King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:19 Mean?

2 Kings 9:19 in the King James Version says “Then he sent out a second on horseback , which came to them, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu answer... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then he sent out a second on horseback , which came to them, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu answered, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me.

2 Kings 9:19 · King James Version


Context

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?

18

So there went one on horseback to meet him, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu said, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me. And the watchman told, saying, The messenger came to them, but he cometh not again.

19

Then he sent out a second on horseback , which came to them, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu answered, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me.

20

And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously. driving: or, marching furiously: Heb. in madness

21

And Joram said, Make ready. And his chariot was made ready. And Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out against Jehu, and met him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite. Make ready: Heb. Bind met: Heb. found


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Then he sent out a second on horseback, which came to them, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu answered, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me.

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח1 of 19

Then he sent out

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

רֹכֵ֣ב2 of 19

on horseback

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

סוּס֮3 of 19
H5483

a horse (as leaping)

שֵׁנִי֒4 of 19

a second

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

וַיָּבֹ֣א5 of 19

which came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲלֵהֶ֔ם6 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר7 of 19

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּֽה8 of 19
H3541

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

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר9 of 19

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ10 of 19

the king

H4428

a king

וּלְשָׁל֖וֹם11 of 19

Is it peace

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר12 of 19

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יֵה֛וּא13 of 19

And Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

מַה14 of 19
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לְּךָ֥15 of 19
H0
וּלְשָׁל֖וֹם16 of 19

Is it peace

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

סֹ֥ב17 of 19

turn

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶֽל18 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַחֲרָֽי׃19 of 19

thee behind

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)


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 9:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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