2 Kings 7:19 Meaning and Explanation
“And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The officer's mocking question about windows in heaven is answered with a solemn pronouncement: he will witness the abundance but never taste it.
The Context of 2 Kings 7:19
Days before, when the prophet promised deliverance from famine, this officer scoffed, implying that such a thing was as impossible as God making windows in the sky to pour down grain. The prophet's reply was not defensive but measured and prophetic.
2 Kings 7:19 in the Original Language
shabat (Heb.), 'window' -- The Hebrew word for the opening through which light enters, used metaphorically for something that seems impossibly high and distant, like the vault of heaven itself.
How to Apply 2 Kings 7:19 Today
We can easily find ourselves in the officer's position, doubting what God has said and mocking his promises as impossible. Yet God does not always argue with our doubt; sometimes he simply lets his word unfold, allowing us to witness its truth while we remain outside it. The better path is to repent of our mockery while there is still time, to believe before the fulfillment comes, so that we may partake in the blessing rather than merely witness it from the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 7:19
What does 2 Kings 7:19 mean?
The officer's mocking question about windows in heaven is answered with a solemn pronouncement: he will witness the abundance but never taste it.
What is the context of 2 Kings 7:19?
Days before, when the prophet promised deliverance from famine, this officer scoffed, implying that such a thing was as impossible as God making windows in the sky to pour down grain. The prophet's reply was not defensive but measured and prophetic.
How can I apply 2 Kings 7:19 today?
We can easily find ourselves in the officer's position, doubting what God has said and mocking his promises as impossible. Yet God does not always argue with our doubt; sometimes he simply lets his word unfold, allowing us to witness its truth while we remain outside it. The better path is to repent of our mockery while there is still time, to believe before the fulfillment comes, so that we may partake in the blessing rather than merely witness it from the outside.