Old Testament
2 Kings 6:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
One day, as the king of Israel was walking along the city wall, a woman cried out to him, "Help me, my lord the king!"
Compare translations
And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.
What 2 Kings 6:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the king of Israel is walking along the city wall, a place where he can see the struggles of his people. A desperate woman calls out to him for help, highlighting the dire situation they are facing. This scene captures the intensity of their suffering during a time of famine and conflict. The woman's plea is not just for assistance; it reflects the deep pain and hopelessness that many are experiencing. The king, as a leader, is confronted with the reality of his people's needs. This encounter emphasizes the importance of compassion and the responsibility of leaders to respond to the cries of those in distress. It serves as a reminder that in times of crisis, reaching out for help is a vital step towards finding solutions. The king's role is not just to rule but to listen and act on behalf of his people, showing that leadership is about empathy and action in the face of hardship. This moment is a powerful illustration of the human condition and the need for connection and support.
How to apply 2 Kings 6:26 to your life
When you see someone in need, don't hesitate to offer your help. Just like the king, we all have a role in supporting those around us. Listening to others' struggles can make a significant difference. Remember, compassion can lead to action that transforms lives. Be a source of hope in your community!
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 6:26
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 6:26
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 6:26 mean?
2 Kings 6:26 depicts a moment of desperation during a time of famine in Israel. A woman cries out to the king for help, highlighting the suffering of the people and the king's responsibility to respond to their needs.
What is the significance of the woman calling out to the king in 2 Kings 6:26?
The woman's plea to the king represents the deep pain and hopelessness experienced by the people during a crisis. It emphasizes the importance of leadership and compassion in addressing the struggles of the community.
How does 2 Kings 6:26 relate to leadership?
In 2 Kings 6:26, the king's encounter with the desperate woman highlights the role of leaders in listening to and acting on behalf of their people. It serves as a reminder that effective leadership involves empathy and responsiveness to the needs of the community.
What themes are present in 2 Kings 6:26?
The themes in 2 Kings 6:26 include desperation, leadership, compassion, crisis, community, and hope. These themes reflect the human condition and the necessity for connection and support during difficult times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.