King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:22 Mean?

2 Kings 9:22 in the King James Version says “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 w... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

2 Kings 9:22 · KJV


Context

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?

23

And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, O Ahaziah.

24

And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot. drew: Heb. filled his hand with a bow sunk: Heb. bowed


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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 · 17 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 17
H1961

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

כִּרְא֤וֹת2 of 17

saw

H7200

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

יְהוֹרָם֙3 of 17

And it came to pass when Joram

H3088

jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites

אֶת4 of 17
H853

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

יֵה֑וּא5 of 17

Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙6 of 17

And he answered

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַשָּׁל֔וֹם7 of 17

Is it peace

H7965

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

יֵה֑וּא8 of 17

Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙9 of 17

And he answered

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מָ֣ה10 of 17
H4100

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

הַשָּׁל֔וֹם11 of 17

Is it peace

H7965

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

עַד12 of 17

so long as

H5704

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

זְנוּנֵ֞י13 of 17

the whoredoms

H2183

adultery; figuratively, idolatry

אִיזֶ֧בֶל14 of 17

Jezebel

H348

izebel, the wife of king ahab

אִמְּךָ֛15 of 17

of thy mother

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וּכְשָׁפֶ֖יהָ16 of 17

and her witchcrafts

H3785

magic

הָֽרַבִּֽים׃17 of 17

are so many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)


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 9:22 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 9:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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