In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;

2 KINGS 10:32KJV
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2 Kings 10:32 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 10:32 mean?

2 Kings 10:32 means that during this time, God began to reduce Israel’s territory and power, allowing their enemies to attack them successfully. Specifically, Hazael, the king of Syria, struck Israel and took control of its border regions.

This verse is part of the story of Israel under King Jehu. After a period of violence and upheaval, Israel faces new troubles as God allows their enemies to gain ground. Hazael, who rules Syria, becomes a major threat, and Israel starts losing land along its borders, signaling a decline in national strength.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 10:32

  • "cut...short" (קָצַץ, qatsats): This Hebrew word means to cut off or reduce. Here, it describes God actively shrinking Israel’s territory or influence, not just a natural decline.
  • "coasts" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word means borders or boundaries. The focus is on the outer edges of Israel’s land, showing that the losses are happening at the nation’s limits, not its heartland.
  • "smote" (נָכָה, nakah): This verb means to strike or attack. It highlights that Hazael’s actions were aggressive military attacks, not just minor raids.

Why 2 Kings 10:32 matters

  • This verse marks a turning point where Israel’s decline is directly linked to God’s decision, not just political or military weakness.
  • It connects to earlier warnings in the Bible that disobedience would lead to loss of land and security, showing those warnings coming true.
  • The mention of Hazael and the focus on border regions set up the ongoing conflict between Israel and Syria, which shapes the next chapters of Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“cut” Hebrew H7096 · used in 5 verses

  • Leviticus 14:41 And he shall cause the house to be scraped within round about, and they shall pour out the dust that they scrape off without the city into an unclean place:
  • Leviticus 14:43 And if the plague come again, and break out in the house, after that he hath taken away the stones, and after he hath scraped the house, and after it is plaistered;
  • Proverbs 26:6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

“Hazael” Hebrew H2371 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Kings 19:15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
  • 2 Kings 8:15 And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 13:3 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days.

“began” Hebrew H2490 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 20:31 And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, and kill, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.
  • Jeremiah 16:18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.