And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.

2 KINGS 8:13KJV
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2 Kings 8:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 8:13 mean?

2 Kings 8:13 describes Hazael reacting with shock when Elisha tells him he will do terrible things, asking if he is a "dog" to do such acts, but Elisha replies that the LORD has shown him Hazael will become king over Syria. The verse shows Hazael's disbelief at the idea he could commit such deeds, and Elisha's prophetic certainty that he will rise to power.

Hazael is speaking to the prophet Elisha after being sent by the king of Syria to ask about the king’s illness. Elisha has just told Hazael that he will become king and will do great harm to Israel. Hazael’s question uses strong language to express how unthinkable such acts seem to him, but Elisha insists that God has revealed this future to him.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 8:13

  • "dog" (כֶּלֶב, kelev): In ancient Hebrew, calling someone a "dog" was a strong insult, suggesting worthlessness or moral corruption. Hazael uses this word to express that he considers himself incapable of such evil.
  • "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) and "thing" (דָּבָר, davar): Together, these words mean a significant or weighty matter, not just in size but in seriousness—here, the "great thing" refers to the violent acts Hazael will commit.
  • "servant" (עֶבֶד, eved): Hazael refers to himself as a servant, showing humility before Elisha and perhaps before God, highlighting the contrast between his current low status and the kingship Elisha predicts.

Why 2 Kings 8:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Hazael did not see himself as someone capable of cruelty or power, but Elisha’s prophecy shows how people can change when given authority.
  • The exchange sets up the coming events in the story, where Hazael does in fact become king and fulfills the prophecy, showing the reliability of Elisha’s words.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of Elisha’s role as a prophet, speaking for the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH), and how his messages often reveal uncomfortable truths about the future.

Where else these words appear

“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 8:28 And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.
  • 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.

“dog” Hebrew H3611 · used in 31 verses

  • Exodus 11:7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.
  • 1 Kings 16:4 Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat.
  • Psalms 59:6 They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

“Elisha” Hebrew H477 · used in 52 verses

  • 1 Kings 19:16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.
  • 2 Kings 4:1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
  • 2 Kings 6:21 And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?

“Syria” Hebrew H758 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
  • 1 Kings 22:35 And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:23 And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.