King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:13 Mean?

2 Kings 8:13 in the King James Version says “And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 8:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.

Read 2 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 · 19 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 19

“answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חֲזָהאֵ֔ל2 of 19

“And Hazael”

H2371

chazael, a king of syria

כִּ֣י3 of 19
H3588

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

מָ֤ה4 of 19
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עַבְדְּךָ֙5 of 19

“But what is thy servant”

H5650

a servant

הַכֶּ֔לֶב6 of 19

“a dog”

H3611

a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute

כִּ֣י7 of 19
H3588

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

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה8 of 19

“that he should do”

H6213

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

הַדָּבָ֥ר9 of 19

“thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַגָּד֖וֹל10 of 19

“this great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

הַזֶּ֑ה11 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר12 of 19

“answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלִישָׁ֔ע13 of 19

“And Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

הִרְאַ֧נִי14 of 19

“hath shewed”

H7200

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

יְהוָ֛ה15 of 19

“The LORD”

H3068

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

אֹֽתְךָ֖16 of 19
H854

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

מֶ֥לֶךְ17 of 19

“me that thou shalt be king”

H4428

a king

עַל18 of 19
H5921

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

אֲרָֽם׃19 of 19

“over Syria”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

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 8:13 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 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 17:431 Kings 19:152 Samuel 9:82 Kings 8:10Psalms 22:16Matthew 7:6

Places in This Verse

Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Kings 8 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 8 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes