2 Kings 9:20
New International Version
The lookout reported, “He has reached them, but he isn’t coming back either. The driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi—he drives like a maniac.”

New Living Translation
The watchman exclaimed, “The messenger has met them, but he isn’t returning either! It must be Jehu son of Nimshi, for he’s driving like a madman.”

English Standard Version
Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.”

Berean Standard Bible
Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi—he is driving like a madman!”

King James Bible
And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.

New King James Version
So the watchman reported, saying, “He went up to them and is not coming back; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously!”

New American Standard Bible
And the watchman reported, “He came up to them, but he did not return; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.”

NASB 1995
The watchman reported, “He came even to them, and he did not return; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.”

NASB 1977
And the watchman reported, “He came even to them, and he did not return; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And the watchman declared saying, “He came up to them, but he did not return; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives in madness.”

Amplified Bible
And the watchman reported, “He approached them, but he has not returned; and the driving [of the chariot] is like that of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.”

Christian Standard Bible
Again the watchman reported, “He reached them but hasn’t started back. Also, the driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi —he drives like a madman.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Again the watchman reported, “He reached them but hasn’t started back. Also, the driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi—he drives like a madman."”

American Standard Version
And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not back: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.

Contemporary English Version
The guard in the watchtower said, "Your Majesty, the rider got there, but he isn't coming back either. Wait a minute! That one man is a reckless chariot driver--it must be Jehu!"

English Revised Version
And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So the watchman announced, "He has reached them, but he isn't coming back. The troop's leader is driving like a lunatic, like Jehu, grandson of Nimshi."

Good News Translation
Once more the guard reported that the messenger had reached the group but was not returning. And he added, "The leader of the group is driving his chariot like a madman, just like Jehu!"

International Standard Version
The watchman reported to Joram, "He arrived there, but he hasn't returned. Also, he drives like Nimshi's son Jehu drives—irrationally!"

Majority Standard Bible
Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi—he is driving like a madman!”

NET Bible
The watchman reported, "He reached them, but hasn't started back. The one who drives the lead chariot drives like Jehu son of Nimshi; he drives recklessly."

New Heart English Bible
The watchman said, "He came to them, and isn't coming back. The driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he drives furiously."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the watchman told, saying, He came even to them, and doth not return? and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.

World English Bible
The watchman said, “He came to them, and isn’t coming back. The driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the watchman declares, saying, “He came to them, and he has not returned, and the driving [is] like the driving of Jehu son of Nimshi, for he drives with madness.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the watchman declareth, saying, 'He came unto them, and he hath not returned, and the driving is like the driving of Jehu son of Nimshi, for with madness he driveth.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he watching will announce, saying, He came even to them and turned not back: and the driving as the driving of Jehu son of Nimshi, for he will drive in madness.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the watchman told, saying: He came even to them, but returneth not: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Namsi, for he drives furiously.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the watchman gave a report, saying: “He went all the way to them, but he did not return. But their advance is like the advance of Jehu, the son of Nimshi. For he advances precipitously.”

New American Bible
The watchman reported, “He has reached them, but is not returning. The driving is like that of Jehu, son of Nimshi; he drives like a madman.”

New Revised Standard Version
Again the sentinel reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. It looks like the driving of Jehu son of Nimshi; for he drives like a maniac.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the watchman told, saying, The messenger came to them, but he did not return; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Jimshi; for he drives furiously.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Watchmen told and said: “The Messenger has arrived unto them, and he has not returned, and the driving is like the driving of Yahu, son of Imshi, for he is driving speedily.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the watchman told, saying: 'He came even unto them, and cometh not back; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the watchman reported, saying, He came up to them, and has not returned: and the driver drives Ju the son of Namessi, for it is with furious haste.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah
19So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’ ” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” 20Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi— he is driving like a madman!” 21“Harness!” Joram shouted, and they harnessed his chariot. Then Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah set out, each in his own chariot, and met Jehu on the property of Naboth the Jezreelite.…

Cross References
2 Kings 9:17-19
Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” / So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” / So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.”

1 Kings 18:46
And the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah, and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

1 Kings 1:5
At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.

2 Samuel 18:27
The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.”

1 Kings 20:33
Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot.

2 Kings 1:7-8
The king asked them, “What sort of man came up to meet you and spoke these words to you?” / “He was a hairy man,” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king.

2 Kings 10:15-16
When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot, / saying, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!” So he had him ride in his chariot.

2 Kings 4:29
So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.”

2 Kings 5:21
So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?”

2 Kings 8:21
So Jehoram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. When the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, he rose up and attacked by night. His troops, however, fled to their homes.

2 Samuel 1:23
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.

Jeremiah 46:9
Advance, O horses! Race furiously, O chariots! Let the warriors come forth—Cush and Put carrying their shields, men of Lydia drawing the bow.

Isaiah 21:7
When he sees chariots with teams of horsemen, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, he must be alert, fully alert.”

Ezekiel 26:7-10
For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, with cavalry and a great company of troops. / He will slaughter the villages of your mainland with the sword; he will set up siege works against you, build a ramp to your walls, and raise his shields against you. / He will direct the blows of his battering rams against your walls and tear down your towers with his axes. ...

Nahum 2:4
The chariots dash through the streets; they rush around the plazas, appearing like torches, darting about like lightning.


Treasury of Scripture

And the watchman told, saying, He came even to them, and comes not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he drives furiously.

driving.

Habakkuk 1:6
For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs.

Habakkuk 3:12
Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.

for he driveth

2 Kings 10:16
And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Isaiah 54:16
Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

furiously [heb] in madness

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Declareth Drives Driveth Driving Either Furiously Jehu Madman Madness Nimshi Reached Reported Violently Watchman Word
2 Kings 9
1. Elisha sends a young prophet with instructions to anoint Jehu at Ramoth Gilead
4. The prophet having done his message, flees
11. Jehu, being made king by the soldiers, kills Joram in the field of Naboth
27. Ahaziah is slain at Gur, and buried at Jerusalem
30. Proud Jezebel is thrown down out of a window, and eaten by dogs.














Again the watchman reported
The role of the watchman in ancient Israel was crucial for the safety and security of a city. Positioned on high walls or towers, the watchman was responsible for observing and reporting any approaching danger or significant events. The Hebrew root for "watchman" is "צָפָה" (tsaphah), which means to look out or to keep watch. This highlights the vigilance and alertness required of those who are tasked with safeguarding the community. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a call for believers to remain vigilant in their faith, always watching for the movements of God and the encroachments of the enemy.

He has reached them, but he is not returning
This phrase indicates a significant moment of anticipation and tension. The watchman observes that the messenger has reached the group but has not returned, suggesting that something unusual or unexpected is occurring. In the historical context, this would have been a cause for concern, as it could imply a change in allegiance or the onset of conflict. Spiritually, this can be interpreted as a reminder that God's plans often unfold in ways that are not immediately apparent to us, and we must trust in His timing and purpose.

And the driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi
Jehu, the son of Nimshi, is a central figure in this narrative. Known for his zealous and aggressive actions, Jehu was anointed by God to be king and tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab. The phrase "the driving is like that of Jehu" suggests a distinctive, recognizable style of approach, characterized by urgency and intensity. The Hebrew root for "driving" is "נָהַג" (nahag), which can mean to drive or lead. This reflects Jehu's determined and forceful nature, which can be seen as a metaphor for the passionate pursuit of God's will, even when it requires bold and decisive action.

he drives like a madman
The description of Jehu's driving as "like a madman" conveys a sense of reckless abandon and fervor. The Hebrew word used here is "שִׁגָּעוֹן" (shigga'on), which can mean madness or frenzy. This portrayal of Jehu underscores his intense commitment to fulfilling God's command, even to the point of appearing irrational to others. From a spiritual perspective, this can be seen as an encouragement for believers to pursue their divine calling with zeal and dedication, even when it defies worldly logic or understanding. It serves as a reminder that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His purposes may require us to step out in faith with boldness and courage.

(20) Driving.--Correct. The margin is wrong.

The son of Nimshi.--Jehu was son of Jehoshaphat son of Nimshi. The former phrase may have fallen out of the text here. (Yet comp. 2Kings 8:26, "Athaliah daughter of Omri.") The Syriac and Arabic call Jehu "the son of Nimshi" in 2Kings 9:2 also.

He driveth ?uriously--i.e., the foremost charioteer so drives. The word rendered "furiously" is related to that rendered "mad fellow" in 2Kings 9:11. (Comp. margin here.) Jehu's chariot swayed unsteadily as he drove madly on. LXX., ?? ?????????. The Targum explains in an exactly opposite sense, "quietly;" and so Josephus: "Jehu was driving rather slowly, and in orderly fashion" (perhaps confounding shigg?'on, "madness," Deuteronomy 28:28, with shigg?yon, "a slow, mournful song," or elegy).

Verse 20. - And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again. A still stranger circumstance, and one still more suspicious. The second messenger could only have been sent out because the king disapproved the detention or the first. Whoever, therefore, had detained the second messenger must be consciously acting in opposition to the wishes of the king. And the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi. It is not meant that Jehu was driving his own chariot (which great men never did, 2 Kings 22:3-4), and drove in a furious manner, but that the "company" was being urged forward at an unusual pace, in a reckless and hot-headed way. The watchman conjectured, therefore, that Jehu must be leading them, since he had a character for impetuosity. For he driveth furiously; or, madly - " like a madman" (Keil) - "praecipitanter" (Vatabl.). The LXX. translate ἐν παραλλαγῇ - which has, perhaps, the same meaning (comp. Eur., 'Hipp.,' 935; Lysias, Ft., 58).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Again the watchman
הַצֹּפֶה֙ (haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await

reported,
וַיַּגֵּ֤ד (way·yag·gêḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

“He reached
בָּ֥א (bā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

them,
אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם (’ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

but he is not
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

coming back.
שָׁ֑ב (šāḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

And the charioteer
וְהַמִּנְהָ֗ג (wə·ham·min·hāḡ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4491: Driving (a chariot)

is driving like
כְּמִנְהַג֙ (kə·min·haḡ)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4491: Driving (a chariot)

Jehu
יֵה֣וּא (yê·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3058: Jehu -- 'the LORD is He', the name of several Israelites

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Nimshi—
נִמְשִׁ֔י (nim·šî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5250: Nimshi

he drives
יִנְהָֽג׃ (yin·hāḡ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5090: To drive forth, lead, carry away, to proceed, to sigh

like a madman.”
בְשִׁגָּע֖וֹן (ḇə·šig·gā·‘ō·wn)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7697: Craziness


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OT History: 2 Kings 9:20 The watchman told saying He came even (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 9:19
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