King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:34 Mean?

2 Kings 9:34 in the King James Version says “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'... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 9:34 · KJV


Context

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.

36

Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel: by: Heb. by the hand of


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 14 words
וַיָּבֹ֖א1 of 14

And when he was come in

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַיֹּ֣אכַל2 of 14

he did eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַיֵּ֑שְׁתְּ3 of 14

and drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר4 of 14

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

פִּקְדוּ5 of 14

Go

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

נָ֞א6 of 14
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶת7 of 14
H853

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

הָֽאֲרוּרָ֤ה8 of 14

see now this cursed

H779

to execrate

הַזֹּאת֙9 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְקִבְר֔וּהָ10 of 14

woman and bury

H6912

to inter

כִּ֥י11 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בַת12 of 14

daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

מֶ֖לֶךְ13 of 14

her for she is a king's

H4428

a king

הִֽיא׃14 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo


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 9:34 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 9:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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