King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:14 Mean?

2 Kings 8:14 in the King James Version says “So he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to thee? And he answered, He told ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 8:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign. began: Heb. reigned

Read 2 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 17 words
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ׀1 of 17
H1980

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

מֵאֵ֣ת2 of 17
H853

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

אֱלִישָׁ֑ע3 of 17

“Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

וַיָּבֹא֙4 of 17

“and came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל5 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲדֹנָ֔יו6 of 17

“to his master”

H113

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

אָ֥מַר7 of 17

“He told”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֔וֹ8 of 17
H0
מָֽה9 of 17
H4100

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

אָ֥מַר10 of 17

“He told”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְךָ֖11 of 17
H0
אֱלִישָׁ֑ע12 of 17

“Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

אָ֥מַר13 of 17

“He told”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָ֥מַר14 of 17

“He told”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִ֖י15 of 17
H0
תִֽחְיֶֽה׃16 of 17

“me that thou shouldest surely”

H2421

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

תִֽחְיֶֽה׃17 of 17

“me that thou shouldest surely”

H2421

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

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 8:14 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 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 8:10Matthew 26:162 Kings 5:25

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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