King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 9:7 Mean?

2 Kings 9:7 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the bloo...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 9:7 · KJV

Context

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.

8

For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:

9

And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah:

Read 2 Kings 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. 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 · 15 words
וְהִ֨כִּיתָ֔ה1 of 15

“And thou shalt smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

בֵּ֥ית3 of 15

“the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אַחְאָ֖ב4 of 15

“of Ahab”

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

אֲדֹנֶ֑יךָ5 of 15

“thy master”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

וְנִקַּמְתִּ֞י6 of 15

“that I may avenge”

H5358

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

וּדְמֵ֛י7 of 15

“and the 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

עַבְדֵ֥י8 of 15

“of all the servants”

H5650

a servant

הַנְּבִיאִ֗ים9 of 15

“the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וּדְמֵ֛י10 of 15

“and the 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

כָּל11 of 15
H3605

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

עַבְדֵ֥י12 of 15

“of all the servants”

H5650

a servant

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

מִיַּ֥ד14 of 15

“at the hand”

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

אִיזָֽבֶל׃15 of 15

“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 9:7 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 9:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:431 Kings 18:41 Kings 21:151 Kings 21:211 Kings 21:252 Kings 9:32-37

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 9 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes