And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

2 KINGS 8:11KJV
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2 Kings 8:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 8:11 mean?

2 Kings 8:11 describes a moment when the prophet Elisha stares intensely at Hazael until Hazael feels uncomfortable or ashamed, and then Elisha begins to weep. The verse shows a powerful, emotional reaction from Elisha as he looks at Hazael, hinting at something troubling that Elisha knows about Hazael’s future.

In this scene, Elisha, a prophet known as the "man of God," is speaking with Hazael, a servant of the king of Aram (Syria). Elisha’s fixed, unwavering gaze makes Hazael uneasy, and Elisha’s tears suggest he foresees suffering or tragedy connected to Hazael. The verse sets up a dramatic moment that reveals Elisha’s prophetic insight and deep sorrow for what is to come.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 8:11

  • "settled" (עָמַד, ʿamad): This word means to stand or remain. Here, it describes Elisha holding his gaze, showing determination and focus.
  • "countenance" (פָּנִים, panim): This word means face or presence. The verse is highlighting Elisha’s facial expression as he looks at Hazael.
  • "stedfastly" (שִׁית, shith): This word means to set or fix. It emphasizes that Elisha’s gaze is not casual but intentional and intense.
  • "ashamed" (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word means to feel shame or embarrassment. It shows that Hazael is deeply unsettled by Elisha’s stare.
  • "wept" (בָּכָה, bakah): This word means to weep or cry. Elisha’s tears are a strong emotional response, not just a mild sadness.

Why 2 Kings 8:11 matters

  • The verse clears up that Elisha’s weeping is not random; it is a reaction to something he knows about Hazael’s future actions, which will be revealed in the following verses.
  • The intense gaze and emotional response show the seriousness of the moment and the weight of what Elisha foresees, helping readers sense the gravity of the prophecy about to be given.
  • This verse connects to the larger story by foreshadowing the suffering that will come through Hazael, making Elisha’s reaction more understandable and meaningful within the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“ashamed” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

“wept” Hebrew H1058 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 21:16 And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
  • Judges 20:26 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
  • Esther 8:3 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.