King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:5 Mean?

2 Kings 9:5 in the King James Version says “And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And J...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 9:5 · King James Version

Context

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.

6

And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel.

7

And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

Read 2 Kings 9 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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.

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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיָּבֹ֗א1 of 18

“And when he came”

H935

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

וְהִנֵּ֨ה2 of 18
H2009

lo!

הַשָּֽׂר׃3 of 18

“To thee O captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַחַ֙יִל֙4 of 18

“of the host”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

יֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים5 of 18

“were sitting”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר6 of 18

“Unto which of all us And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּבָ֥ר7 of 18

“I have an errand”

H1697

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

לִ֛י8 of 18
H0
אֵלֶ֖יךָ9 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשָּֽׂר׃10 of 18

“To thee O captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר11 of 18

“Unto which of all us And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יֵהוּא֙12 of 18

“And Jehu”

H3058

jehu, the name of five israelites

אֶל13 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִ֣י14 of 18
H4310

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

מִכֻּלָּ֔נוּ15 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר16 of 18

“Unto which of all us And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֥יךָ17 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשָּֽׂר׃18 of 18

“To thee O captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

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 9:5 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 9:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 3:19

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