King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:21 Mean?

2 Kings 8:21 in the King James Version says “So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots: and the people fled into their tents.

2 Kings 8:21 · KJV


Context

19

Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him alway a light, and to his children. light: Heb. candle, or, lamp

20

In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.

21

So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots: and the people fled into their tents.

22

Yet Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time.

23

And the rest of the acts of Joram, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots: and the people fled into their tents.

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 · 21 words
וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֤ר1 of 21

went over

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

יוֹרָם֙2 of 21

So Joram

H3141

joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian

צָעִ֔ירָה3 of 21

to Zair

H6811

tsair, a place in idumaea

וְכָל4 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָרֶ֔כֶב5 of 21

and all the chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

עִמּ֑וֹ6 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וַֽיְהִי7 of 21
H1961

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

ה֞וּא8 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

קָ֣ם9 of 21

with him and he rose

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לַ֗יְלָה10 of 21

by night

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וַיַּכֶּ֨ה11 of 21

and smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת12 of 21
H853

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

אֱד֜וֹם13 of 21

the Edomites

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

הַסֹּבֵ֤יב14 of 21

which compassed him about

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֵלָיו֙15 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאֵת֙16 of 21
H853

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

שָׂרֵ֣י17 of 21

and the captains

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הָרֶ֔כֶב18 of 21

and all the chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וַיָּ֥נָס19 of 21

fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

הָעָ֖ם20 of 21

and the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְאֹֽהָלָֽיו׃21 of 21

into their tents

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)


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 8:21 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 8:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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