Old Testament
2 Kings 6:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Once they were inside Samaria, Elisha prayed, "LORD, open their eyes so they can see." The LORD opened their eyes, and they realized they were standing in the middle of Samaria.
Compare translations
And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
What 2 Kings 6:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Elisha, a prophet, finds himself surrounded by an army. Instead of fear, he chooses to pray for his captors. He asks God to open their eyes, allowing them to see the truth of their situation. When God answers, the soldiers realize they are in Samaria, the very place they intended to conquer. This act of opening their eyes symbolizes a deeper understanding, not just of their physical surroundings but also of their spiritual blindness. It highlights the power of perspective and the importance of seeing beyond immediate circumstances. Elisha's prayer reflects compassion, showing that even in conflict, there is room for mercy and revelation. This story encourages us to seek clarity and understanding in our own lives, especially when faced with challenges or misunderstandings. It reminds us that sometimes, we need help to see the truth clearly, and that help can come from a higher source, guiding us to a better understanding of our reality and our relationships.
How to apply 2 Kings 6:20 to your life
When facing difficult situations, take a moment to pause and seek clarity. Ask for insight, not just for yourself but for others involved. This can transform conflicts into opportunities for understanding and growth. Remember, seeing the bigger picture can change everything in your life and relationships. Be open to new perspectives and revelations that may come your way.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Kings 6:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Kings 6:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 6:20 mean?
2 Kings 6:20 describes a moment when Elisha prays for the eyes of an army to be opened, allowing them to see they are in Samaria. This signifies a shift in understanding, revealing their true situation and emphasizing the importance of spiritual insight.
What is the significance of Elisha's prayer in 2 Kings 6:20?
Elisha's prayer highlights his compassion for his captors, asking God to open their eyes. This act symbolizes the need for clarity and understanding, showing that even in conflict, there is room for mercy and revelation.
What does 'open their eyes' mean in 2 Kings 6:20?
The phrase 'open their eyes' in 2 Kings 6:20 refers to gaining spiritual insight and understanding. It suggests that the soldiers were blind to the reality of their situation, and Elisha's prayer sought to reveal the truth to them.
What lesson can we learn from 2 Kings 6:20?
From 2 Kings 6:20, we learn the importance of seeking clarity and understanding in difficult situations. It encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and to be open to new perspectives that can lead to resolution and growth.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.