2 Kings Chapter 9 · Verse 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:
Original Language Analysis
וְאָבַ֖ד
shall perish
H6
וְאָבַ֖ד
shall perish
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֵּ֣ית
For the whole house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
For the whole house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 11
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לְאַחְאָב֙
from Ahab
H256
לְאַחְאָב֙
from Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
4 of 11
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
וְהִכְרַתִּ֤י
and I will cut off
H3772
וְהִכְרַתִּ֤י
and I will cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
5 of 11
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
לְאַחְאָב֙
from Ahab
H256
לְאַחְאָב֙
from Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
6 of 11
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
מַשְׁתִּ֣ין
him that pisseth
H8366
מַשְׁתִּ֣ין
him that pisseth
Strong's:
H8366
Word #:
7 of 11
(causatively) to make water, i.e., urinate
וְעָצ֥וּר
and him that is shut up
H6113
וְעָצ֥וּר
and him that is shut up
Strong's:
H6113
Word #:
9 of 11
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:36For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.1 Samuel 25:22So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.2 Kings 14:26For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.2 Kings 10:17And when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 9 regarding divine judgment executed on ahab's house?
- 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
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:
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.