Old Testament
2 Kings 6:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment, Elisha, a prophet, recognizes that his servant is overwhelmed by fear.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Then Elisha prayed, "LORD, please open his eyes so he can see." The LORD opened the young man's eyes, and he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Elisha, a prophet, recognizes that his servant is overwhelmed by fear. The servant sees an army surrounding them, and he feels hopeless. Elisha prays to God, asking Him to open the young man's eyes. When God answers, the servant sees a powerful sight: the mountains filled with horses and chariots of fire. This vision reveals that God’s protection is far greater than any earthly threat. It’s a reminder that we often miss the bigger picture when we focus solely on our immediate problems. God is always present, even when we can’t see Him. This story encourages us to trust in God’s unseen support and strength, especially in difficult times. It teaches us that faith can open our eyes to the reality of God’s power and presence in our lives, helping us to face our fears with courage and confidence. We are never alone, and there is always more to the story than what we can see with our physical eyes. God’s army is always ready to protect and support us, even when we feel vulnerable.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 6:17 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that you are not alone. Pray for clarity and strength, just as Elisha did. Trust that God is working behind the scenes, even if you can't see it. Open your heart to the possibility of divine help in your life. Stay aware of the support that surrounds you every day, even in tough times. “God is with you.” “Trust Him.” “Believe.” “Pray.” “See.” “Feel.” “Know.” “Live.” “Love.” “Hope.” “Believe.”
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 6:17 mean?
2 Kings 6:17 describes a moment when Elisha prays for his servant to see the divine protection surrounding them. The verse illustrates that God's support is often unseen but always present, encouraging believers to trust in His power.
What is the meaning of 'open his eyes' in 2 Kings 6:17?
The phrase 'open his eyes' in 2 Kings 6:17 signifies a request for spiritual insight. It emphasizes the need to see beyond physical circumstances and recognize God's greater reality and protection.
How does 2 Kings 6:17 relate to overcoming fear?
2 Kings 6:17 relates to overcoming fear by showing that when we focus on God's protection, we can find courage in difficult situations. The servant's eyes being opened reveals that there is more to our reality than what we can see.
What can we learn from 2 Kings 6:17?
From 2 Kings 6:17, we learn that prayer can help us gain clarity and strength in challenging times. It teaches us to trust in God's unseen support and to remain aware of His presence, even when we feel vulnerable.
The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
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