2 Kings 8:13
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.”

English Standard Version
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.”

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 Bible
And 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 Version
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.”

New American Standard Bible
Then 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 1995
Then 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 1977
Then 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 Bible
Then 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 Bible
Then 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 Bible
Hazael 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 Bible
Hazael 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 Version
And 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 Version
And 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® Translation
But 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 Version
But 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."

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.?

NET Bible
Hazael 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 Bible
Hazael 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 Translation
And 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.

World English Bible
Hazael 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 Version
And 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 Translation
And 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 Bible
And 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 Version
And 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 Bible
Hazael 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 Version
Hazael 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 Bible
And 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 Translated
And 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 1917
And 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 Translation
And 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“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.”…

Cross References
1 Kings 19:15-17
Then 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 3:11
But 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 9:1-3
Now 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 9:21
Saul 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 10:1
Then 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 16:12-13
So 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 4:12-13
And 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 13:14-19
When 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 16:9
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Daniel 4:17
This 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 26:21-25
And 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 22:31-34
Simon, 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, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?

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 heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Matthew 26:33-35
Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men 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 Hazael to 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
Accomplish Aram Dog Elisha Eli'sha Great Hazael Haz'ael Mere Possible Servant Shewed Shewn Showed Shown Syria Wilt
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Accomplish Aram Dog Elisha Eli'sha Great Hazael Haz'ael Mere Possible Servant Shewed Shewn Showed Shown Syria Wilt
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














But how could your servant
This phrase reflects a posture of humility and disbelief. The Hebrew word for "servant" is "ebed," which often denotes a position of subservience or loyalty. In the context of the Ancient Near East, a servant was someone who served at the pleasure of a master, often with little personal agency. This phrase indicates Hazael's initial reaction of incredulity and humility, as he cannot fathom the possibility of rising to such a position of power. It underscores the biblical theme that God often chooses the humble and lowly to fulfill His purposes, as seen throughout Scripture.

a mere dog
The term "dog" in ancient Israelite culture was often used as a derogatory term, symbolizing something unclean or contemptible. In the Hebrew context, dogs were not the beloved pets they are in many cultures today; rather, they were scavengers and often associated with impurity. Hazael's use of this term to describe himself emphasizes his perceived insignificance and unworthiness. This self-deprecating language highlights the dramatic nature of God's plans, which often elevate the lowly and humble the proud, as seen in the lives of figures like David and Joseph.

accomplish such a great thing?
The word "accomplish" in Hebrew is "asah," which means to do, make, or perform. It implies action and the bringing about of something significant. The "great thing" refers to the monumental task of becoming king, a role that carries immense responsibility and power. This phrase captures the tension between human inability and divine enablement. Throughout the Bible, God empowers individuals to accomplish tasks that seem impossible by human standards, reinforcing the idea that with God, all things are possible.

Elisha answered
Elisha, the prophet, serves as God's mouthpiece, delivering divine messages and insights. His role is crucial in the narrative, as prophets in Israel were often the intermediaries between God and His people. Elisha's response is authoritative, reflecting his confidence in the revelation he has received from God. This highlights the importance of prophetic voices in guiding and shaping the destiny of nations and individuals according to God's will.

The LORD has shown me
The phrase "The LORD has shown me" indicates divine revelation. The Hebrew word for "shown" is "ra'ah," meaning to see or perceive. This suggests that Elisha has received a vision or insight directly from God. In the biblical narrative, such revelations are pivotal moments where God's plans are unveiled to His chosen servants. This underscores the belief in a God who is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, revealing His will to those who seek Him.

that you will become king over Aram
This prophetic declaration is significant, as it foretells a major political shift. Aram, known today as Syria, was a powerful kingdom and often an adversary of Israel. The Hebrew word for "king" is "melek," denoting a ruler or sovereign. This prophecy not only predicts Hazael's rise to power but also implies God's sovereignty over nations, orchestrating events according to His divine plan. It serves as a reminder of the biblical truth that God raises up and deposes kings, as seen in Daniel 2:21, emphasizing His ultimate authority over human history.

(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 οτι ποιήσει 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
“But
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

what [is]
מָ֤ה (māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

your servant,
עַבְדְּךָ֙ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

a mere dog,
הַכֶּ֔לֶב (hak·ke·leḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3611: A dog, a male prostitute

that
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he should do
יַעֲשֶׂ֔ה (ya·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

this
הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

monstrous
הַגָּד֖וֹל (hag·gā·ḏō·wl)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

thing?”
הַדָּבָ֥ר (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

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

Hazael.
חֲזָהאֵ֔ל (ḥă·zā·h·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2371: Hazael -- 'God sees', a king of Aram (Syria)

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

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

“The LORD
יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has shown me
הִרְאַ֧נִי (hir·’a·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

that you [will become]
אֹתְךָ֖ (’ō·ṯə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

king
מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Aram.”
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)
2 Kings 8:12
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