King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:14 Mean?

2 Kings 9:14 in the King James Version says “So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead , he and all ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 9:14 · KJV


Context

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.

16

So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had kept Ramoth-gilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 20 words
וַיִּתְקַשֵּׁ֗ר1 of 20

conspired

H7194

to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)

יֵה֛וּא2 of 20

So Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

בֶּן3 of 20

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

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֥ט4 of 20

of Jehoshaphat

H3092

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

בֶּן5 of 20

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

נִמְשִׁ֖י6 of 20

of Nimshi

H5250

nimshi, the (grand-)father of jehu

אֶל7 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְיוֹרָם֩8 of 20

Now Joram

H3141

joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian

וְיוֹרָם֩9 of 20

Now Joram

H3141

joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian

הָיָ֨ה10 of 20
H1961

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

שֹׁמֵ֜ר11 of 20

had kept

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

בְּרָמֹ֣ת12 of 20

Ramothgilead

H7433

ramoth-gilad, a place east of the jordan

גִּלְעָ֗ד13 of 20
H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

ה֚וּא14 of 20
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

וְכָל15 of 20
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל16 of 20

he and all Israel

H3478

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

מִפְּנֵ֥י17 of 20

because

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

חֲזָאֵ֖ל18 of 20

of Hazael

H2371

chazael, a king of syria

מֶֽלֶךְ19 of 20

king

H4428

a king

אֲרָֽם׃20 of 20

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


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 9:14 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 9:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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