2 Kings 8:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 8:14 mean?

2 Kings 8:14 describes how Hazael left the prophet Elisha and returned to his master, King Ben-Hadad of Syria. When the king asked what Elisha had said, Hazael reported that Elisha told him the king would recover from his illness.

The verse takes place after Hazael visits Elisha to ask if the king will recover. Hazael is speaking to King Ben-Hadad, who is sick and anxious about his future. Although Elisha had actually revealed more to Hazael about the king’s fate, Hazael only tells the king that he will recover, leaving out the rest of Elisha’s message.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 8:14

• אֲדֹנִי (adoní, “master”): This word refers to King Ben-Hadad, showing the relationship between Hazael and the king as one of servant to master, which adds to the tension in the conversation.
• חָיֹה תִּחְיֶה (chayoh tichyeh, “surely recover”): This phrase uses repetition of the root for “live” or “recover,” which in Hebrew often emphasizes certainty. Hazael’s use of these words suggests he is giving the king a hopeful answer, but the fuller context shows he is not telling the whole truth.

Why 2 Kings 8:14 matters

• The verse shows Hazael’s selective reporting, which becomes important in understanding his character and the events that follow.
• It highlights the tension between what God reveals through Elisha and what is actually told to the king, setting up the coming betrayal.
• This moment connects to the wider story of shifting power in the region and the fulfillment of prophetic words, helping the reader see how personal choices fit into larger events.