2 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 10
And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֥ךְ
H1980
לֵ֥ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ל֖אֹ
H3808
ל֖אֹ
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִֽחְיֶ֑ה
recover
H2421
תִֽחְיֶ֑ה
recover
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
7 of 13
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
תִֽחְיֶ֑ה
recover
H2421
תִֽחְיֶ֑ה
recover
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
8 of 13
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
וְהִרְאַ֥נִי
hath shewed
H7200
וְהִרְאַ֥נִי
hath shewed
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
9 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְהוָ֖ה
howbeit the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
howbeit the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 8 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's International Influence) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 8 regarding prophetic word shapes national events?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. 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.