King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:10 Mean?

2 Kings 8:10 in the King James Version says “And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.”

2 Kings 8:10 · KJV

Context

8

And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?

9

So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? with: Heb. in his hand

10

And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.

11

And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. stedfastly: Heb. and set it

12

And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.

Read 2 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. 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. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

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 8 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's International Influence) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. 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 8 regarding prophetic word shapes national events?
  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 · 13 words
אֱמָר1 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָיו֙2 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלִישָׁ֔ע3 of 13

“And Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

לֵ֥ךְ4 of 13
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֱמָר5 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֖אֹ6 of 13
H3808

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

תִֽחְיֶ֑ה7 of 13

“recover”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

תִֽחְיֶ֑ה8 of 13

“recover”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וְהִרְאַ֥נִי9 of 13

“hath shewed”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יְהוָ֖ה10 of 13

“howbeit the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּי11 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָמֽוּת׃12 of 13

“die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יָמֽוּת׃13 of 13

“die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 8:10 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 8:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 11:252 Kings 8:13-15Amos 7:1Amos 7:4Genesis 41:39Zechariah 1:20

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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