King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:29 Mean?

2 Kings 8:29 in the King James Version says “And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 8:29 · KJV


Context

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national 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 · 31 words
וַיָּשָׁב֩1 of 31

went back

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יוֹרָ֧ם2 of 31

Joram

H3141

joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian

מֶ֣לֶךְ3 of 31

And king

H4428

a king

לְהִתְרַפֵּ֣א4 of 31

to be healed

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

בְּיִזְרְעֶ֖אל5 of 31

in Jezreel

H3157

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

מִן6 of 31
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמַּכִּים֙7 of 31

of the wounds

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

אֲשֶׁ֨ר8 of 31
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַכֻּ֤הוּ9 of 31

had given

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֲרַמִּים֙10 of 31

which the Syrians

H761

an aramite or aramaean

בָּֽרָמָ֔ה11 of 31

him at Ramah

H7414

ramah, the name of four places in palestine

בְּהִלָּ֣חֲמ֔וֹ12 of 31

when he fought

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

אֶת13 of 31
H854

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

חֲזָהאֵ֖ל14 of 31

against Hazael

H2371

chazael, a king of syria

מֶ֣לֶךְ15 of 31

And king

H4428

a king

אֲרָ֑ם16 of 31

of Syria

H758

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

וַֽאֲחַזְיָ֨הוּ17 of 31

And Ahaziah

H274

achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king

בֶּן18 of 31

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְהוֹרָ֜ם19 of 31

of Jehoram

H3088

jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites

מֶ֣לֶךְ20 of 31

And king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֗ה21 of 31

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

יָרַ֡ד22 of 31

went down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

לִרְא֞וֹת23 of 31

to see

H7200

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

אֶת24 of 31
H853

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

יוֹרָ֧ם25 of 31

Joram

H3141

joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian

בֶּן26 of 31

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַחְאָ֛ב27 of 31

of Ahab

H256

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

בְּיִזְרְעֶ֖אל28 of 31

in Jezreel

H3157

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

כִּֽי29 of 31
H3588

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

חֹלֶ֥ה30 of 31

because he was sick

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

הֽוּא׃31 of 31
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 8:29 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 8:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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