And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.

2 KINGS 9:32KJV
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2 Kings 9:32 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 9:32 mean?

2 Kings 9:32 describes Jehu looking up to a window and calling out to ask who is on his side, prompting two or three eunuchs to look out at him. The verse shows Jehu seeking support from those inside the building as he prepares to confront Jezebel.

Jehu is outside the palace in Jezreel, addressing the people inside where Jezebel is located. By asking, "Who is on my side?" Jehu is testing the loyalty of those serving Jezebel, and the response from the eunuchs signals that some of her closest attendants are willing to side with Jehu against her. This moment sets up the dramatic events that follow in the story.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 9:32

  • "Up" (נָשָׂא, nasa'): This word means to lift or raise, and here it describes Jehu lifting his face toward the window, showing deliberate attention and intention in his action.
  • "Face" (פָּנִים, panim): This word often refers to someone's presence or attention. Jehu lifting his face signals direct engagement with those inside.
  • "Window" (חַלּוֹן, challon): The mention of a window highlights the separation between Jehu outside and those inside, emphasizing the tension and the need for a clear signal of allegiance.
  • "Eunuchs" (סָרִיס, saris): Eunuchs were trusted palace officials, often close to the royal family. Their willingness to respond to Jehu shows a significant shift in loyalty within Jezebel's own household.

Why 2 Kings 9:32 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehu did not act alone but actively sought allies from within Jezebel’s own ranks, showing his strategic approach.
  • The mention of eunuchs responding highlights the vulnerability of Jezebel’s position and the willingness of her attendants to turn against her.
  • Understanding this moment helps explain how Jehu was able to quickly gain control and fulfill his mission, connecting to the larger narrative of political change and divine judgment in 2 Kings.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H8259 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 18:16 And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
  • Judges 5:28 The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?
  • Psalms 53:2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.

“window” Hebrew H2474 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 8:6 And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:
  • 1 Kings 6:4 And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.
  • Ezekiel 40:22 And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto it by seven steps; and the arches thereof were before them.

“eunuchs” Hebrew H5631 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:8 And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.
  • Isaiah 56:3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.