2 Kings 1:8
2 Kings 1:8 in Multiple Translations
“He was a hairy man, ” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king.
And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.
And they answered him, He was a hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.
And they said in answer, He was a man clothed in a coat of hair, with a leather band about his body. Then he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.
“He was a hairy man wearing a leather belt around his waist,” they replied. “It's Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king.
And they said vnto him, He was an hearie man, and girded with a girdle of lether about his loynes. Then sayde he, It is Eliiah the Tishbite.
And they say unto him, 'A man — hairy, and a girdle of skin girt about his loins;' and he saith, 'He [is] Elijah the Tishbite.'
They answered him, “He was a hairy man, and wearing a leather belt around his waist.” He said, “It’s Elijah the Tishbite.”
And they answered him, He was a hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.
But they said: A hairy man with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said: It is Elias the Thesbite.
They replied, “He was a hairy man and he had a wide leather belt around his waist.” The king exclaimed, “That was Elijah!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 1:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 1:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
אֵלָ֗י/ו
אִ֚ישׁ
בַּ֣עַל
שֵׂעָ֔ר
וְ/אֵז֥וֹר
ע֖וֹר
אָז֣וּר
בְּ/מָתְנָ֑י/ו
וַ/יֹּאמַ֕ר
אֵלִיָּ֥ה
הַ/תִּשְׁבִּ֖י
הֽוּא
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אִ֚ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
בַּ֣עַל
baʻal
H1167
master
N-ms
שֵׂעָ֔ר
sêʻâr
H8181
hair
N-ms
וְ/אֵז֥וֹר
ʼêzôwr
H232
girdle
Conj | N-ms
ע֖וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
skin
N-ms
אָז֣וּר
ʼâzar
H247
to gird
V-Qal-Inf-c
בְּ/מָתְנָ֑י/ו
môthen
H4975
loin
Prep | N-md | Suff
וַ/יֹּאמַ֕ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלִיָּ֥ה
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
Elijah
N-proper
הַ/תִּשְׁבִּ֖י
Tishbîy
H8664
Tishbite
Art | Ngmsa
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 1:8
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אִ֚ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בַּ֣עַל
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-ms
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
שֵׂעָ֔ר
sêʻâr
H8181
"hair"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to hair on people or animals, like in Leviticus 13:30 where it talks about hair loss. It can also describe a hairy garment.
Definition: 1) hair 1a) hair (of animals, man) 1b) hair (of garment made of hair) Aramaic equivalent: se.ar (שְׂעַר "hair" H8177)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: hair(-y), [idiom] rough. See also: Genesis 25:25; Leviticus 14:8; Psalms 68:22.
וְ/אֵז֥וֹר
ʼêzôwr
H232
"girdle"
Conj | N-ms
A girdle or belt, often used figuratively to represent God's power or faithfulness, such as in the prophet Isaiah's description of God's strength. It can also refer to a physical waistband or sash.
Definition: 1) waist-cloth, the innermost piece of clothing 1a) of God's power over kings (fig.) 1b) of faithfulness (metaph) 2) waistband
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: girdle. See also: 2 Kings 1:8; Jeremiah 13:4; Isaiah 5:27.
ע֖וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
"skin"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means skin, like human skin or animal hide, and is used in the Bible to describe leather. It appears in Exodus 25:5 to describe the materials used to build the tabernacle. The word is also used in Genesis 3:21 to describe the clothing God made for Adam and Eve.
Definition: 1) skin, hide 1a) skin (of men) 1b) hide (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: hide, leather, skin. See also: Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 13:35; Jeremiah 13:23.
אָז֣וּר
ʼâzar
H247
"to gird"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To gird means to wear a belt or surround something, like God surrounding his people with strength. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) gird, encompass, equip, clothe 1a) (Qal) to gird, gird on (metaphorical of strength) 1b) (Niphal) be girded 1c)(Piel) hold close, clasp 1d) (Hiphpael) gird oneself (for war)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bind (compass) about, gird (up, with). See also: 1 Samuel 2:4; Psalms 18:40; Psalms 18:33.
בְּ/מָתְנָ֑י/ו
môthen
H4975
"loin"
Prep | N-md | Suff
Refers to the waist or small of the back, often translated as loins or hips, as seen in Proverbs 30:31. It can also describe the sides of an animal. The word is only used in plural form.
Definition: 1) loins, hips 1a) used with zar.zir (זַרְזִיר "greyhound" H2223) in Pr 30:31; perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] greyhound, loins, side. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 20:2; Psalms 66:11.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֕ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלִיָּ֥ה
ʼÊlîyâh
H452
"Elijah"
N-proper
Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.
הַ/תִּשְׁבִּ֖י
Tishbîy
H8664
"Tishbite"
Art | Ngmsa
Tishbi refers to someone from Tishbe, a region in Gilead. The prophet Elijah was a Tishbite, meaning he was from this area.
Definition: Group of tish.beh (תִּשְׁבֶּה "Tishbe" H8453B) § Tishbite = "captivity" an inhabitant of Tishbe or Tishbi or Tesheb
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Tishbite. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 2 Kings 1:3; 2 Kings 9:36.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 1:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 1:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 1:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 1:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:8
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 1:8
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 1:8
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:8
- Sermons on 2 Kings 1:8
Context — Elijah Denounces Ahaziah
6They replied, “A man came up to meet us and said, ‘Go back to the king who sent you and tell him that this is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending these men to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’”
7The king asked them, “What sort of man came up to meet you and spoke these words to you?”
8“He was a hairy man, ” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king.
9Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’” 10Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 3:4 | John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. |
| 2 | Zechariah 13:4 | And on that day every prophet who prophesies will be ashamed of his vision, and he will not put on a hairy cloak in order to deceive. |
| 3 | Mark 1:6 | John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. |
| 4 | Isaiah 20:2 | the LORD had already spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.” And Isaiah did so, walking around naked and barefoot. |
| 5 | Matthew 11:8 | Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. |
| 6 | Revelation 11:3 | And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” |
| 7 | Luke 1:17 | And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” |
2 Kings 1:8 Summary
[In 2 Kings 1:8, we see a brief description of the prophet Elijah, who is recognized by the king based on his appearance. This description highlights Elijah's humble and simple lifestyle, which is reflected in his clothing and appearance, similar to that of other biblical prophets like John the Baptist in Matthew 3:4. As we reflect on this verse, we can consider how our own priorities and values align with God's will, and how we can simplify our lives to focus on our relationship with Him, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33 and 1 Peter 3:3-4. By examining Elijah's example, we can learn to trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of adversity, as seen in 2 Kings 1:9-10 and other biblical accounts.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the description of Elijah as a 'hairy man' signify in 2 Kings 1:8?
The description of Elijah as a 'hairy man' may signify his rugged and wilderness-oriented lifestyle, similar to that of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:4, who also wore clothing made of camel's hair.
Why did the king recognize Elijah based on the description given by the men in 2 Kings 1:8?
The king recognized Elijah because he was likely familiar with Elijah's appearance and reputation as a prophet of the Lord, as seen in 1 Kings 17:1 and 1 Kings 18:1-2, where Elijah's interactions with King Ahab are recorded.
What is the significance of Elijah wearing a leather belt around his waist in 2 Kings 1:8?
The leather belt around Elijah's waist may signify his simplicity and humility, as well as his focus on his prophetic ministry rather than material comforts, similar to the description of the prophet John the Baptist in Matthew 3:4 and Mark 1:6.
How does the king's recognition of Elijah in 2 Kings 1:8 relate to the events that follow in the chapter?
The king's recognition of Elijah in 2 Kings 1:8 sets the stage for the confrontation between Elijah and the king's captain in 2 Kings 1:9-10, where Elijah's authority as a prophet of the Lord is demonstrated through the fire that consumes the captain and his men, as a fulfillment of the prophecy in 2 Kings 1:6 and 2 Kings 1:10.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from Elijah's simple and humble appearance, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the king's recognition of Elijah reflect the king's understanding of Elijah's role as a prophet of the Lord, and what can we learn from this about our own relationship with God's messengers?
- What does the description of Elijah as a 'hairy man' and a wearer of a leather belt reveal about his priorities and values, and how can we prioritize our own values to align with God's will?
- How can we, like Elijah, remain faithful to our prophetic callings and ministries in the face of opposition or adversity, as seen in 2 Kings 1:9-10 and other biblical accounts?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 1:8
And they answered him, he was an hairy man,.... Either the hair of his head and beard were grown very long, having been much neglected for a great while; or he had an hairy garment on, either of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 1:8
And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:8
An hairy man; either, 1. As to his body; the hair of his head and beard being through neglect grown long, and spread over much of his time. Or rather, 2. As to his outward garment, which was rough and hairy, such as were sometimes worn by eminent persons in Greece in ancient times, and were the proper habit of the prophets. See . With a girdle of leather about his loins; as John the Baptist also had, , that by his very outward habit he might represent Elias, in whose spirit and power he came.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:8
2 Kings 1:8 And they answered him, [He was] an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It [is] Elijah the Tishbite.Ver. 8. He was a hairy man.] Hispidus et hirsutus. Either because Elijah had much hair on his head and face, or because, as a prophet, he wore a rough garment, as a pattern of repentance. And girt with a girdle of leather.] So was John Baptist, that second Elijah. That this girdle here mentioned was made of the pelt of that ram which Abraham offered up instead of his son Isaac, is a Jewish fable, scarce worth relating.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:8
(8) Answered.—Said unto. An hairy man.—Literally, a lord of hair. This might refer to length of hair and beard (so LXX., äáóὺ ?ò, “hirsute,” “shaggy”); or to a hairy cloak or mantle. The second alternative is right, because a hairy mantle was a mark of the prophetic office from Elijah downwards. (Comp. Zechariah 13:4, “a rough garment;” and Matthew 3:4, where it is said of John Baptist—the second Elias—that “he was clad in camel’s hair,” and had “a leather girdle about his loins.”) The girdle, as Thenius remarks, would not be mentioned alone. The common dress of the Bedawis is a sheep or goat’s skin with the hair left on. Girt with a girdle of leather.—Such as only the poorest would wear. The girdle was ordinarily of linen or cotton, and often costly. The prophet’s dress was a sign of contempt for earthly display, and of sorrow for the national sins and their consequences, which it was his function to proclaim.
(Comp. Isaiah 20:2.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:8
Verse 8. He was a hairy man] That is, he wore a rough garment, either made of camels' hair, as his successor John Baptist's was, or he wore a skin dressed with the hair on. Some think that the meaning is, he had very long hair and a long beard. The ancient prophets all wore rough garments, or upper coats made of the skins of beasts: They wandered about in sheep-skins and goat-skins, says the apostle, Hebrews 11:37.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 1:8
8. He was a hairy man] Literally, ‘lord, i.e. possessor, of hair’. This might equally be used of the long hair of the head and beard, or of the shaggy cloak of hair worn as a garment. But when we know of him who came ‘in the spirit and power of Elijah’ that ‘his raiment was of camel’s hair and a leathern girdle about his loins’, it seems better to accept the expression as a description of Elijah’s dress. We know too that the prophets (Zechariah 13:4) did wear a mantle of hair, probably adopted from the garb of this greatest among them, Elijah. It is Elijah the Tishbite] Though the messengers might not know the prophet, the king, from his father’s experience, must have heard a great deal about Elijah, and of his appearance and dress.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 1:8
An hairy man - Either in allusion to his shaggy cloak of untanned skin; or, more probably, an expression descriptive of the prophet’s person, of his long flowing locks, abundant beard, and general profusion of hair.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 1:8
8. A hairy man — Literally, a man, a lord, of hair; lord of the hairy mantle. A rough garment, woven of goats’ hair, and fastened with a leather strap about his loins, formed, apparently, the sole dress of Elijah.
Sermons on 2 Kings 1:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Bristol Conference 1962 - Part 4 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Joel in the Bible and its relevance to our lives. The first section of the book describes a locust plague, emphasizing that every |
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The Cry of the Spirit by Smith Wigglesworth | Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the profound impact of John the Baptist's ministry, highlighting how his humble beginnings and the 'cry of the Spirit' resonated deeply with the peopl |
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Hearing From God by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of solitude and silence in hearing from God, using John the Baptist as an example of someone who embraced quietness to prepare for his propheti |
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The Three Prayers (Part 4) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Isaiah and his encounter with God's judgment upon Babylon. Isaiah is overwhelmed with fear as he witnesses the destruction that |
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Threefold Vision (Alternative 2) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being conscious of eternity rather than being focused on worldly possessions and self-image. He explains that there are fou |
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Pharisees Think That Holiness Is in the Style of One's Clothes by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the Pharisees' tendency to focus on outward appearances, such as lengthening their tassels and broadening their phylacteries, to appear holier than others |
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Jude #5 - Michael, Satan and the Body of Moses by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of apostasy and highlights three basic marks of apostasy: defiling the flesh, despising dominion, and railing at dignities. The serm |