King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:36 Mean?

2 Kings 9:36 in the King James Version says “Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 9:36 · KJV


Context

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

37

And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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. 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 · 21 words
וַיָּשֻׁבוּ֮1 of 21

Wherefore they came again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ2 of 21

and told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לוֹ֒3 of 21
H0
לֵאמֹ֑ר4 of 21

him And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דְּבַר5 of 21

This is the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֣ה6 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

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

ה֔וּא7 of 21
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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 21
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֗ר9 of 21

which he spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּיַד10 of 21

by

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עַבְדּ֛וֹ11 of 21

his servant

H5650

a servant

אֵֽלִיָּ֥הוּ12 of 21

Elijah

H452

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

הַתִּשְׁבִּ֖י13 of 21

the Tishbite

H8664

a tishbite or inhabitant of tishbeh (in gilead)

לֵאמֹ֑ר14 of 21

him And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בְּחֵ֣לֶק15 of 21

In the portion

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

יִזְרְעֶ֔אל16 of 21

of Jezreel

H3157

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

יֹֽאכְל֥וּ17 of 21

eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הַכְּלָבִ֖ים18 of 21

shall dogs

H3611

a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute

אֶת19 of 21
H853

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

בְּשַׂ֥ר20 of 21

the flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

אִיזָֽבֶל׃21 of 21

of Jezebel

H348

izebel, the wife of king ahab


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 9:36 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 9:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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