King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:27 Mean?

2 Kings 9:27 in the King James Version says “But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and sa... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.

2 Kings 9:27 · KJV


Context

25

Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain, Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite: for remember how that, when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, the LORD laid this burden upon him;

26

Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take and cast him into the plat of ground, according to the word of the LORD. blood: Heb. bloods plat: or, portion

27

But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.

28

And his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David.

29

And in the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.

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 · 26 words
וַֽאֲחַזְיָ֤ה1 of 26

But when Ahaziah

H274

achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king

מֶֽלֶךְ2 of 26

the king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָה֙3 of 26

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

רָאָ֔ה4 of 26

saw

H7200

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

וַיָּ֥נָס5 of 26

And he fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

דֶּ֖רֶךְ6 of 26

by the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

בֵּ֣ית7 of 26

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַגָּ֑ן8 of 26

of the garden

H1588

a garden (as fenced)

וַיִּרְדֹּ֨ף9 of 26

followed

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אַֽחֲרָ֜יו10 of 26

after

H310

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

יֵה֗וּא11 of 26

And Jehu

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

וַ֠יֹּאמֶר12 of 26

him and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

גַּם13 of 26
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֹת֞וֹ14 of 26
H853

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

הַכֻּ֣הוּ15 of 26

Smite

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶל16 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּרְכָּבָ֗ה17 of 26

him also in the chariot

H4818

a chariot

בְּמַֽעֲלֵה18 of 26

And they did so at the going up

H4608

an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority

גוּר֙19 of 26

to Gur

H1483

gur, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֣ר20 of 26
H834

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

אֶֽת21 of 26
H853

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

יִבְלְעָ֔ם22 of 26

which is by Ibleam

H2991

jibleam, a place in palestine

וַיָּ֥נָס23 of 26

And he fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

מְגִדּ֖וֹ24 of 26

to Megiddo

H4023

megiddon or megiddo, a place in palestine

וַיָּ֥מָת25 of 26

and died

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

שָֽׁם׃26 of 26
H8033

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


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 9:27 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 9:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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