What does 2 Kings 2:19 mean?
"¶ And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren." - 2 Kings 2:19

The Bible verse 2 Kings 2:19 from the King James Version (KJV) states, "And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my Lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren."
This verse comes from the Old Testament book of 2 Kings, which contains the historical account of the kings of Israel and Judah following the reign of Solomon. This particular verse is found in the context of Elisha's ministry. Elisha was a prophet who succeeded Elijah, and he carried out many miracles and acts of God's power during his ministry.
In this verse, the men of the city are acknowledging Elisha as a spiritual leader and are seeking his help with a practical problem; they are recognizing the "pleasant" situation of their city, but they are also acknowledging the presence of a significant issue with their water source. The water is described as "naught" or bad, and the ground as "barren." In this context, the city is likely facing agricultural challenges due to their water source being contaminated or otherwise unusable.
This verse holds broader themes that can be applied to the Christian life and faith as well. One theme that can be drawn from this verse is the idea of acknowledging a problem and seeking help. The men of the city did not try to hide or ignore the issue with their water source, but instead, they brought it to Elisha, a man of God, seeking a solution. It is a reminder for us to be open and honest about our challenges and to seek guidance and help from others, including spiritual leaders.
Another theme from this verse is the idea of spiritual renewal and transformation. The city itself is described as "pleasant," indicating that there are good aspects of the city. However, the problem with the water source and barren ground represents a need for renewal and transformation. This can be seen as a metaphor for our own spiritual lives; even when we have good aspects to our lives, there may still be areas that are in need of cleansing and renewal through the power of God. Elisha's intervention in this situation can serve as a reminder that God has the power to transform and renew any situation, no matter how dire it may seem.
Symbolism can also be found in this verse. Water is often used symbolically in the Bible to represent life, purity, and refreshment. In this context, the contaminated water and barren ground can be seen as symbols of spiritual stagnation and impurity. The intervention of Elisha to purify the water and renew the ground can be seen as a symbol of God's power to cleanse and renew our own spiritual lives.
This verse also holds significance in terms of the context in which it occurs. During the time of Elijah and Elisha, there was a great spiritual struggle in the land of Israel. The people were often turning away from God and facing the consequences of their disobedience. In this context, the problems in the city's water source can be seen as a physical manifestation of the spiritual issues that were prevalent at the time. Elisha's ability to address and resolve these issues can be seen as a demonstration of God's power to bring about renewal and restoration, even in the midst of widespread spiritual struggle.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 2:19 from the KJV is a verse that holds deeper meaning and significance beyond its literal context. It addresses themes of acknowledging problems and seeking help, as well as the idea of spiritual renewal and transformation. It also contains symbolism that can be applied to our own spiritual lives. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of God's power to cleanse, renew, and restore any situation, no matter how dire it may seem.
Have questions about 2 Kings 2:19?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Kings 2:19 Artwork
2 Kings 2:19 - "¶ And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren."
"¶ And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren." - 2 Kings 2:19
2 Kings 19:2
2 Kings 19:2
2 Kings 19:2
2 Kings 19:17 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,"
2 Kings 3:16-19
2 Kings 19:5 - "So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah."
2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 16:19 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 19:36 - "So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh."
2 Kings 19:2 - "And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz."
2 Kings 19:13 - "Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?"
2 Kings 19:11 - "Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly: and shalt thou be delivered?"
2 Kings 19:34 - "For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake."
2 Kings 24:19 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done."
2 Kings 17:19 - "Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made."
2 Kings 19:33 - "By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD."
"Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands," - 2 Kings 19:17
2 Kings 19:27 - "But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me."
2 Kings 5:19 - "And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way."
2 Kings 19:30 - "And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward."
2 Kings 19:14 - "¶ And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD."
"So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah." - 2 Kings 19:5
2 Kings 19:1 - "And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 19:8 - "¶ So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish."
2 Kings 11:19 - "And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings."
2 Kings 19:31 - "For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this."
2 Kings 19:18 - "And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them."
2 Kings 14:19 - "Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there."