2 Kings 9:8
2 Kings 9:8 in Multiple Translations
The whole house of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, both slave and free, in Israel.
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:
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.
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.
The whole house of Ahab will be eradicated—I will destroy all the males of Ahab's family in Israel, both slave and free.
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.
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,
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.
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:
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.
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.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 9:8
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 9:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָבַ֖ד
כָּל
בֵּ֣ית
אַחְאָ֑ב
וְ/הִכְרַתִּ֤י
לְ/אַחְאָב֙
מַשְׁתִּ֣ין
בְּ/קִ֔יר
וְ/עָצ֥וּר
וְ/עָז֖וּב
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/אָבַ֖ד
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אַחְאָ֑ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
וְ/הִכְרַתִּ֤י
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
לְ/אַחְאָב֙
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
Prep | N-proper
מַשְׁתִּ֣ין
shâthan
H8366
to urinate
V-Hiphil
בְּ/קִ֔יר
qîyr
H7023
wall
Prep | N-ms
וְ/עָצ֥וּר
ʻâtsâr
H6113
to restrain
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
וְ/עָז֖וּב
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 9:8
וְ/אָבַ֖ד
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אַחְאָ֑ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
וְ/הִכְרַתִּ֤י
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
לְ/אַחְאָב֙
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
Prep | N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
מַשְׁתִּ֣ין
shâthan
H8366
"to urinate"
V-Hiphil
This word refers to the act of urinating, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:12. It is used to describe a natural bodily function.
Definition: 1) (Hiphil) to urinate 1a) one who urinates (used as a designation of a male)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: piss. See also: 1 Samuel 25:22; 1 Kings 16:11; 2 Kings 9:8.
בְּ/קִ֔יר
qîyr
H7023
"wall"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.
וְ/עָצ֥וּר
ʻâtsâr
H6113
"to restrain"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to restrain or hold back, often used in the context of controlling one's actions or emotions. In the book of Psalms, it describes God's power to restrain evil. The word can also mean to assemble or rule over something.
Definition: 1) to restrain, retain, close up, shut, withhold, refrain, stay, detain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to restrain, halt, stop 1a2) to retain 1b) (Niphal) to be restrained, be stayed, be under restraint
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able, close up, detain, fast, keep (self close, still), prevail, recover, refrain, [idiom] reign, restrain, retain, shut (up), slack, stay, stop, withhold (self). See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Chronicles 12:1; Psalms 106:30.
וְ/עָז֖וּב
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 9:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jehu Anointed King of Israel
6So Jehu got up and went into the house, where the young prophet poured the oil on his head and declared, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people 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. 10And on the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour Jezebel, and there will be no one to bury her.’” Then the young prophet opened the door and ran.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 25:22 | May God punish David, and ever so severely, if I let one of Nabal’s men survive until morning.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:36 | For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants when He sees that their strength is gone and no one remains, slave or free. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 14:26 | For the LORD saw that the affliction of the Israelites, both slave and free, was very bitter. There was no one to help Israel, |
| 4 | 2 Kings 10:17 | When Jehu came to Samaria, he struck down everyone belonging to Ahab who remained there, until he had destroyed them, according to the word that the LORD had spoken to Elijah. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 14:10–11 | Because of all this, behold, I am bringing disaster on the house of Jeroboam: I will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both slave and free, in Israel; I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns up dung until it is gone! Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the air.’ For the LORD has spoken. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 21:21–22 | This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free. I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked My anger and caused Israel to sin.’ |
2 Kings 9:8 Summary
This verse is saying that God is going to completely destroy the family of Ahab because of their wickedness and idolatry. This is not just talking about Ahab himself, but all of his relatives and descendants, as well as anyone who was part of his household. This is because their sin had affected the entire nation of Israel, and God's judgment would extend to all those who were part of Ahab's household or had supported his evil ways (as seen in Deuteronomy 24:16). Just like God warned the Israelites in Deuteronomy 8:5 that He disciplines those He loves, God is disciplining the house of Ahab for their sin, and we can learn from their example to turn away from sin and towards God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the whole house of Ahab to perish?
This means that God will bring judgment on the entire family of Ahab, including all his descendants and relatives, because of their wickedness and idolatry, as seen in 2 Kings 9:7 where God says He will avenge the blood of His servants the prophets and the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel.
Why does God say He will cut off every male, both slave and free, in Israel from Ahab?
This is because Ahab's sin had affected the entire nation of Israel, and God's judgment would extend to all those who were part of Ahab's household or had supported his evil ways, as warned in Deuteronomy 24:16 where it says that each person will be put to death for their own sin.
Is this verse talking about the immediate family of Ahab or a broader group of people?
The verse is referring to the entire household of Ahab, which would include his immediate family, as well as his servants, officials, and anyone else who was part of his royal court, as seen in 1 Kings 21:25 where it says that Ahab sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the LORD.
How does this verse relate to the concept of generational sin?
This verse illustrates the biblical principle that the sins of the fathers can be visited upon the children, as seen in Exodus 34:7 where God says He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and the fourth generation.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that the sins of our family or ancestors can affect us today, and how can we break free from those patterns of sin?
- How can we, like Jehu, be instruments of God's justice and righteousness in a world filled with evil and corruption?
- What are some modern-day 'houses of Ahab' that need to be torn down, and how can we participate in that process?
- In what ways can we, as believers, be a part of God's plan to bring restoration and redemption to a world affected by sin and its consequences?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 9:8
For the whole house of Ahab shall perish,.... Be cut off by death, and that in a violent manner, not one should escape: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 9:8
And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:8
2 Kings 9:8 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:Ver. 8. And him that is shut up and left in Israel,] i.e., Not only him who is laid hold on by thee, but him also that shall escape thee, or be let go by thee.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 9:8
(8) For.—And. Shall perish.—Syriac, Arabic, Vulg., “I will cause to perish” (different Hebrew points). The LXX. has, “and at the hand of all the house of Ahab,” a difference of reading which favours the ordinary Hebrew text. Him that is shut up and left (and him that is left).—Reuss imitates the alliteration of the original, “qu’il soit caché ou lâché en Israel.” For the rest of the verse see 1 Kings 21:21, and comp. 1 Kings 14:10.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 9:8
8. On this verse see the notes on 1 Kings 14:10. The entire family is doomed. God will cut off from Ahab every man child. (R.V.) and him that is shut up and left in Israel] R.V. him that is shut up and him that is left at large in Israel. The phrase is intended to embrace every one, young or old, bond or free.
Sermons on 2 Kings 9:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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That Comforts and Joys Seem to Follow Awakenings and Convictions of Conscience, in a Certain Order, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the process of salvation, emphasizing that before God delivers individuals from sin, they must first have a deep sense of the evil they are being sa |
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Letter 56 by James Bourne | James Bourne encourages M. A. H. to find comfort in God during times of affliction, sharing the testimony of Mrs. O. who found peace and assurance in the Lord's presence as she fac |