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2 Kings 8:11

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 8:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he settled his countenance stedfastly [upon him], until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he settled his countenance stedfastly [upon him], until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.
2 Kings 8:11 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thy hand, and go, meet the man of God, and inquire of Jehovah by him, saying, Shall I recover of this sickness?
9So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels` burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this sickness?
10And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou shalt surely recover; howbeit Jehovah hath showed me that he shall surely die.
11And he settled his countenance stedfastly [upon him], until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.
12And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strongholds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash in pieces their little ones, and rip up their women with child.
13And 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.
14Then 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.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he settled his countenance steadfastly, etc.] Refrained himself as much as possible, that he might not weep, as some Jewish writers interpret it; or, as others, he turned his face on one side, and covered it with his hands, that Hazael might not see him weep; or rather he set his face on Hazael, and looked at him so wistly: until he was ashamed; that is, Hazael; the prophet looked him out of countenance: and the man of God wept; at the thought of what calamities the man before him, he looked on, would be the cause of in Israel, as the following words show.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“he settled his countenance stedfastly until he was ashamed--that is, Hazael. The steadfast, penetrating look of the prophet seemed to have convinced Hazael that his secret designs were known. The deep emotions of Elisha were justified by the horrible atrocities which, too common in ancient warfare, that successful usurper committed in Israel (Kg2 10:32; Kg2 13:3-4, Kg2 13:22).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That is, “And he (Elisha) settled his conntenance, and set it (toward Hazael), until he (Hazael) was ashamed.” Elisha fixed on Hazael a long and meaning look, until the latter’s eyes fell before his, and his cheek flushed. Elisha, it would seem, had detected the guilty thought that was in Hazael’s heart, and Hazael perceived that he had detected it. Hence the “shame.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He settled - The prophet fixed his eyes upon Hazael. Until - 'Till Hazael was ashamed, as apprehending the prophet discerned something of an evil and shameful nature in him. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 8:13”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“8:11 Elisha started weeping because he foresaw the atrocities that Hazael would commit against God’s people when he became king (8:28; 9:14-15; 10:32-33; 12:17-18; 13:3, 22).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“stedfastly: Heb. and set it wept: Gen 45:2; Psa 119:136; Jer 4:19, Jer 9:1, Jer 9:18, Jer 13:17, Jer 14:17; Luk 19:41; Joh 11:35; Act 20:19, Act 20:31; Rom 9:2; Phi 3:18 4 Kings (2 Kings) 8:12”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Elisha then fixed Hazael for a long time with his eye, and wept. וגו ויּעמד literally, he made his face stand fast, and directed it (upon Hazael) to shaming. עד־בּשׁ as in Jdg 3:25; not in a shameless manner (Thenius), but till Hazael was embarrassed by it. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 8:12”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification