New International VersionHazael 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.
New Living TranslationHazael 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.”
English Standard VersionAnd 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.”
Berean Standard Bible“But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?” said Hazael. And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”
King James BibleAnd Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.
New King James VersionSo 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.”
New American Standard BibleThen Hazael said, “But what is your servant—a lowly dog—that he could do this great thing?” And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”
NASB 1995Then Hazael said, “But what is your servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing?” And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”
NASB 1977Then Hazael said, “But what is your servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing?” And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”
Legacy Standard BibleThen Hazael said, “But what is your servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing?” And Elisha answered, “Yahweh has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”
Amplified BibleThen Hazael said, “ Surely not! For what is your servant, who is nothing more than a dog, that he would do this monstrous thing?” And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”
Christian Standard BibleHazael said, “How could your servant, a mere dog, do such a mighty deed? ” Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleHazael said, “How could your servant, a mere dog, do this monstrous thing?” Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”
American Standard VersionAnd Hazael said, But what is thy servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, Jehovah hath showed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.
Contemporary English Version"How could I ever do anything like that?" Hazael replied. "I'm only a servant and don't have that kind of power." "Hazael, the LORD has told me that you will be the next king of Syria."
English Revised VersionAnd Hazael said, But what is thy servant, which is but a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBut Hazael asked, "How can a dog like me do such a significant thing?" Elisha answered, "The LORD has shown me that you will become king of Aram."
Good News Translation"How could I ever be that powerful?" Hazael asked. "I'm a nobody!" "The LORD has shown me that you will be king of Syria," Elisha replied.
International Standard VersionBut Hazael responded, "What? Who am I, your servant, that I should do such a horrible thing?" But Elisha answered, "The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram."
NET BibleHazael said, "How could your servant, who is as insignificant as a dog, accomplish this great military victory?" Elisha answered, "The LORD has revealed to me that you will be the king of Syria."
New Heart English BibleHazael said, "But 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 will be king over Aram."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shown me that thou wilt be king over Syria. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?” said Hazael. And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”
World English BibleHazael said, “But what is your servant, who is but a dog, that he could do this great thing?” Elisha answered, “Yahweh has shown me that you will be king over Syria.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Hazael says, “But what [is] your servant—the dog, that he does this great thing?” And Elisha says, “YHWH has showed me you—king of Aram.”
Young's Literal Translation And Hazael saith, 'But what, is thy servant the dog, that he doth this great thing?' And Elisha saith, 'Jehovah hath shewed me thee -- king of Aram.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Hamel will say, For what! thy servant, the dog, that he will do this great word? and Elisha will say, Jehovah caused me to see thee king over Aram. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Hazael said: But what am I thy servant a dog, that I should do this great thing? And Eliseus said: The Lord hath shewn me that thou shalt be king of Syria.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Hazael said, “But what am I, your servant, a dog, that I would do this great thing?” And Elisha said, “The Lord has revealed to me that you will be the king of Syria.”
New American BibleHazael exclaimed, “How can your servant, a dog like me, do anything so important?” Elisha replied, “The LORD has showed you to me as king over Aram.”
New Revised Standard VersionHazael said, “What is your servant, who is a mere dog, that he should do this great thing?” Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you are to be king over Aram.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Hazael said, But what, is your servant a dog, that he should do this terrible thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD has shown me that you shall be king over Aram.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Khazail said: “What! Is your Servant considered a dog that he would do this great thing?” And Elisha said to him: “LORD JEHOVAH has shown me that you are King over Edom.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Hazael said: 'But what is thy servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing?' And Elisha answered: 'The LORD hath shown me that thou shalt be king over Aram.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Azael said, Who is thy servant? a dead dog, that he should do this thing? And Elisaie said, The Lord has shewn me thee ruling over Syria.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Hazael Murders Ben-hadad… 12“Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.” 13“Buthow couldyour servant,a mere dog,dosucha monstrousthing?”saidHazael.And Elishaanswered,“The LORDhas shown methat you will bekingoverAram.”14So Hazael left Elisha and went to his master, who asked him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he replied, “He told me that you would surely recover.”…
Cross References 1 Kings 19:15-17Then the LORD said to him, “Go back by the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you arrive, you are to anoint Hazael as king over Aram. / You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet. / Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu.
2 Kings 3:11But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”
2 Kings 9:1-3Now Elisha the prophet summoned one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Tuck your cloak under your belt, take this flask of oil, and go to Ramoth-gilead. / When you arrive, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go in, get him away from his companions, and take him to an inner room. / Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!”
1 Samuel 9:21Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?”
1 Samuel 10:1Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?
1 Samuel 16:12-13So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.
2 Kings 4:12-13And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call the Shunammite woman.” And when he had called her, she stood before him, / and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied.
2 Kings 13:14-19When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” / Elisha told him, “Take a bow and some arrows.” So Jehoash took a bow and some arrows. / Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow.” So the king put his hand on the bow, and Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. ...
Jeremiah 1:6-7“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” / But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak.
Isaiah 55:8-9“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Proverbs 16:9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Daniel 4:17This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’
Matthew 26:21-25And while they were eating, He said to them, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” / They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” / Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me. ...
Luke 22:31-34Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat. / But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” / “Lord,” said Peter, “I am ready to go with You even to prison and to death.” ...
John 13:36-38“Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked. Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.” / “Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.” / “Will you lay down your life for Me?” Jesus replied. “Truly, truly, I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.
Treasury of Scripture And Hazael said, But what, is your servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD has showed me that you shall be king over Syria. a dog 1 Samuel 17:43 And the Philistine said unto David,Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 2 Samuel 9:8 And he bowed himself, and said, Whatis thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as Iam? Psalm 22:16,20 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet… he should do Jeremiah 17:9 The heartis deceitful above allthings, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Matthew 26:33-35 Peter answered and said unto him, Though allmen shall be offended because of thee,yet will I never be offended… The Lord 2 Kings 8:10 And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die. 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 Hazaelto be king over Syria: Micah 2:1 Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. Jump to Previous AccomplishAramDogElishaEli'shaGreatHazaelHaz'aelMerePossibleServantShewedShewnShowedShownSyriaWiltJump to Next AccomplishAramDogElishaEli'shaGreatHazaelHaz'aelMerePossibleServantShewedShewnShowedShownSyriaWilt2 Kings 8 1.The Shunammite, having left her country seven years, to avoid the famine,5.for Elisha's miracle's sake has her land restored by the king.7.Hazael Murders Ben-Hadad and succeeds him16.Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah20.Edom and Libnah revolt23.Ahaziah succeeds Jehoram25.Ahaziah's wicked reign28.He visits Joram, being wounded, at JezreelBut how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?Hazael's response to Elisha reflects a common Near Eastern expression of humility and self-deprecation. Referring to oneself as a "dog" was a way to express unworthiness or low status. This phrase indicates Hazael's initial shock and disbelief at the prophecy. In the cultural context, dogs were often seen as unclean animals, so this metaphor underscores Hazael's perceived insignificance. The "monstrous thing" refers to the future atrocities Hazael would commit as king, including violence against Israel ( 2 Kings 10:32-33). This phrase also highlights the tension between human perception and divine revelation, as Hazael cannot yet see himself in the role Elisha describes. said Hazael.
Hazael was a high-ranking official in the court of Ben-Hadad II, king of Aram (modern-day Syria). His name means "God has seen," which is ironic given the unfolding events. Historically, Hazael's rise to power marked a significant shift in the region's political landscape. Assyrian records outside the Bible also mention Hazael, confirming his historical existence and military campaigns. His dialogue with Elisha is pivotal, as it sets the stage for his future actions and the fulfillment of God's judgment against Israel. And Elisha answered,
Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, plays a crucial role as God's spokesperson. His prophetic ministry was marked by miracles and direct communication with God. Elisha's response to Hazael is not just a prediction but a divine revelation. This interaction demonstrates the authority of the prophet and the certainty of God's plans. Elisha's calm and direct answer contrasts with Hazael's incredulity, emphasizing the inevitability of God's will. “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”
This prophecy reveals God's sovereignty over nations and leaders. Despite Hazael's current position, God has determined his future as king. The LORD's revelation to Elisha underscores the theme of divine foreknowledge and control over history. This prophecy also fulfills Elijah's earlier commission to anoint Hazael as king over Aram (1 Kings 19:15), though the anointing itself is not described. Hazael's future kingship would have significant implications for Israel, as he would become a formidable adversary. This statement also serves as a reminder of God's use of foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. Persons / Places / Events 1. HazaelInitially a servant of the king of Aram, Hazael is prophesied by Elisha to become king. His rise to power is marked by ambition and eventual fulfillment of the prophecy. 2. ElishaA prophet of God who succeeds Elijah. He is known for his miracles and prophecies, including the foretelling of Hazael's future as king. 3. AramA kingdom located in present-day Syria. It was often in conflict with Israel during the time of the kings. 4. Ben-HadadThe king of Aram at the time, who is ill and sends Hazael to inquire of Elisha regarding his recovery. 5. The LORDThe God of Israel, who reveals future events to His prophets, demonstrating His sovereignty and omniscience. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod's plans are often beyond human understanding, and He uses unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes. Prophetic FulfillmentThe accuracy of Elisha's prophecy demonstrates the reliability of God's word. Believers can trust in the fulfillment of God's promises. Humility and AmbitionHazael's initial humility ("a mere dog") contrasts with his later actions. Believers should guard against pride and ambition that lead away from God's will. Divine RevelationGod reveals His plans to those who seek Him. Believers should cultivate a relationship with God to understand His will for their lives. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 8
Who was Hazael in the Bible?
In 2 Kings 8:7-15, why does Elisha first tell Hazael the king will recover but then predict his death--does this not seem contradictory?
(Amos 1:3) Are there historical records confirming any 'threshing' of Gilead by Damascus in the manner Amos describes?
2 Kings 13:25 - Are there any external historical or archaeological sources that verify Jehoash's repeated conquests against Ben-Hadad, or does the Bible alone provide this narrative?(13) But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing?--Rather, ( Thou canst not mean it;) for what is the dog thy servant that he should do, &c. Hazael answers in a tone of pretended amazement and self-depreciation. The exaggerated humility of his language betrays the hypocrite. The Lord hath shewed me.--Comp.1Kings 19:15, where this same fact was revealed to Elijah. Literally,Jehovah hath made me see thee king. How Hazael took this announcement we are not told. Bahr says, "Startled by the revelation of his secret plans, Hazael turned away without answering the earnest words of the prophet." Verse 13. - And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? This rendering is generally allowed to Be incorrect. The true sense, which is well represented in the Septuagint ( Τίς ἐστιν ὁ δοῦλός σου ὁ κύων ὁ τεθνηκὼς οτιποιήσει τὸ ῤῆμα τοῦτο;), is - "But what is thy servant, this dog, that he should do so great a thing?" Hazael does not accuse Elisha of making him out a dog in the future, but calls himself a dog in the present. "Dog" is a word of extreme contempt - "the most contemptuous epithet of abuse" (Winer), as appears, among other places, from 1 Samuel 24:14 and 2 Samuel 16:9. Hazael means to say - How is it possible that he, occupying, as he does, so poor and humble a position as that of a mere courtier or domestic ( οἰκετής, Josephus), should ever wage war with Israel, and do the "great things" which Elisha has predicted of him? And Elisha answered, The Lord hath showed me that thou shalt be king over Syria. Elisha explains how it would be possible. Hazael would not continue in his poor and humble condition. Jehovah has revealed it to him that the mere courtier will shortly mount the Syrian throne.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “Butכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionwhat [is]מָ֤ה(māh)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatyour servant,עַבְדְּךָ֙(‘aḇ·də·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servanta mere dog,הַכֶּ֔לֶב(hak·ke·leḇ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3611:A dog, a male prostitutethatכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionhe should doיַעֲשֶׂ֔ה(ya·‘ă·śeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makethisהַזֶּ֑ה(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatmonstrousהַגָּד֖וֹל(hag·gā·ḏō·wl)Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolentthing?”הַדָּבָ֥ר(had·dā·ḇār)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causesaidוַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayHazael.חֲזָהאֵ֔ל(ḥă·zā·h·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2371:Hazael -- 'God sees', a king of Aram (Syria)And Elishaאֱלִישָׁ֔ע(’ĕ·lî·šā‘)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 477:Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophetanswered,וַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“The LORDיְהוָ֛ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelhas shown meהִרְאַ֧נִי(hir·’a·nî)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7200:To seethat you [will become]אֹתְךָ֖(’ō·ṯə·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 854:Nearness, near, with, by, at, amongkingמֶ֥לֶךְ(me·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingoverעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstAram.”אֲרָֽם׃(’ă·rām)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758:Aram -- Syria
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OT History: 2 Kings 8:13 Hazael said But what is your servant (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
