King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:27 Mean?

2 Kings 8:27 in the King James Version says “And he walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the LORD, as did the house of Ahab: for he w...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the LORD, as did the house of Ahab: for he was the son in law of the house of Ahab.”

2 Kings 8:27 · KJV

Context

25

In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign.

26

Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel. daughter: or, granddaughter

27

And he walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the LORD, as did the house of Ahab: for he was the son in law of the house of Ahab.

28

And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead ; and the Syrians wounded Joram.

29

And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick. which: Heb. wherewith the Syrians had wounded Ramah: called Ramoth sick: Heb. wounded

Read 2 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the LORD, as did the house of Ahab: for he was the son in law of the house of Ahab.

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 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 · 15 words
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ1 of 15
H1980

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

בְּדֶ֙רֶךְ֙2 of 15

“in the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

בֵּית3 of 15

“as did the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אַחְאָ֖ב4 of 15

“of Ahab”

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

וַיַּ֧עַשׂ5 of 15

“and did”

H6213

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

הָרַ֛ע6 of 15

“evil”

H7451

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

בְּעֵינֵ֥י7 of 15

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֖ה8 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בֵּית9 of 15

“as did the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אַחְאָ֖ב10 of 15

“of Ahab”

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

כִּ֛י11 of 15
H3588

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

חֲתַ֥ן12 of 15

“for he was the son in law”

H2860

a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)

בֵּית13 of 15

“as did the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אַחְאָ֖ב14 of 15

“of Ahab”

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

הֽוּא׃15 of 15
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

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 8:27 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 8:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 6:14-172 Kings 8:18Ecclesiastes 7:262 Chronicles 22:3-4

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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