And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

2 KINGS 8:29KJV
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2 Kings 8:29 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 8:29 mean?

2 Kings 8:29 describes how King Joram of Israel returned to Jezreel to recover from wounds he received in battle against the Syrians at Ramah, and how Ahaziah, the king of Judah, went to visit him there because Joram was ill. The verse highlights the connection between the two kings and the aftermath of a conflict with Syria.

The setting is during a time of war between Israel and Syria, specifically after a battle at Ramah where Joram was injured. Joram (king of Israel) is recovering in Jezreel, and Ahaziah (king of Judah) travels there to see him, showing a political and personal link between the two royal families. This visit sets the stage for later events in the narrative, including shifts in alliances and leadership.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 8:29

  • "healed" (רָפָא, rapha): This word means to be restored to health or to recover. Here, it emphasizes that Joram was not just resting but actively seeking recovery from serious battle wounds.
  • "wounds" (מַכָּה, makkah): This word refers to physical injuries, often from battle. The use of this term underlines the severity of Joram's condition and the real dangers faced in these conflicts.
  • "Syrians" (אֲרָם, Aram): This is the Hebrew term for the people of Syria, highlighting the ongoing hostilities between Israel and its northern neighbor.
  • "see" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word can mean to look at or visit. Ahaziah’s action is not just a formal gesture but a personal visit, suggesting concern or alliance.

Why 2 Kings 8:29 matters

  • The verse clarifies the close relationship between the royal families of Israel and Judah at this time, which is significant for understanding later political events and alliances.
  • It shows the real human cost of the wars described in these chapters, as even kings are not immune to injury and illness.
  • The mention of Jezreel as the location ties into later dramatic events in the story, making this visit a key turning point in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Syrians” Hebrew H761 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 25:20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.
  • Genesis 31:24 And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.
  • 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.

“Joram” Hebrew H3141 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:10 Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:
  • 2 Kings 8:25 In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign.
  • 2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

“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.

“Jehoram” Hebrew H3088 · used in 26 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:50 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 9:21 And Joram said, Make ready. And his chariot was made ready. And Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out against Jehu, and met him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite.
  • 2 Chronicles 21:4 Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.