2 Kings 8:14
New International Version
Then Hazael left Elisha and returned to his master. When Ben-Hadad asked, “What did Elisha say to you?” Hazael replied, “He told me that you would certainly recover.”

New Living Translation
When Hazael left Elisha and went back, the king asked him, “What did Elisha tell you?” And Hazael replied, “He told me that you will surely recover.”

English Standard Version
Then he departed from Elisha and came to his master, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he answered, “He told me that you would certainly recover.”

Berean Standard Bible
So 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.”

Berean Literal Bible
And he departed from Elisha and came to his master, and he said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he said, “He said to me: You will surely recover.”

King James Bible
So he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to thee? And he answered, He told me that thou shouldest surely recover.

New King James Version
Then he departed from Elisha, and came to his master, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he answered, “He told me you would surely recover.”

New American Standard Bible
So he left Elisha and came to his master, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he answered, “He told me that you would certainly recover.”

NASB 1995
So he departed from Elisha and returned to his master, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he answered, “He told me that you would surely recover.”

NASB 1977
So he departed from Elisha and returned to his master, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he answered, “He told me that you would surely recover.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So he went from Elisha and came to his master. And he said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he said, “He said to me that you would surely be restored to life.”

Amplified Bible
Then Hazael departed from Elisha and came to his master, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he answered, “He told me you would certainly recover.”

Berean Annotated Bible
So Hazael left Elisha (God is salvation) 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.

Christian Standard Bible
Hazael left Elisha and went to his master, who asked him, “What did Elisha say to you? ” He responded, “He told me you are sure to recover.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Hazael left Elisha and went to his master, who asked him, “What did Elisha say to you?” He responded, “He told me you are sure to recover.”

American Standard Version
Then he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to thee? And he answered, He told me that thou wouldest surely recover.

Contemporary English Version
Hazael went back to Benhadad and told him, "Elisha said that you will get well."

English Revised Version
Then he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to thee? And he answered, He told me that thou shouldest surely recover.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Hazael left Elisha and went to his master Benhadad, who asked him what Elisha had said. Hazael answered, "He told me that you will get better."

Good News Translation
Hazael went back to Benhadad, who asked him, "What did Elisha say?" "He told me that you would certainly get well," Hazael answered.

International Standard Version
So he left Elisha and returned to his master, who asked him, "What did Elisha tell you?" He replied, "He told me that you would certainly get better."

NET Bible
He left Elisha and went to his master. Ben Hadad asked him, "What did Elisha tell you?" Hazael replied, "He told me you would surely recover."

New Heart English Bible
Then he departed from Elisha, and came to his master, who said to him, "What did Elisha say to you?" He answered, "He told me that you would surely recover."

Webster's Bible Translation
So he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to thee? And he answered, He told me that thou shouldest surely recover.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So 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.”

World English Bible
Then he departed from Elisha, and came to his master, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” He answered, “He told me that you would surely recover.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he goes from Elisha, and comes to his lord, and he says to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he says, “He said to me, You certainly recover.”

Berean Literal Bible
And he departed from Elisha and came to his master, and he said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he said, “He said to me: You will surely recover.”

Young's Literal Translation
And he goeth from Elisha, and cometh in unto his lord, and he saith unto him, 'What said Elisha to thee?' and he saith, 'He said to me, Thou dost certainly recover.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will go from Elisha and come to his lord; and he will say to him, What said Elisha to thee? and he will say, He said to me, Living, thou shalt live.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he was departed from Eliseus, he came to his master, who said to him: What saith Eliseus to thee? And he answered: He told me: Thou shalt recover.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had departed from Elisha, he went to his lord, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he responded: “He said to me, ‘You shall receive health.’ ”

New American Bible
Hazael left Elisha and returned to his master, who asked, “What did Elisha tell you?” Hazael replied, “He said, ‘You will surely recover.’ ”

New Revised Standard Version
Then he left Elisha, and went to his master Ben-hadad, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he answered, “He told me that you would certainly recover.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So Hazael departed from Elisha and came to his master; and his master said to him, What did Elisha say to you? And he answered, Thus he said to me: You shall surely recover.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Khazail came from the presence of Elisha and he went on to his Master and said to his Master: “What did Elisha say to you?” He said to him, “Thus he said to me, ”You shall surely recover!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then he departed from Elisha, and came to his master, who said to him: 'What said Elisha to thee?' And he answered: 'He told me that thou wouldest surely recover.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he departed from Elisaie, and went in to his lord; and he said to him, What said Elisaie to thee? and he said, He said to me, Thou shalt surely live.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hazael Murders Ben-hadad
13“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.” 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.” 15But the next day Hazael took a thick cloth, dipped it in water, and spread it over the king’s face. So Ben-hadad died, and Hazael reigned in his place.…

Cross References
So Hazael left Elisha

2 Kings 5:19-20
“Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance, / Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”

1 Kings 19:21
So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.
and went to his master,

2 Kings 5:25
When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied.

Matthew 25:19
After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.
who asked him, “What did Elisha say to you?”

1 Samuel 3:17
“What was the message He gave you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God punish you, and ever so severely, if you hide from me anything He said to you.”

Jeremiah 38:14
Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and received him at the third entrance to the house of the LORD. “I am going to ask you something,” said the king to Jeremiah. “Do not hide anything from me.”
And he replied, “He told me that you would surely recover.”

2 Kings 20:5-7
“Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD. / I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for My sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” / Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” So they brought it and applied it to the boil, and Hezekiah recovered.

2 Kings 1:2-4
Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers and instructed them: “Go inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this injury.” / But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’ / Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” So Elijah departed.

Proverbs 14:25
A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful.
2 Kings 8:10
Elisha answered, “Go and tell him, ‘You will surely recover.’ But the LORD has shown me that in fact he will die.”

2 Kings 8:15
But the next day Hazael took a thick cloth, dipped it in water, and spread it over the king’s face. So Ben-hadad died, and Hazael reigned in his place.

2 Kings 8:9
So Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him a gift of forty camel loads of every good thing from Damascus. And he went in and stood before him and said, “Your son Ben-hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’”

2 Kings 8:13
“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.”

2 Kings 8:12
“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.”

2 Kings 8:7
Then Elisha came to Damascus while Ben-hadad king of Aram was sick, and the king was told, “The man of God has come here.”

2 Kings 8:11
Elisha fixed his gaze steadily on him until Hazael became uncomfortable. Then the man of God began to weep.


Treasury of Scripture

So he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to you? And he answered, He told me that you should surely recover.

He told me

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.

2 Kings 5:25
But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.

Matthew 26:16
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Jump to Previous
Ben-Hadad Departed Elisha Eli'sha Hazael Master Recover Shouldest Surely Wouldest
Jump to Next
Ben-Hadad Departed Elisha Eli'sha Hazael Master Recover Shouldest Surely Wouldest
2 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 him
16. Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah
20. Edom and Libnah revolt
23. Ahaziah succeeds Jehoram
25. Ahaziah's wicked reign
28. He visits Joram, being wounded, at Jezreel












So Hazael left Elisha
Hazael, a high-ranking official in the Aramean court, visits the prophet Elisha. This encounter is significant as it marks a turning point in Hazael's life and the history of Aram and Israel. Elisha, a successor of Elijah, is a prominent prophet in Israel, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel. The meeting between Hazael and Elisha occurs during a time of political tension between Israel and Aram (modern-day Syria), highlighting the influence of prophets in political matters.

and went to his master,
Hazael returns to Ben-Hadad II, the king of Aram. This reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Near Eastern courts, where officials served under the authority of a king. Ben-Hadad II is a historical figure known from both biblical and Assyrian records, indicating the interconnectedness of regional powers. The relationship between Hazael and Ben-Hadad is crucial, as it sets the stage for Hazael's eventual rise to power.

who asked him, “What did Elisha say to you?”
The king's inquiry shows his concern for Elisha's prophecy regarding his illness. In the ancient world, prophets were often consulted for divine insight, especially concerning health and political outcomes. This question underscores the king's reliance on prophetic words, reflecting the belief in the power of prophecy to influence royal decisions and the course of nations.

And he replied, “He told me that you would surely recover.”
Hazael's response is a partial truth, as Elisha had also foretold the king's death. This deception is pivotal, as it foreshadows Hazael's ambition and eventual usurpation of the throne. The phrase "surely recover" contrasts with the reality of Ben-Hadad's fate, illustrating the theme of human manipulation of divine messages. This moment is a turning point, leading to Hazael's fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy of becoming king, which aligns with God's sovereign plan despite human deceit.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hazael
A servant of the king of Aram (Syria) who later becomes king himself. He is a central figure in this passage, tasked with delivering a message from the prophet Elisha.

2. Elisha
A prophet of God in Israel, successor to Elijah, known for his miracles and prophecies. In this context, he delivers a message to Hazael regarding the king's health.

3. Ben-Hadad
The king of Aram at the time, who is ill and sends Hazael to inquire of Elisha about his recovery.

4. Aram (Syria)
A neighboring nation to Israel, often in conflict with it. The political dynamics between Aram and Israel are significant in this account.

5. The Event
Hazael's visit to Elisha to inquire about the king's health and the subsequent misleading report he gives to Ben-Hadad.
Teaching Points
The Power of Prophecy
Elisha's role as a prophet demonstrates God's sovereignty and foreknowledge. Believers are reminded of the importance of heeding God's word and recognizing His control over nations and leaders.

Integrity in Communication
Hazael's deceit highlights the moral responsibility to speak truthfully. Christians are called to be honest in their dealings, reflecting the character of Christ.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
The transition of power from Ben-Hadad to Hazael, as foretold by God, underscores that God raises and removes leaders according to His purposes. Believers can trust in God's ultimate plan, even amidst political uncertainty.

The Consequences of Deceit
Hazael's actions lead to significant consequences for Aram and Israel. This serves as a warning about the far-reaching impact of deceit and the importance of integrity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 8:14?

2. How does 2 Kings 8:14 demonstrate God's sovereignty in Elisha's prophecy fulfillment?

3. What can we learn about obedience from Hazael's actions in 2 Kings 8:14?

4. How does Hazael's response connect to themes of deceit elsewhere in Scripture?

5. How can we discern truth in situations, as seen in 2 Kings 8:14?

6. What role does prophecy play in guiding our decisions, based on 2 Kings 8:14?

7. What is the significance of Hazael's actions in 2 Kings 8:14 for God's plan?

8. How does 2 Kings 8:14 reflect on the nature of prophecy and its fulfillment?

9. Why did God allow Hazael to deceive Ben-Hadad in 2 Kings 8:14?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 8?

11. How do the numbers of Asa's forces in 2 Chronicles 14:8 compare with those in Kings, and why might they seemingly contradict each other?

12. 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?

13. In 2 Kings 8:7-15, is there any archaeological or extrabiblical source confirming Hazael's rise to power exactly as described?

14. 2 Kings 2:8 - How can the Jordan River suddenly part at the mere strike of a cloak?
What Does 2 Kings 8:14 Mean
So Hazael left Elisha

• Elisha has just delivered a prophetic word that stirs Hazael’s conscience (2 Kings 8:10–13).

• Hazael’s departure shows a deliberate choice—he walks away from the prophet who speaks for God, illustrating how people can physically leave God’s messenger while still carrying the weight of God’s message (cf. Jonah 1:3).

• His exit also highlights the transition from divine revelation to personal responsibility; Hazael now decides what to do with what he has heard (James 1:22).


and went to his master

• Hazael returns to Ben-hadad II, king of Aram, fulfilling his role as servant yet harboring new ambitions (2 Kings 8:12–13).

• Scripture often contrasts servants who are faithful (Joseph in Genesis 39:4) with those who scheme for power (Absalom in 2 Samuel 15:4–6). Hazael fits the latter pattern.

• The trip back underscores God’s sovereignty: even pagan courts are arenas for the outworking of His word (Proverbs 21:1).


who asked him, “What did Elisha say to you?”

• The king’s inquiry shows respect for the prophet’s credibility; even enemies of Israel feared Elisha’s insight (2 Kings 6:12).

• Ben-hadad’s question demonstrates how God’s truth pierces political boundaries (Acts 24:25).

• It also reveals a moment of vulnerability: sickness has made the king eager for hope, echoing Ahaziah’s search for Elijah’s word in 2 Kings 1:2–3.


And he replied, “He told me that you would surely recover.”

• Hazael selectively reports Elisha’s message. Elisha had indeed said, “You will surely recover,” yet immediately added, “Nevertheless, the LORD has shown me that he will surely die” (2 Kings 8:10).

• This half-truth exposes Hazael’s deceitful heart (Proverbs 12:22) and foreshadows his violence in v. 15.

• The statement illustrates the danger of twisting God’s words for personal gain—Satan employed the same tactic in Genesis 3:1 and Matthew 4:6.

• Though Ben-hadad hears encouraging news, the fuller prophecy will still come to pass, affirming the certainty of God’s word (Isaiah 55:11).


summary

2 Kings 8:14 captures a pivotal moment: Hazael leaves God’s prophet, returns to his king, and offers a calculated half-truth. The verse unveils three themes—personal responsibility for revealed truth, the reach of God’s word into worldly power structures, and the peril of manipulating that word. While Ben-hadad hears only recovery, God’s complete prophecy marches on, soon elevating Hazael to the throne through treachery. The passage reminds us that every listener must steward God’s message honestly, for the Lord’s word remains sure whether embraced, ignored, or twisted.

(14) That thou shouldest surely recover.--Rather, Thou wilt certainly live, repeating Elisha's actual words, but not the tone and gesture which accompanied them.

Verse 14. - So he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to thee? And he answered, He told me that thou shouldest surely recover. This, as already observed, was giving half Elisha's answer, and suppressing the other half. The suppressio veri is a suggestio falsi; and the suppression was Hazael's act, not Elisha's. Had Hazael repeated the whole of Elisha's answer, "Say unto him, Thou shalt surely recover; howbeit the Lord hath showed me that he shall surely die;" - Benhadad might have been puzzled, but he would not have been deceived.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Hazael left
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ ׀ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

Elisha
אֱלִישָׁ֗ע (’ĕ·lî·šā‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 477: Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet

and went
וַיָּבֹא֙ (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's Hebrew

his master,
אֲדֹנָ֔יו (’ă·ḏō·nāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

who asked him,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“What
מָֽה־ (māh-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

did Elisha
אֱלִישָׁ֑ע (’ĕ·lî·šā‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 477: Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet

say to you?”
אָמַ֥ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

And he replied,
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“He told
אָ֥מַר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

me
לִ֖י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

you would surely recover.”
תִחְיֶֽה׃ (ṯiḥ·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2421: To live, to revive


Links
2 Kings 8:14 NIV
2 Kings 8:14 NLT
2 Kings 8:14 ESV
2 Kings 8:14 NASB
2 Kings 8:14 KJV

2 Kings 8:14 BibleApps.com
2 Kings 8:14 Biblia Paralela
2 Kings 8:14 Chinese Bible
2 Kings 8:14 French Bible
2 Kings 8:14 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Kings 8:14 Then he departed from Elisha and came (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 8:13
Top of Page
Top of Page