King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:15 Mean?

2 Kings 8:15 in the King James Version says “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 tha...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 8:15 · KJV

Context

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

17

Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.

Read 2 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 13 words
וַיְהִ֣י1 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִֽמָּחֳרָ֗ת2 of 13

“And it came to pass on the morrow”

H4283

the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow

וַיִּקַּ֤ח3 of 13

“that he took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַמַּכְבֵּר֙4 of 13

“a thick cloth”

H4346

a cloth (as netted)

וַיִּטְבֹּ֣ל5 of 13

“and dipped”

H2881

to dip, to immerse

בַּמַּ֔יִם6 of 13

“it in water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַיִּפְרֹ֥שׂ7 of 13

“and spread”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

עַל8 of 13
H5921

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

פָּנָ֖יו9 of 13

“it on his face”

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

וַיָּמֹ֑ת10 of 13

“so that he died”

H4191

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

וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ11 of 13

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

חֲזָהאֵ֖ל12 of 13

“and Hazael”

H2371

chazael, a king of syria

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃13 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

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 8:15 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 8:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 8:13Isaiah 33:11 Kings 11:26-372 Kings 15:302 Kings 15:25Psalms 36:4

Places in This Verse

AramRegion · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E11 verses across 7 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

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