And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel.

2 KINGS 9:6KJV
Know the Bible

2 Kings 9:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 9:6 mean?

2 Kings 9:6 describes how Jehu is privately anointed as king of Israel by a prophet, who pours oil on Jehu’s head and declares that the LORD, the God of Israel, has chosen him to rule over the people of Israel. This act marks a divinely appointed transfer of royal authority.

In this scene, a prophet sent by Elisha brings Jehu into a house away from others, following God’s instructions. The prophet pours oil on Jehu’s head—a traditional sign of being set apart for leadership in Israel—and announces that this is not just a human decision, but a command from the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh), the God (אלהים, Elohim) of Israel. This moment sets the stage for major changes in Israel’s leadership.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 9:6

  • "Anointed" (מָשַׁח, mashach): This word means to pour or smear oil as a sign of being set apart for a special role, especially for kings or priests. Here, it shows that Jehu’s kingship is not just political, but divinely authorized.
  • "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) and "God" (אלהים, Elohim): Both titles are used together to emphasize that the authority comes from the God of Israel, not from human choice.
  • "Oil" (שֶׁמֶן, shemen): Pouring oil was a physical symbol of God’s Spirit and blessing being given to someone for a special task. The use of oil here underlines the seriousness and sacredness of Jehu’s new role.

Why 2 Kings 9:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehu’s rise to power is not a coup or rebellion, but a fulfillment of God’s command through a prophet, giving his kingship divine legitimacy.
  • The private setting and the act of anointing highlight the seriousness and secrecy of the moment, showing that God’s plans often begin quietly before becoming public.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the dramatic events that follow in the story, as Jehu’s actions are rooted in this divine appointment rather than personal ambition.

Where else these words appear

“poured” Hebrew H3332 · used in 51 verses

  • Genesis 28:18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
  • Leviticus 14:26 And the priest shall pour of the oil into the palm of his own left hand:
  • 2 Kings 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.

“anointed” Hebrew H4886 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 6:15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.
  • 1 Kings 1:34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.