2 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 13
And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מָ֤ה
H4100
מָ֤ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
that he should do
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
that he should do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַדָּבָ֥ר
thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֥ר
thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
9 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַגָּד֖וֹל
this great
H1419
הַגָּד֖וֹל
this great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
10 of 19
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
הִרְאַ֧נִי
hath shewed
H7200
הִרְאַ֧נִי
hath shewed
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
14 of 19
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְהוָ֛ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֹֽתְךָ֖
H854
אֹֽתְךָ֖
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Cross References
1 Samuel 17:43And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.1 Kings 19:15And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:2 Samuel 9:8And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?Psalms 22:20Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.Psalms 22:16For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.Matthew 7:6Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.2 Kings 8:10And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.Micah 2:1Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.
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 Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.
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 reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.