King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:20 Mean?

2 Kings 9:20 in the King James Version says “And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 9:20 · KJV


Context

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

22

And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיַּגֵּ֤ד1 of 16

told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

הַצֹּפֶה֙2 of 16

And the watchman

H6822

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

לֵאמֹ֔ר3 of 16

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בָּ֥א4 of 16

He came

H935

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

עַד5 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם6 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְלֹא7 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁ֑ב8 of 16

even unto them and cometh not again

H7725

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

כְּמִנְהַג֙9 of 16

and the driving

H4491

the driving (of a chariot)

כְּמִנְהַג֙10 of 16

and the driving

H4491

the driving (of a chariot)

יֵה֣וּא11 of 16

of Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

בֶן12 of 16

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

נִמְשִׁ֔י13 of 16

of Nimshi

H5250

nimshi, the (grand-)father of jehu

כִּ֥י14 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְשִׁגָּע֖וֹן15 of 16

furiously

H7697

craziness

יִנְהָֽג׃16 of 16

for he driveth

H5090

to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh


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 9:20 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 9:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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