2 Kings 6:5

5 But as one was felling a beam, the ax head fell into the water; and he cried and said, "Alas, master! For it was borrowed!"

2 Kings 6:5 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 6:5

But as one was felling a beam
Cutting down a tree, or a branch of it:

the axe head fell into the water:
into the waters of Jordan; or "the iron" ^F4, the iron part of it, with which the wood was cut; that flew off from the helve into the water:

and he cried, and said, alas, master! for it was borrowed:
it grieved him to lose his axe, because he could do no more work, and the more because it was not his own, but he had borrowed it of his neighbour; and still more, because, as it seems, he was poor, and not able to pay for it, which, being of an honest disposition, gave him distress.

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FOOTNOTES:

F4 (lzrbh) "ferrum", Pagninus, Montanus

2 Kings 6:5 In-Context

3 And one said, "Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants." And he answered, "I will go."

4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down wood.

5 But as one was felling a beam, the ax head fell into the water; and he cried and said, "Alas, master! For it was borrowed!"

6 And the man of God said, "Where fell it?" And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick and cast it in thither, and the iron did swim.

7 Therefore said he, "Take it up to thee." And he put out his hand and took it.