2 Kings 6:31

31 He said, "May God strike me dead if the head of Elisha, son of Shaphat, stays on his [body] today."

2 Kings 6:31 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 6:31

Then he said, God do so and more also to me
He swore and made dreadful imprecations:

if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day;
imputing the sore famine to him, because he had foretold it, and did not pray for the removal of it, as he might; and perhaps had advised and encouraged the king to hold out the siege, which had brought them to this extremity, and therefore was enraged at him.

2 Kings 6:31 In-Context

29 So we boiled my son and ate him. The next day I told her, 'Give up your son. We'll eat him,' but she hid her son."

30 When the king heard the woman say this, he tore his clothes [in distress]. As he was walking on the city wall, the people saw that he was wearing sackcloth under his clothes.

31 He said, "May God strike me dead if the head of Elisha, son of Shaphat, stays on his [body] today."

32 Elisha was sitting in his home with the [city's] leaders. The king had sent one of his men ahead of him [to Elisha's house]. But before the messenger arrived, Elisha asked the leaders, "Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to tear off my head? When the messenger comes, close the door. Hold it shut because the king will be following him."

33 While he was still talking to them, the messenger arrived. He said to Elisha, "This severe famine is from the LORD. Why should I wait any longer for the LORD [to help us]?"