2 Kings 13:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Elisha places his hands upon the king's hands on the bow, a physical gesture that transfers prophetic power and authority for coming victory.
The Context of 2 Kings 13:16
Elisha, on his deathbed, calls the king of Israel to himself and teaches him a prophetic lesson of victory. The bow represents Israel's military strength, but only as directed by God's prophet.
What Does 2 Kings 13:16 Mean?
The prophet's touch is not magic but covenant. Elisha lays his aged hands upon the young king's hands, linking mortal weakness to divine purpose. The bow itself was a symbol of strength and conquest throughout Scripture, from the psalmist's declaration that God trains hands for war to the archer who strikes the enemy from afar. But here the bow means nothing without the prophet's hands guiding it, nothing without faith that God's deliverance comes through this vessel.
We encounter the same principle in the gospel: our hands are powerless without Christ's hands guiding them. The king must learn that his military might is only effective as it aligns with God's word and purpose. Elisha's dying act is to teach Israel that victory does not rest on human strength or strategy alone, but on faith in the God who speaks through His prophets and fulfills His promises.
2 Kings 13:16 in the Original Language
cheshet (חשת), 'bow' -- the weapon of archery, also metaphorically the covenant sign of God's providential power
How to Apply 2 Kings 13:16 Today
When God calls us to action, He does not leave us alone. Seek His guidance through His word and His Spirit, and trust that the work we do in obedience carries His power, not our own. Our strength lies not in what we can accomplish, but in whose hands guide our effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 13:16
What does 2 Kings 13:16 mean?
Elisha places his hands upon the king's hands on the bow, a physical gesture that transfers prophetic power and authority for coming victory.
What is the context of 2 Kings 13:16?
Elisha, on his deathbed, calls the king of Israel to himself and teaches him a prophetic lesson of victory. The bow represents Israel's military strength, but only as directed by God's prophet.
How can I apply 2 Kings 13:16 today?
When God calls us to action, He does not leave us alone. Seek His guidance through His word and His Spirit, and trust that the work we do in obedience carries His power, not our own. Our strength lies not in what we can accomplish, but in whose hands guide our effort.