King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:12 Mean?

2 Kings 8:12 in the King James Version says “And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Is...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 8:12 · KJV

Context

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.

13

And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.

14

So he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to thee? And he answered, He told me that thou shouldest surely recover.

Read 2 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 24 words
וַיֹּ֡אמֶר1 of 24

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חֲזָאֵ֔ל2 of 24

“And Hazael”

H2371

chazael, a king of syria

מַדּ֖וּעַ3 of 24
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

אֲדֹנִ֣י4 of 24

“my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

בֹכֶ֑ה5 of 24

“Why weepeth”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

וַיֹּ֡אמֶר6 of 24

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כִּֽי7 of 24
H3588

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

יָדַ֡עְתִּי8 of 24

“Because I know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֵ֣ת9 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲשֶׁר10 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תַּֽעֲשֶׂה֩11 of 24

“that thou wilt do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִבְנֵ֨י12 of 24

“unto the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל13 of 24

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

רָעָ֗ה14 of 24

“the evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

מִבְצְרֵיהֶ֞ם15 of 24

“their strong holds”

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

תְּשַׁלַּ֤ח16 of 24

“wilt thou set”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בָּאֵשׁ֙17 of 24

“on fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וּבַחֻֽרֵיהֶם֙18 of 24

“and their young men”

H970

properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)

בַּחֶ֣רֶב19 of 24

“with the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

תַּֽהֲרֹ֔ג20 of 24

“wilt thou slay”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

וְעֹֽלְלֵיהֶ֣ם21 of 24

“their children”

H5768

a suckling

תְּרַטֵּ֔שׁ22 of 24

“and wilt dash”

H7376

to dash down

וְהָרֹֽתֵיהֶ֖ם23 of 24

“their women with child”

H2030

pregnant

תְּבַקֵּֽעַ׃24 of 24

“and rip up”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

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 8:12 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 8:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 13:16Nahum 3:102 Kings 15:162 Kings 12:172 Kings 13:3Amos 1:13

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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