King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:15 Mean?

2 Kings 9:15 in the King James Version says “But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with H... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 9:15 · KJV


Context

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.

17

And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 28 words
וַיָּשָׁב֩1 of 28

was returned

H7725

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

יְהוֹרָ֨ם2 of 28

Joram

H3088

jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites

מֶ֣לֶךְ3 of 28

But king

H4428

a king

לְהִתְרַפֵּ֣א4 of 28

to be healed

H7495

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

בְּיִזְרְעֶֽאל׃5 of 28

in Jezreel

H3157

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

מִן6 of 28
H4480

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

הַמַּכִּים֙7 of 28

of the wounds

H4347

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 28
H834

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

יַכֻּ֣הוּ9 of 28

had given

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֲרַמִּ֔ים10 of 28

which the Syrians

H761

an aramite or aramaean

בְּהִלָּ֣חֲמ֔וֹ11 of 28

him when he fought

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

אֶת12 of 28
H854

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

חֲזָאֵ֖ל13 of 28

with Hazael

H2371

chazael, a king of syria

מֶ֣לֶךְ14 of 28

But king

H4428

a king

אֲרָ֑ם15 of 28

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

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר16 of 28

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יֵהוּא֙17 of 28

And Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

אִם18 of 28
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֵ֣שׁ19 of 28

If it be

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

נַפְשְׁכֶ֔ם20 of 28

your minds

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אַל21 of 28

then let none

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יֵצֵ֤א22 of 28

go forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

פָלִיט֙23 of 28

nor escape

H6412

a refugee

מִן24 of 28
H4480

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

הָעִ֔יר25 of 28

out of the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

לָלֶ֖כֶת26 of 28
H1980

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

לְגִּ֥יד27 of 28

to 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

בְּיִזְרְעֶֽאל׃28 of 28

in Jezreel

H3157

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two 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 9:15 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 9:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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