see the comment on the preceding verse).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And the officer
הַשָּׁלִ֜ישׁ (haš·šā·lîš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7991: A triple, a triangle, a three-fold measure, a general of the third rank

had answered
וַיַּ֨עַן (way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

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

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

“Look,
וְהִנֵּ֣ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

even if the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

were to make
עֹשֶׂ֤ה (‘ō·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

windows
אֲרֻבּוֹת֙ (’ă·rub·bō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 699: A lattice, a window, dovecot, chimney, sluice

in heaven,
בַּשָּׁמַ֔יִם (baš·šā·ma·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

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

really happen?”
הֲיִהְיֶ֖ה (hă·yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

So Elisha had replied,
וַיֹּאמַר֒ (way·yō·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“You will see [it]
רֹאֶה֙ (rō·’eh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

with your own eyes,
בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ (bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

but you will not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

eat
תֹאכֵֽל׃ (ṯō·ḵêl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

any of it.”
וּמִשָּׁ֖ם (ū·miš·šām)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither


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OT History: 2 Kings 7:19 And that captain answered the man (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 7:18
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