King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:33 Mean?

2 Kings 9:33 in the King James Version says “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:...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 9:33 · KJV

Context

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.

35

And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.

Read 2 Kings 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 10 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 10

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַֽיִּשְׁמְט֑וּהָ2 of 10

“So they threw her down”

H8058

to fling down; incipiently to jostle; figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit

וַֽיִּשְׁמְט֑וּהָ3 of 10

“So they threw her down”

H8058

to fling down; incipiently to jostle; figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit

וַיִּ֨ז4 of 10

“was sprinkled”

H5137

to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)

מִדָּמָ֧הּ5 of 10

“and some of her blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

אֶל6 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַקִּ֛יר7 of 10

“on the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וְאֶל8 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַסּוּסִ֖ים9 of 10

“and on the horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וַֽיִּרְמְסֶֽנָּה׃10 of 10

“and he trode her under foot”

H7429

to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)

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 9:33 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 9:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 7:10Malachi 4:3Matthew 5:13Isaiah 25:101 Kings 21:112 Kings 7:20

Test Your Knowledge

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

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