2 Kings 9:8

Verse

The whole house of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, both slave and free, in Israel.

American Standard Version (1901)

For the whole house of Ahab shall perish; and I will cut off from Ahab every man-child, and him that is shut up and him that is left at large in Israel.

Bible in Basic English

For the family of Ahab will come to an end; every male of Ahab's family will be cut off, he who is shut up and he who goes free in Israel.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And I will destroy all the house of Achab, and I will cut off from Achab him that pisseth against the well, and him that is shut up, and the meanest in Israel.

Free Bible Version

The whole house of Ahab will be eradicated—I will destroy all the males of Ahab's family in Israel, both slave and free.

Geneva Bible 1599

For the whole house of Ahab shalbe destroied: and I will cut off from Ahab, him that maketh water against the wall, as well him that is shut vp, as him that is left in Israel.

King James (Authorized) Version

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:

Translation for Translators

You must kill not only Joram but all of Ahab’s family. I want to get rid of every male in the family, including young ones and old ones.

Unlocked Literal Bible

For the whole family of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male child, whether he is a slave or a free person.

Noah Webster Bible

For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab the males, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:

World English Bible

For the whole house of Ahab will perish. I will cut off from Ahab everyone who urinates against a wall, both him who is shut up and him who is left at large in Israel.

Young's Literal Translation

and perished hath all the house of Ahab, and I have cut off to Ahab those sitting on the wall, and restrained, and left, in Israel,

Context

Jehu Anointed King of Israel

⁷And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel. ⁸The whole house of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, both slave and free, in Israel.⁹I will make the house of Ahab like the houses of Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah.

Summary

In this verse, the prophet Elisha sends a messenger to anoint Jehu as the new king of Israel, instructing the messenger to do so in a private setting away from the other officials. This secretive anointing was a strategic move to ensure Jehu's safety and to prevent any opposition from the current king's supporters. Elisha's actions here demonstrate God's sovereignty in orchestrating the transition of power and fulfilling His prophetic plans through chosen individuals like Jehu. The verse also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, even in challenging and risky circumstances, as Jehu's anointing marked the beginning of significant changes in Israel's leadership.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And I will make the house of Ahab, The same is threatened; see Gill on Kg1 21:22. . 2 Kings 9:10 kg2 9:10 kg2 9:10 kg2 9:10And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel,.... Or in the field of Jezreel; the Targum is, the inheritance of Jezreel; this is also threatened, Kg1 21:23. and there shall be none to bury her; or nothing of her to bury, as Kimchi, all being eaten up but her skull, feet, and the palms of her hands, see Kg2 9:35. and he opened the door, and fled; that is, the young man of the sons of the prophets, as soon as he had said the above words, as he was ordered, lest he should be taken up for a traitor.