2 Kings 3:14

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 3:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Elisha said, As Jehovah of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Elisha said, As Jehovah of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.
2 Kings 3:14 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And Elisha said, As Jehovah of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Elisha said, as the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, etc.] Whose minster and prophet he was, to whom he prayed, and whose service he was ready to perform: surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah; revere him not only as a king, but as a pious prince, and a worshipper of the true God: I would not look toward thee, nor see thee; give him no countenance at all, pay no regard to his request, not so much as to look at him in a civil way; but turn away his face from him with contempt and disdain, as unworthy to be conversed with by a prophet of the Lord.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Jehoshaphat - Whom I reverence and love for his piety. It is good being with those who have God's favour, and the love of his people. Wicked men often fare the better, for the friendship and society of good men. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 3:15”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“As the Lord: Kg2 5:16; Kg1 17:1, Kg1 18:15 I regard: Ch2 17:3-9, Ch2 19:3, Ch2 19:4; Psa 15:4 I would not look: Sa1 15:26-31; Kg1 14:5-18, Kg1 21:20; Jer 1:18; Dan 5:17-23; Mat 22:16 4 Kings (2 Kings) 3:15”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification