But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, then let none go forth nor escape out of the city to go to tell it in Jezreel.

2 KINGS 9:15KJV
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2 Kings 9:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 9:15 mean?

2 Kings 9:15 describes how King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from wounds he received in battle against Hazael, the king of Syria. Meanwhile, Jehu instructs his followers not to let anyone leave the city to warn those in Jezreel about what is happening.

In this verse, Jehu is speaking to his fellow officers after being secretly anointed king of Israel. The situation is tense: King Joram is vulnerable, recovering from battle injuries, and Jehu wants to keep his actions secret for now. Jehu’s command to prevent anyone from escaping shows his intent to control the news and prepare for a surprise move against Joram.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 9:15

  • "healed" (רָפָא, rapha): This word means to recover or be made well. Its use here highlights that Joram is not just visiting Jezreel, but is there specifically because he is wounded and in need of healing.
  • "wounds" (מַכָּה, makkah): This term refers to injuries or blows. The verse emphasizes that Joram’s current weakness is due to wounds inflicted by the Syrians, making him more vulnerable to Jehu’s plans.
  • "minds" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): Often translated as "soul" or "life," here it means the will or agreement of the people Jehu is addressing. Jehu is asking for their full support and unity before acting.

Why 2 Kings 9:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Joram’s presence in Jezreel is due to his injuries, not for political or ceremonial reasons, which sets up his vulnerability in the coming events.
  • Jehu’s command to keep the news from spreading shows the importance of secrecy and surprise in his plan to take power, a key theme in this chapter’s unfolding drama.
  • Understanding the specific words for "healed" and "wounds" brings out the human weakness and urgency that drive the actions of both Joram and Jehu in this moment.

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.

“none” Hebrew H408 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
  • Joshua 22:19 Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God.
  • Psalms 31:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

“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.

“escape” Hebrew H6412 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Isaiah 66:19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.
  • Ezekiel 7:16 But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.