And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.

2 KINGS 8:12KJV
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2 Kings 8:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 8:12 mean?

2 Kings 8:12 describes the prophet Elisha weeping because he knows that Hazael, who is speaking with him, will bring terrible suffering to the people of Israel. Elisha predicts that Hazael will destroy Israel’s strongholds, kill young men, harm children, and even attack pregnant women.

In this scene, Hazael, a servant of the king of Aram, is visiting Elisha to ask about the king’s health. Elisha suddenly begins to cry, and when Hazael asks why, Elisha explains that he foresees the violent acts Hazael will commit against Israel. The verse shows a moment of prophecy and deep sorrow, as Elisha sees the future pain that will come to his people.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 8:12

  • "weepeth" (בָּכָה, bakhah): This word means to weep or cry. Elisha’s weeping is not just sadness but a deep, emotional response to the suffering he foresees, showing the personal cost of his prophetic insight.
  • "evil" (רַע, ra‘): This word often means something harmful or wicked. Elisha uses it to describe the specific acts of violence Hazael will do, not just general wrongdoing.
  • "dash" (רָצַע, ratsats): This word means to smash or dash to pieces. It is a graphic term, emphasizing the brutality Elisha predicts will happen to Israel’s children.

Why 2 Kings 8:12 matters

  • This verse makes clear that Elisha’s prophetic gift is not just about foretelling events but also carries a heavy emotional burden, as he feels the pain of what is coming.
  • The details Elisha gives about Hazael’s future actions highlight the severity of the coming judgment on Israel, making the prophecy more vivid and personal.
  • The verse connects to the larger story by showing the turning point where Hazael’s rise to power will lead to a new wave of violence against Israel, fulfilling earlier warnings in the book.