2 Kings 8:11He settled his gaze steadfastly on him, until he was ashamed. Then the man of God wept.
The setting
Damascus, Syria, ~841 BC. Elisha stares intensely at Ben-Hadad's messenger Hazael in the royal chambers, seeing future atrocities...
The emotion here: heartbroken at seeing unavoidable future suffering
The original word
wayiqepā (ויקפא) — to stiffen, become rigid with shame under an intense gaze
Why it matters
This staring contest lasted long enough for Hazael to become visibly uncomfortable and ashamed
Read with care
What most readers miss in 2 Kings 8:11
Elisha's tears weren't for Ben-Hadad — they were for the Israelite children Hazael would kill
Common misconceptionPeople think Elisha was weeping for Hazael's spiritual condition, but he was actually weeping for the Israelite children Hazael would murder as king.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 2 Kings 8:11
Bible Genome reading
2 Kings 8:11 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
2 Kings 8:11 comes from the book of 2 Kings, written during the Divided Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is grieving, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is lamenting. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include prophecy, grief, divine knowledge. Notable phrases: settled his gaze; man of God wept.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does 2 Kings 8:11 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "grieving"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.