2 Kings 8:29
And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּשָׁב֩
went back
H7725
וַיָּשָׁב֩
went back
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 31
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
לְהִתְרַפֵּ֣א
to be healed
H7495
לְהִתְרַפֵּ֣א
to be healed
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
4 of 31
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
בְּיִזְרְעֶ֖אל
in Jezreel
H3157
בְּיִזְרְעֶ֖אל
in Jezreel
Strong's:
H3157
Word #:
5 of 31
jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 31
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַמַּכִּים֙
of the wounds
H4347
הַמַּכִּים֙
of the wounds
Strong's:
H4347
Word #:
7 of 31
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 31
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַכֻּ֤הוּ
had given
H5221
יַכֻּ֤הוּ
had given
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
9 of 31
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
בָּֽרָמָ֔ה
him at Ramah
H7414
בָּֽרָמָ֔ה
him at Ramah
Strong's:
H7414
Word #:
11 of 31
ramah, the name of four places in palestine
בְּהִלָּ֣חֲמ֔וֹ
when he fought
H3898
בְּהִלָּ֣חֲמ֔וֹ
when he fought
Strong's:
H3898
Word #:
12 of 31
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
13 of 31
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אֲרָ֑ם
of Syria
H758
אֲרָ֑ם
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
16 of 31
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
וַֽאֲחַזְיָ֨הוּ
And Ahaziah
H274
וַֽאֲחַזְיָ֨הוּ
And Ahaziah
Strong's:
H274
Word #:
17 of 31
achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
18 of 31
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְהוֹרָ֜ם
of Jehoram
H3088
יְהוֹרָ֜ם
of Jehoram
Strong's:
H3088
Word #:
19 of 31
jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites
יְהוּדָ֗ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֗ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
21 of 31
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
יָרַ֡ד
went down
H3381
יָרַ֡ד
went down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
22 of 31
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
לִרְא֞וֹת
to see
H7200
לִרְא֞וֹת
to see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
23 of 31
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
24 of 31
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
26 of 31
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אַחְאָ֛ב
of Ahab
H256
אַחְאָ֛ב
of Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
27 of 31
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
בְּיִזְרְעֶ֖אל
in Jezreel
H3157
בְּיִזְרְעֶ֖אל
in Jezreel
Strong's:
H3157
Word #:
28 of 31
jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
29 of 31
(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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national 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.