2 Kings 3:14 Then Elisha said, "As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not for my regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or acknowledge you.

◄ 2 Kings 3:14 ►

New International Version
Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not pay any attention to you.

New Living Translation
Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, I wouldn’t even bother with you except for my respect for King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

English Standard Version
And Elisha said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you nor see you.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not for my regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or acknowledge you.

King James Bible
And Elisha said, As the LORD 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.

New King James Version
And Elisha said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you, nor see you.

New American Standard Bible
Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD of armies lives, before whom I stand, if I did not respect Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you.

NASB 1995
Elisha said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you.

NASB 1977
And Elisha said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Elisha said, “As Yahweh of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you.

Amplified Bible
Elisha said, “As the LORD of hosts (armies) lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you [king of Israel].

Christian Standard Bible
Elisha responded, “By the life of the LORD of Armies, before whom I stand: If I did not have respect for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, I wouldn’t look at you; I would not take notice of you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Elisha responded, “As the LORD of Hosts lives, I stand before Him. If I did not have respect for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, I would not look at you; I wouldn’t take notice of you.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Elisha said to him, "I serve the LORD All-Powerful, and as surely as he lives, I swear I wouldn't even look at you if I didn't respect King Jehoshaphat."

English Revised Version
And Elisha said, As the LORD 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Elisha answered, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD of Armies whom I serve lives, I wouldn't even bother to look at you or notice you if it weren't for my respect for King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

Good News Translation
Elisha answered, "By the living LORD, whom I serve, I swear that I would have nothing to do with you if I didn't respect your ally, King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

International Standard Version
But Elisha responded, "As the LORD of the Heavenly Armies lives, in whose presence I stand, I would never pay attention to you or even look in your direction were it not for my continuous respect for the presence of King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Elisha said, ?As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not for my regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or acknowledge you.

NET Bible
Elisha said, "As certainly as the LORD who rules over all lives (whom I serve), if I did not respect King Jehoshaphat of Judah, I would not pay attention to you or acknowledge you.

New Heart English Bible
Elisha said, "As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I respect the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward you, nor see you.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Elisha said, As the LORD 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 towards thee, nor see thee.

World English Bible
Elisha said, “As Yahweh of Armies lives, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I respect the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward you, nor see you.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Elisha says, “YHWH of Hosts lives, before whom I have stood; for unless I am lifting up the face of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I do not look to you, nor see you;

Young's Literal Translation
And Elisha saith, 'Jehovah of Hosts liveth, before whom I have stood; for unless the face of Jehoshaphat king of Judah I am lifting up, I do not look unto thee, nor see thee;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Elisha will say, Jehovah of armies lives whom I stand before him, for unless I accept the face of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, if I will look to thee and if I will, see thee.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Eliseus said to him: As the Lord of hosts liveth, in whose sight I stand, if I did not reverence the face of Josaphat king of Juda, I would not have hearkened to thee, nor looked on thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Elisha said to him: “As the Lord of hosts lives, in whose sight I stand, if I was not humbled by the face of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, certainly I would neither have listened to you, nor have looked upon you.

New American Bible
Then Elisha said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, whom I serve, were it not that I respect Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, I should neither look at you nor notice you at all.

New Revised Standard Version
Elisha said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, whom I serve, were it not that I have regard for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, I would give you neither a look nor a glance.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward you nor see you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Elisha said, “As LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts is living, before whom I stand, if I were not shamed before the face of Yushaphat King of Yehuda, I would not have looked at you and I would not have seen you.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Elisha said: 'As the LORD 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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Elisaie said, As the Lord of hosts before whom I stand lives, unless I regarded the presence of Josaphat the king of Juda, I would not have looked on thee, nor seen thee.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Joram Overcomes Moab's Rebellion
…13Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel, “What have we to do with each other? Go to the prophets of your father and of your mother!” “No,” replied the king of Israel, “for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab.” 14Then Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not for my regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or acknowledge you. 15But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Kings 17:1
Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!”

1 Kings 18:15
Then Elijah said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will present myself to Ahab today.”

2 Kings 5:16
But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.

2 Kings 2:2
and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.

2 Kings 2:4
And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho.

2 Kings 2:6
And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.

2 Kings 4:30
And the mother of the boy said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her.

2 Kings 6:31
He announced, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders through this day!”

2 Kings 13:14
When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!”

1 Samuel 12:18
So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.

Jeremiah 15:1
Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go!

Jeremiah 14:11-12
Then the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people. / Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.”

Amos 7:8
“Amos, what do you see?” asked the LORD. “A plumb line,” I replied. “Behold,” said the Lord, “I am setting a plumb line among My people Israel; I will no longer spare them:

Amos 8:2
“Amos, what do you see?” He asked. “A basket of summer fruit,” I replied. So the LORD said to me, “The end has come for My people Israel; I will no longer spare them.”

Matthew 10:14
And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.

Treasury of Scripture

And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward you, nor see you.

As the Lord

2 Kings 5:16
But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.

1 Kings 17:1
And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

1 Kings 18:15
And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.

I regard

2 Chronicles 17:3-9
And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; …

2 Chronicles 19:3,4
Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God…

Psalm 15:4
In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

I would not look

1 Samuel 15:26-31
And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel…

1 Kings 14:5
And the LORD said unto Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shalt thou say unto her: for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman.

1 Kings 21:20
And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.

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2 Kings 3

1. Jehoram's reign
4. Mesha rebels
6. Jehoram, with Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom, being distressed for want of water,
13. by Elisha obtains water, and promise of victory
21. The Moabites, deceived by the colour of the water, coming to spoil, are overcome
26. The king of Moab sacrifices his son, and raises the siege

Berean Study Bible

Then Elisha said
Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, speaks with authority and confidence. His role as a prophet is to convey God's messages to the people and their leaders. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies a declaration or proclamation, emphasizing the weight and seriousness of his words. Elisha's speech is not merely his own but is inspired by divine authority.

As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives
This phrase is an oath, invoking the living God, the "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot), a title that emphasizes God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It underscores the reality and power of God, who is actively involved in the affairs of the world. The use of this title reflects the belief in God's omnipotence and His role as a divine warrior who fights for His people.

before whom I stand
Elisha acknowledges his position as a servant of God, standing in His presence. The phrase "before whom I stand" indicates a posture of readiness and obedience, reminiscent of a court official standing before a king. It highlights Elisha's role as a mediator between God and the people, emphasizing his accountability to God above all.

if I did not have regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is noted for his faithfulness to God, contrasting with the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom of Israel. Elisha's regard for Jehoshaphat signifies the importance of righteous leadership and the blessings that accompany it. The Hebrew word for "regard" (נָשָׂא, nasa) can mean to lift up or to show favor, indicating Elisha's respect for Jehoshaphat's godliness.

I would not look at you or acknowledge you
Elisha's words to the king of Israel, likely Jehoram, are a rebuke. The phrase "look at you or acknowledge you" suggests a deliberate choice to ignore or dismiss someone. In the Hebrew context, to "look" (רָאָה, ra'ah) and "acknowledge" (נָכַר, nakar) implies recognition and acceptance. Elisha's refusal to do so underscores the king's unworthiness due to his departure from God's ways, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the importance of aligning with God's will.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(14) Before whom I stand.--As a minister. (Comp. 1Kings 17:1; 1Kings 18:15.)

Surely.--Ki (for); used as in 2Kings 3:10 ("I cry, alas!" "I thus swear," for, &c.). Jehoshaphat is accepted because of his faithful dependence on Jehovah (2Kings 3:11). Jehoram still maintained or tolerated the cultus of Bethel and Dan. (See 2Kings 3:3.) . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 14. - And Elisha said, As the Lord 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. Jehoshaphat's conduct had not been blameless; he had twice incurred the rebuke of a prophet for departures from the line of strict duty - once for "helping the ungodly" Ahab at Ramoth-Gilead (2 Chronicles 19:2); and a second time for "joining himself with Ahaziah to make ships to go to Ophir" (2 Chronicles 20:36; comp. 1 Kings 22:48). Even now he was engaged in an expedition which had received no Divine sanction, and was allied with two idolatrous monarchs. But Elisha condones these derelictions of duty in consideration of the king's honesty of purpose and steady attachment to Jehovah, which is witnessed to by the authors both of Kings (1 Kings 22:43; 2 Kings 3:11) and Chronicles (2 Chronicles 17:3-6; 2 Chronicles 19:4-11; 2 Chronicles 20:5-21, etc.). He "regards the presence of Jehoshaphat," and therefore consents to return an answer to the three kings, and announce to them the mode of their deliverance. The adjuration wherewith he opens his speech is one of great solemnity, only used upon very special occasions (see 1 Kings 17:1; 2 Kings 5:16), and adds great force to his declaration.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then Elisha
אֱלִישָׁ֗ע (’ĕ·lî·šā‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 477: Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet

said,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“As surely as the LORD
יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts
צְבָאוֹת֙ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

lives,
חַי־ (ḥay-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

before
לְפָנָ֔יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

whom
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I stand,
עָמַ֣דְתִּי (‘ā·maḏ·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

were it not
לוּלֵ֛י (lū·lê)
Conjunction
Strong's 3884: If not, unless

for my regard
נֹשֵׂ֑א (nō·śê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

for the presence
פְּנֵ֛י (pə·nê)
Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

of Jehoshaphat
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

king
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Judah,
יְהוּדָ֖ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

I would not
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

look
אַבִּ֥יט (’ab·bîṭ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5027: To scan, look intently at, to regard

at you
אֵלֶ֖יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

or
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

acknowledge you.
אֶרְאֶֽךָּ׃ (’er·’e·kā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

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OT History: 2 Kings 3:14 Elisha said As Yahweh of Armies lives (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)