King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 13:23 Mean?

2 Kings 13:23 in the King James Version says “And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet. presence: Heb. face”

2 Kings 13:23 · KJV

Context

21

And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. was: Heb. went down

22

But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.

23

And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet. presence: Heb. face

24

So Hazael king of Syria died; and Benhadad his son reigned in his stead.

25

And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel. took: Heb. returned and took

Read 2 Kings 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 13 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Decline of Israel and Judah) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 13 regarding god's patience with recurring apostasy?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיָּחָן֩1 of 21

“was gracious”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

יְהוָ֨ה2 of 21

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֹתָ֤ם3 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וַֽיְרַחֲמֵם֙4 of 21

“unto them and had compassion”

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

וַיִּ֣פֶן5 of 21

“on them and had respect”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם6 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְמַ֣עַן7 of 21

“unto them because of”

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

בְּרִית֔וֹ8 of 21

“his covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֶת9 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אַבְרָהָ֖ם10 of 21

“with Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

יִצְחָ֣ק11 of 21

“Isaac”

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

וְיַֽעֲקֹ֑ב12 of 21

“and Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וְלֹ֤א13 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָבָה֙14 of 21

“and would”

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

הַשְׁחִיתָ֔ם15 of 21

“not destroy”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

וְלֹֽא16 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִשְׁלִיכָ֥ם17 of 21

“them neither cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

מֵֽעַל18 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פָּנָ֖יו19 of 21

“he them from his presence”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עַד20 of 21

“as yet”

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עָֽתָּה׃21 of 21
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 13:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 13:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 105:82 Kings 14:27Micah 7:18-20Exodus 2:24-25Psalms 86:15Genesis 13:16-17

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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