2 Kings 8 13

2 Kings 8:13 kjv

And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath showed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.

2 Kings 8:13 nkjv

So Hazael said, "But what is your servant?a dog, that he should do this gross thing?" And Elisha answered, "The LORD has shown me that you will become king over Syria."

2 Kings 8:13 niv

Hazael said, "How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?" "The LORD has shown me that you will become king of Aram," answered Elisha.

2 Kings 8:13 esv

And Hazael said, "What is your servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing?" Elisha answered, "The LORD has shown me that you are to be king over Syria."

2 Kings 8:13 nlt

Hazael responded, "How could a nobody like me ever accomplish such great things?" Elisha answered, "The LORD has shown me that you are going to be the king of Aram."

2 Kings 8 verses

2 Kings 8 13 Meaning

The verse captures a pivotal prophetic exchange where Hazael, a Syrian official, expresses disbelieving humility and apparent self-deprecation to Elisha after the prophet weeps while foreseeing the terrible atrocities Hazael will commit against Israel. Elisha confirms Hazael's future as king of Syria, revealing that God has divinely shown him this outcome. Hazael's "dog" remark is a rhetorical question, feigning unworthiness for such great (and terrible) deeds, while Elisha's reply solidifies God's foreknowledge and sovereign plan in placing Hazael on the throne.

2 Kings 8 13 Context

This verse occurs during a time when Elisha, the prophet of Yahweh, travels to Damascus, the capital of Aram (Syria). King Ben-Hadad of Aram is ill and sends Hazael, a high-ranking official, to inquire of Elisha whether he will recover. Elisha tells Hazael that the king will indeed recover, but then immediately adds that the Lord has shown him Ben-Hadad will nevertheless die. Following this, Elisha stares intensely at Hazael, beginning to weep. When Hazael asks why he weeps, Elisha explains that he foresees the terrible evils Hazael will inflict upon the Israelites: burning their fortresses, slaying their young men, dashing their little ones, and ripping open their pregnant women. It is in response to this horrific prophecy that Hazael utters the words of 2 Kings 8:13, which is quickly followed by Hazael's swift return and the king's murder, confirming Elisha's words.

2 Kings 8 13 Word analysis

• And Hazael said: Hazael (חֲזָאֵל, Ḥazăʾēl) is a non-Israelite, but a central figure in God's prophetic word through Elisha. His immediate verbal response shows either genuine disbelief or, more likely, a cunning feigned humility.
• "But what is your servant—a mere dog—": This is a rhetorical question intended to express profound humility or worthlessness.
  • "your servant" (עַבְדֶּךָ, ʿavdekā): A standard deferential term of respect to a superior.
  • "a mere dog" (כֶּלֶב, kelev): In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were typically wild, scavenging animals, often associated with impurity, contempt, and low social standing, particularly in a pejorative sense. Calling oneself a "dog" was a self-degrading insult, signifying utter unworthiness and powerlessness (e.g., 1 Sam 17:43; 2 Sam 9:8). Hazael uses this phrase to express how utterly impossible it is that someone as insignificant and contemptible as he could possibly accomplish such "great things" (referring to the prophesied atrocities), implying that he lacks the capacity, power, or even the evil nature required. This expression of humility proved to be highly deceptive.
• "that he should do this great thing?": This phrase refers directly to the horrifying deeds prophesied by Elisha in the previous verse (2 Kgs 8:12).
  • "this great thing" (הַדָּבָר הַגָּדוֹל הַזֶּה, ha-dāḇār hag-gādôl haz-zeh): The word "great" (גָּדוֹל, gāḏôl) is used here ironically from Elisha's perspective. While it signifies actions of vast scope and consequence, the deeds themselves are morally despicable and catastrophic. Hazael’s feigned incomprehension highlights the enormity of the foreseen wickedness, further emphasizing his (false) humility.
• "And Elisha answered,": Elisha's immediate response confirms the prophetic word, cutting through Hazael's feigned humility.
• "The Lord has shown me": (וְיָרְאֵנִי יְהוָה, wəyārʾēnî Yahweh) This unequivocally states the source of the prophecy: it is a divine revelation from Yahweh, the God of Israel. Elisha is merely relaying God's revealed truth, underscoring God's sovereignty over global affairs and even over kings of other nations who do not acknowledge Him.
• "that you will be king over Syria.": (וְהָיִיתָ מֶלֶךְ עַל־אֲרָם, wəhāyîṯā meleḵ ʿal-ʾĀrām) This direct declaration removes any ambiguity regarding Hazael's future and role. It reveals God's foreknowledge of who will ascend to power, implying His permissive will or even direct appointment in such matters (Dan 2:21; Rom 13:1).

Words-group Analysis:

• Hazael's Question: "But what is your servant—a mere dog—that he should do this great thing?"
  • This is a masterfully crafted rhetorical question, reflecting deep cunning. On the surface, it portrays self-abasement and disbelief in his own capacity for such wickedness or power. Yet, within hours, he would take the first step towards fulfilling the prophecy (2 Kgs 8:15). This immediately exposes Hazael’s hypocrisy and dark ambition, demonstrating that his low self-assessment was a lie designed to deflect attention or conceal his true intentions and capabilities. It underscores the profound contrast between words and imminent actions, a hallmark of deception.
• Elisha's Confirmation: "The Lord has shown me that you will be king over Syria."
  • This phrase firmly places the impending events under divine decree and knowledge. Elisha does not elaborate on Hazael's moral responsibility, nor does he contradict Hazael’s (false) humility; he simply reiterates the revealed future. The certainty of the prophetic word emphasizes God's sovereign control over historical events, using both righteous and wicked instruments to achieve His ultimate purposes, often including judgment.

2 Kings 8 13 Bonus section

The speed with which Hazael acts immediately after this encounter (taking the king's life by smothering him with a thick cloth, 2 Kings 8:15) underscores the immediate and chilling fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting Hazael's latent ruthlessness and opportunism. His self-designation as a "dog" in feigned humility ironically foreshadows his savage actions, acting more like a wild, untamed animal than a humble servant. This serves as a sober reminder that outwardly expressed humility can conceal profound evil and ambition, and God's foreknowledge does not negate human culpability. This narrative also offers an insight into how Yahweh operates through non-covenant individuals to bring about His will, including judgment upon nations, emphasizing His universal dominion.

2 Kings 8 13 Commentary

2 Kings 8:13 is a powerful testament to the prophetic foresight granted by God and the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency. Hazael's seemingly humble retort, "a mere dog," is laced with deceptive irony. While expressing a profound sense of unworthiness to perform such "great" (horrific) deeds, it swiftly proves to be a calculated pretense for the ruthless ambition that lies beneath. Elisha's immediate and unequivocal response—that the Lord Himself has revealed Hazael's future as king—underscores that God is not only aware of all future events but actively ordains or permits the rise of rulers, even those who will commit heinous acts. This passage, therefore, highlights God's ultimate authority over kingdoms and the dark nature of humanity, demonstrating how an individual, fully responsible for their choices, can yet unwittingly or knowingly become an instrument in God's broader redemptive plan, which includes judging wickedness. The very next actions of Hazael—murdering his king—vindicate Elisha's prophecy, solidifying the prophetic word as unshakeable truth, irrespective of human pretense or resistance.