King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:12 Mean?

2 Kings 9:12 in the King James Version says “And they said, It is false; tell us now. And he said, Thus and thus spake he to me, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I have ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they said, It is false; tell us now. And he said, Thus and thus spake he to me, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel.”

2 Kings 9:12 · KJV

Context

10

And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door, and fled.

11

Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord: and one said unto him, Is all well? wherefore came this mad fellow to thee? And he said unto them, Ye know the man, and his communication.

12

And they said, It is false; tell us now. And he said, Thus and thus spake he to me, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel.

13

Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king. is king: Heb. reigneth

14

So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead , he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria.

Read 2 Kings 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they said, It is false; tell us now. And he said, Thus and thus spake he to me, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 9: Divine judgment executed on Ahab's house. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 9 takes place during Jehu's dynasty and the violent purge of Baal worship, around 841 BCE. The chapter's theme (Jehu's Violent Revolution) reflects the historical reality of violent political revolution motivated by zeal for Yahweh but lacking genuine heart transformation. 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 9 regarding divine judgment executed on ahab's house?
  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 · 18 words
אָמַ֣ר1 of 18

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שֶׁ֔קֶר2 of 18

“It is false”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

הַגֶּד3 of 18

“tell”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

נָ֖א4 of 18
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

לָ֑נוּ5 of 18
H0
אָמַ֣ר6 of 18

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כָּזֹ֤את7 of 18
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְכָזֹאת֙8 of 18
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אָמַ֣ר9 of 18

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַי֙10 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָמַ֣ר11 of 18

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּ֚ה12 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר13 of 18

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה14 of 18

“the LORD”

H3068

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

מְשַׁחְתִּ֥יךָ15 of 18

“I have anointed”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

לְמֶ֖לֶךְ16 of 18

“thee king”

H4428

a king

אֶל17 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃18 of 18

“over Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 9:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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