King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:2 Mean?

2 Kings 9:2 in the King James Version says “And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him aris...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber; inner: Heb. chamber in a chamber”

2 Kings 9:2 · King James Version

Context

1

And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead :

2

And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber; inner: Heb. chamber in a chamber

3

Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not.

4

So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead .

Read 2 Kings 9 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber;

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 9: Divine judgment executed on Ahab's house. 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 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְהֵֽבֵיאתָ֥1 of 17

“And when thou comest”

H935

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

שָּׁ֑מָּה2 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וּרְאֵה3 of 17

“thither look out”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

שָׁ֠ם4 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יֵה֨וּא5 of 17

“there Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

בֶּן6 of 17

“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

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֜ט7 of 17

“of Jehoshaphat”

H3092

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

בֶּן8 of 17

“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

נִמְשִׁ֗י9 of 17

“of Nimshi”

H5250

nimshi, the (grand-)father of jehu

וְהֵֽבֵיאתָ֥10 of 17

“And when thou comest”

H935

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

וַהֲקֵֽמֹתוֹ֙11 of 17

“and make him arise up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

מִתּ֣וֹך12 of 17

“from among”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

אֶחָ֔יו13 of 17

“his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וְהֵֽבֵיאתָ֥14 of 17

“And when thou comest”

H935

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

אֹת֖וֹ15 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּחָֽדֶר׃16 of 17

“chamber”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

בְּחָֽדֶר׃17 of 17

“chamber”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

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 9:2 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 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 9:142 Kings 9:112 Kings 9:51 Kings 19:16-172 Kings 9:201 Kings 22:25

Test Your Knowledge

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

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