Old Testament
2 Kings 7:18
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, the prophet's words come to life, showing that what was once thought impossible is now a reality.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
It all happened just as the man of God had told the king: "By this time tomorrow, two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria."
And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the prophet's words come to life, showing that what was once thought impossible is now a reality. The people of Samaria had been suffering from a severe famine, and hope seemed lost. Yet, the man of God confidently declared that within a day, food prices would drop dramatically. This was a promise of abundance in a time of desperation. The king, who had doubted the prophet's message, now sees the fulfillment of these words. It serves as a reminder that even in the bleakest situations, change can happen swiftly. Trusting in a higher plan can lead to unexpected blessings. This moment illustrates the power of faith and the importance of listening to wise counsel, especially when circumstances appear dire. It encourages us to remain hopeful and open to possibilities, even when they seem far-fetched or impossible. The transformation from scarcity to plenty is a powerful testament to the potential for renewal and restoration in our lives, no matter how dire our circumstances may seem.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 7:18 to your life
When facing difficult times, remember that change can happen quickly. Stay open to new possibilities and trust in the guidance of those who offer wisdom. Even in moments of despair, hold onto hope and believe that better days are ahead. Your situation can transform unexpectedly, just like in this story. Embrace the journey ahead with faith and optimism, knowing that renewal is possible at any moment. “,”chapter_summary_teaser”:
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 7:18 mean?
2 Kings 7:18 describes the fulfillment of a prophecy by the man of God, indicating that food prices in Samaria would drop significantly within a day. This verse highlights the power of faith and the possibility of sudden change in desperate circumstances.
What is the significance of the man of God in 2 Kings 7:18?
The man of God in 2 Kings 7:18 represents a prophet who delivers God's message of hope during a time of famine. His words demonstrate the importance of trusting in divine guidance, especially when situations seem hopeless.
What does the phrase 'two seahs of barley for a shekel' mean in 2 Kings 7:18?
The phrase 'two seahs of barley for a shekel' in 2 Kings 7:18 indicates a dramatic drop in food prices, symbolizing a turnaround from scarcity to abundance. It emphasizes the miraculous provision that can occur even in dire situations.
How does 2 Kings 7:18 relate to hope and faith?
2 Kings 7:18 relates to hope and faith by showing that even in the bleakest situations, a promise of abundance can emerge. It encourages believers to maintain faith in the face of adversity, as change can happen unexpectedly.
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.
Unlock the full 2 Kings summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 2 Kings — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 25 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 2 Kings summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.