King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:3 Mean?

2 Kings 9:3 in the King James Version says “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. ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 9:3 · KJV


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 .

5

And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 9: Divine judgment executed on Ahab's house. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.

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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 · 19 words
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֤1 of 19

Then take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

פַךְ2 of 19

the box

H6378

a flask (from which a liquid may flow)

הַשֶּׁ֙מֶן֙3 of 19

of oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וְיָֽצַקְתָּ֣4 of 19

and pour

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

עַל5 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹאשׁ֔וֹ6 of 19

it on his head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אָמַ֣ר7 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

אָמַ֣ר9 of 19

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 19

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מְשַׁחְתִּ֥יךָ11 of 19

I have anointed

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

לְמֶ֖לֶךְ12 of 19

thee king

H4428

a king

אֶל13 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל14 of 19

over Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּפָֽתַחְתָּ֥15 of 19

Then open

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

הַדֶּ֛לֶת16 of 19

the door

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

וְנַ֖סְתָּה17 of 19

and flee

H5127

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

וְלֹ֥א18 of 19
H3808

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

תְחַכֶּֽה׃19 of 19

and tarry

H2442

properly, to adhere to; hence, to await


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 9:3 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 9:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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