King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:13 Mean?

2 Kings 9:13 in the King James Version says “Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets,...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 9:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, then let none go forth nor escape out of the city to go to tell it in Jezreel. Joram: Heb. Jehoram but not in verse sixteen had given: Heb. smote let none: Heb. let no escaper go, etc.

Read 2 Kings 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 9: Divine judgment executed on Ahab's house. 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 · 14 words
וַֽיְמַהֲר֗וּ1 of 14

“Then they hasted”

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

וַיִּקְחוּ֙2 of 14

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אִ֣ישׁ3 of 14

“every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בִּגְד֔וֹ4 of 14

“his garment”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ5 of 14

“and put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

תַחְתָּ֖יו6 of 14
H8478

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

אֶל7 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גֶּ֣רֶם8 of 14

“it under him on the top”

H1634

a bone (as the skeleton of the body); hence, self, i.e., (figuratively) very

הַֽמַּעֲל֑וֹת9 of 14

“of the stairs”

H4609

elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o

וַֽיִּתְקְעוּ֙10 of 14

“and blew”

H8628

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר11 of 14

“with trumpets”

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

וַיֹּֽאמְר֖וּ12 of 14

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מָלַ֥ךְ13 of 14

“is king”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

יֵהֽוּא׃14 of 14

“Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

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 9:13 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 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 11:7-81 Kings 1:341 Kings 1:392 Samuel 15:10Psalms 98:6Psalms 47:5-7

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 9 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes