2 Kings 6:16 Explained

"And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." — 2 Kings 6:16 (KJV)

A statement of arithmetic that was false by every visible measure, made by a man who could see what his servant could not.

Read it in context: The Book of 2 Kings. Also gathered under verses about fear.

2 Kings 6:16 in context

What does 2 Kings 6:16 mean?

Elisha does not dispute the count; he disputes what is being counted. The claim is not that the danger is smaller than it looks but that the tally is incomplete. And the prayer that follows is precise — he asks for sight, not for rescue, which suggests the problem he diagnosed was perception rather than circumstance.

What is the context of 2 Kings 6:16?

The Syrian army has surrounded Dothan overnight to capture Elisha. His servant goes out in the morning, sees the encirclement and panics. This is the reply, and in the next verse Elisha prays that the servant's eyes be opened rather than that the army be removed.

How do I pray 2 Kings 6:16?

Pray Elisha's actual prayer rather than the one you want: ask to see, not for the situation to change. Then name what you are counting and admit that the list may be short. The army in the story is still there at the end of the chapter; what changes is the servant.

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