2 Kings 8:11
New International Version
He stared at him with a fixed gaze until Hazael was embarrassed. Then the man of God began to weep.

New Living Translation
Elisha stared at Hazael with a fixed gaze until Hazael became uneasy. Then the man of God started weeping.

English Standard Version
And he fixed his gaze and stared at him, until he was embarrassed. And the man of God wept.

Berean Standard Bible
Elisha fixed his gaze steadily on him until Hazael became uncomfortable. Then the man of God began to weep.

King James Bible
And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

New King James Version
Then he set his countenance in a stare until he was ashamed; and the man of God wept.

New American Standard Bible
And he stared steadily at him until Hazael was embarrassed, and then the man of God wept.

NASB 1995
He fixed his gaze steadily on him until he was ashamed, and the man of God wept.

NASB 1977
And he fixed his gaze steadily on him until he was ashamed, and the man of God wept.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he fixed his gaze steadily on him until he was ashamed, and the man of God wept.

Amplified Bible
Elisha stared steadily at Hazael until he was embarrassed, and then the man of God wept.

Christian Standard Bible
Then he stared steadily at him until he was ashamed. The man of God wept,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Elisha stared steadily at him until Hazael was ashamed. The man of God wept,

American Standard Version
And he settled his countenance stedfastly upon him, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

Contemporary English Version
Elisha stared at him until Hazael was embarrassed, then Elisha began crying.

English Revised Version
And he settled his countenance stedfastly upon him, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He stared at him until he became embarrassed. Then the man of God began to cry.

Good News Translation
Then Elisha stared at him with a horrified look on his face until Hazael became ill at ease. Suddenly Elisha burst into tears.

International Standard Version
Then Elisha looked steadily at Hazael until Hazael grew ashamed, and then the man of God began to cry.

Majority Standard Bible
Elisha fixed his gaze steadily on him until Hazael became uncomfortable. Then the man of God began to weep.

NET Bible
Elisha just stared at him until Hazael became uncomfortable. Then the prophet started crying.

New Heart English Bible
He settled his gaze steadfastly on him, until he was ashamed. Then the man of God wept.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he settled his countenance steadfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

World English Bible
He settled his gaze steadfastly on him, until he was ashamed. Then the man of God wept.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he sets his face, indeed, he sets [it] until he is ashamed, and the man of God weeps.

Young's Literal Translation
And he setteth his face, yea, he setteth it till he is ashamed, and the man of God weepeth.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will set his face, and he will set even till he was ashamed: and the man of God will weep.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he stood with him, and was troubled so far as to blush: and the man of God wept.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he stood beside him, and he was so troubled that his face became flushed. And the man of God wept.

New American Bible
Then he stared him down until he became ill at ease. The man of God wept,

New Revised Standard Version
He fixed his gaze and stared at him, until he was ashamed. Then the man of God wept.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the prophet of God wept.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Prophet of God wept.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he settled his countenance stedfastly upon him, until he was ashamed; and the man of God wept.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he stood before him, and fixed his countenance till he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hazael Murders Ben-hadad
10Elisha answered, “Go and tell him, ‘You will surely recover.’ But the LORD has shown me that in fact he will die.” 11Elisha fixed his gaze steadily on him until Hazael became uncomfortable. Then the man of God began to weep. 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.”…

Cross References
2 Kings 4:27
When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.”

1 Kings 19:13
When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

Jeremiah 17:9-10
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? / I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

1 Kings 14:5
But the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to ask you about her son, for he is ill. You are to say such and such to her, because when she arrives, she will be disguised.”

2 Kings 5:26
But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants?

2 Kings 6:32
Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?”

1 Kings 21:27-29
When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly. / Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying: / “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity during his days, but I will bring it upon his house in the days of his son.”

Isaiah 29:15
Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?”

Ezekiel 11:5
And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me and told me to declare that this is what the LORD says: “That is what you are thinking, O house of Israel; and I know the thoughts that arise in your minds.

Matthew 9:4
But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?

Mark 2:8
At once Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking this way within themselves. “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” He asked.

Luke 5:22
Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?

John 2:24-25
But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.

Acts 5:3-4
Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? / Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”


Treasury of Scripture

And he settled his countenance steadfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

stedfastly [heb] and set it

Genesis 45:2
And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.

Psalm 119:136
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

Jeremiah 4:19
My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.

Jump to Previous
Ashamed Countenance Eyes Face Felt Fixed Gaze Hazael Kept Overcome Settled Shamed Stared Steadfastly Steadily Stedfastly Weep Weepeth Weeping Wept
Jump to Next
Ashamed Countenance Eyes Face Felt Fixed Gaze Hazael Kept Overcome Settled Shamed Stared Steadfastly Steadily Stedfastly Weep Weepeth Weeping Wept
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














Elisha fixed his gaze steadily on him
Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, is known for his deep spiritual insight and connection with God. His ability to discern the future and the hearts of men is evident here. The act of fixing his gaze suggests a moment of intense spiritual discernment. In biblical times, prophets often received revelations through visions or deep contemplation. This moment parallels other instances where prophets, like Daniel, received divine insight through focused attention (Daniel 10:7-9).

until Hazael became uncomfortable
Hazael, a high-ranking official in the Aramean court, is the subject of Elisha's penetrating gaze. His discomfort indicates an awareness of the gravity of the moment. In the ancient Near East, the presence of a prophet was often associated with the revelation of God's will, which could be unsettling, especially if it involved judgment or significant change. Hazael's unease foreshadows his future actions and the role he will play in the fulfillment of God's plans, as he later becomes king and a tool of judgment against Israel (2 Kings 8:12-15).

Then the man of God began to weep
Elisha's weeping reveals his compassion and the burden of knowing the future suffering that Hazael will inflict upon Israel. The title "man of God" emphasizes Elisha's role as a divine messenger. His tears reflect the heart of God, who takes no pleasure in the suffering of His people (Ezekiel 33:11). This moment is reminiscent of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44), showing a parallel in the sorrow felt by God's messengers over the impending judgment and suffering due to the people's disobedience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elisha
A prophet of God in Israel, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel. In this passage, he is interacting with Hazael.

2. Hazael
A high-ranking official in the Aramean army who later becomes king of Aram. He visits Elisha to inquire about the health of the current king, Ben-Hadad.

3. Ben-Hadad
The king of Aram at the time, who is ill and sends Hazael to Elisha to ask if he will recover.

4. Aram (Syria)
A neighboring kingdom to Israel, often in conflict with Israel during this period.

5. Weeping of Elisha
This event signifies Elisha's prophetic insight into the future actions of Hazael and the suffering he will bring upon Israel.
Teaching Points
Prophetic Insight and Compassion
Elisha's ability to foresee future events and his emotional response highlight the balance of truth and compassion in prophetic ministry. We should seek to understand God's truth while maintaining a heart of compassion for those affected by sin and judgment.

The Consequences of Sin
Hazael's future actions, as foreseen by Elisha, remind us of the destructive power of sin and the importance of seeking God's guidance to avoid such paths.

God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
While God reveals future events to Elisha, Hazael's actions are his own, illustrating the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

The Role of a Prophet
Elisha's role as a prophet includes not only foretelling events but also interceding and mourning for the people. This serves as a model for spiritual leaders today to be both truth-tellers and compassionate intercessors.

Emotional Honesty in Ministry
Elisha's weeping demonstrates that it is appropriate for believers to express genuine emotions in response to the realities of sin and suffering in the world.(11) And he settled his countenance stedfastly.--Literally, and he (Elisha) made his face stand, and set (it upon Hazael).

Until he was ashamed.--Literally, unto being ashamed. This may mean either in shameless fashion or until Hazael was disconcerted. We prefer the latter. Hazael, conscious that Elisha had read his; thoughts aright, shrank from that piercing gaze. (Comp. 2Kings 2:17.)

Verse 11. - And he settled his countenance steadfastly - literally, and he settled his countenance and set it; i.e. Elisha fixed on Hazael a long and meaning look - until he - i.e. Hazael - was ashamed; i.e. until Hazael felt embarrassed, and his eyes fell It may be gathered that the ambitious courtier had already formed a murderous design against his master, and understood by the peculiar gaze which the prophet fixed upon him that his design was penetrated. And the man of God wept. There flashed on the prophet's mind all the long series of calamities which Israel would suffer at the hands of Syria during Hazael's reign, and he could not but weep at the thought of them (see the next verse).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[Elisha] fixed
וַיַּעֲמֵ֥ד (way·ya·‘ă·mêḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

his gaze
פָּנָ֖יו (pā·nāw)
Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

steadily
וַיָּ֣שֶׂם (way·yā·śem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

[on him] until
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

Hazael became uncomfortable.
בֹּ֑שׁ (bōš)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed

Then the man
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of God
הָאֱלֹהִֽים׃ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

began to weep.
וַיֵּ֖בְךְּ (way·yê·ḇək)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan


Links
2 Kings 8:11 NIV
2 Kings 8:11 NLT
2 Kings 8:11 ESV
2 Kings 8:11 NASB
2 Kings 8:11 KJV

2 Kings 8:11 BibleApps.com
2 Kings 8:11 Biblia Paralela
2 Kings 8:11 Chinese Bible
2 Kings 8:11 French Bible
2 Kings 8:11 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Kings 8:11 He settled his gaze steadfastly on him (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 8:10
Top of Page
Top of Page