King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:32 Mean?

2 Kings 9:32 in the King James Version says “And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunu...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs. eunuchs: or, chamberlains”

2 Kings 9:32 · KJV

Context

30

And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. painted: Heb. put her eyes in painting

31

And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?

32

And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs. eunuchs: or, chamberlains

33

And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.

34

And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter.

Read 2 Kings 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.

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.

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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 · 13 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֤א1 of 13

“And he lifted up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

פָנָיו֙2 of 13

“his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַ֣חַלּ֔וֹן4 of 13

“to the window”

H2474

a window (as perforated)

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר5 of 13

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִ֥י6 of 13
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

אִתִּ֖י7 of 13
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

מִ֑י8 of 13
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

וַיַּשְׁקִ֣יפוּ9 of 13

“Who is on my side who And there looked out”

H8259

properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)

אֵלָ֔יו10 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁנַ֥יִם11 of 13

“to him two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

שְׁלֹשָׁ֖ה12 of 13

“or three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

סָֽרִיסִֽים׃13 of 13

“eunuchs”

H5631

a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state

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 9:32 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 9:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 2:21Psalms 118:62 Chronicles 11:12Esther 2:15Acts 12:201 Chronicles 12:18

Test Your Knowledge

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

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