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And he said, It <i>is</i> Elijah the Tishbite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_kings/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So they answered him, “A hairy man wearing a leather belt around his waist.” And he said, “It <i>is</i> Elijah the Tishbite.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_kings/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And they said to him, “<i>He was</i> a hairy man with a leather belt worn around his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_kings/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They answered him, &#8220He was a hairy man with a leather girdle bound about his loins.&#8221 And he said, &#8220It is Elijah the Tishbite.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_kings/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they answered him, “<i>He was</i> a hairy man with a leather girdle bound about his loins.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_kings/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And they said to him, “<i>He was</i> a hairy man with a leather girdle girded about his loins.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_kings/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They answered him, “<i>He was</i> a hairy man with a [wide] leather band bound around his loins.” And Ahaziah said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_kings/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They replied, “A hairy man with a leather belt around his waist.” He said, “It’s Elijah the Tishbite.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_kings/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They replied, &#8220A hairy man with a leather belt around his waist.&#8221 He said, &#8220It&#8217s Elijah the Tishbite.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_kings/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they answered him, He was a hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_kings/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"He was hairy and had a leather belt around his waist," they answered. "It must be Elijah!" replied Ahaziah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_kings/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_kings/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They replied, "He was hairy and had a leather belt around his waist." "That's Elijah from Tishbe," the king answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_kings/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"He was wearing a cloak made of animal skins, tied with a leather belt," they answered. "It's Elijah!" the king exclaimed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_kings/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They answered, "The man was a hairy fellow. He wore a leather sash around his waist." The king responded, "It's Elijah, that foreigner!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_kings/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?He was a hairy man,? they answered, ?with a leather belt around his waist.? ?It was Elijah the Tishbite,? said the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_kings/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They replied, "He was a hairy man and had a leather belt tied around his waist." The king said, "He is Elijah the Tishbite." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_kings/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They answered him, "He was a hairy man, and wearing a leather belt around his waist." He said, "It is Elijah the Tishbite."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_kings/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they answered him, He was a hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_kings/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They answered him, “He was a hairy man, and wearing a leather belt around his waist.” He said, “It’s Elijah the Tishbite.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_kings/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And they say to him, “A hairy man, and a girdle of skin girt around his loins”; and he says, “He [is] Elijah the Tishbite.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_kings/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And they say unto him, 'A man -- hairy, and a girdle of skin girt about his loins;' and he saith, 'He is Elijah the Tishbite.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_kings/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will say to him, A man possessing hair, girded with a girdle of skin upon his loins. And he will say, It is Elijah the Tishbite.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_kings/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But they said: A hairy man with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said: It is Elias the Thesbite. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_kings/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So they said, “A hairy man, with a belt of leather wrapping his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah, the Tishbite.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_kings/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They replied, “He wore a hairy garment with a leather belt around his waist.” “It is Elijah the Tishbite!” he exclaimed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They answered him, “A hairy man, with a leather belt around his waist.” He said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they answered him, He was a hairy man and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said to them, It is Elijah the Tishbite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_kings/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They were saying to him: “A hairy man and a belt of leather was bound around his waist.” He said to them, “He is Elyah who is from Thesbe.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_kings/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they answered him: 'He was a hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins.' And he said: 'It is Elijah the Tishbite.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_kings/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they said to him, <i>He was</i> a hairy man, and girt with a leathern girdle about his loins. And he said, This is Eliu the Thesbite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_kings/1-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=90" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/1.htm">Elijah Denounces Ahaziah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>The king asked them, “What sort of man came up to meet you and spoke these words to you?” <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8181.htm" title="8181: śê·‘ār (N-ms) -- Hair. Or sa.ar; from sa'ar in the sense of dishevelling; hair.">“He was a hairy</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ba·‘al (N-msc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they answered,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">“</a> <a href="/hebrew/5785.htm" title="5785: ‘ō·wr (N-ms) -- A skin. From uwr; skin; by implication, hide, leather.">with a leather</a> <a href="/hebrew/247.htm" title="247: ’ā·zūr (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- To gird, encompass, equip. A primitive root; to belt."></a> <a href="/hebrew/232.htm" title="232: wə·’ê·zō·wr (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A waist cloth. From 'aziqqiym; something girt; a belt, also a band.">belt</a> <a href="/hebrew/4975.htm" title="4975: bə·mā·ṯə·nāw (Prep-b:: N-mdc:: 3ms) -- Loins. From an unused root meaning to be slender; properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins.">around his waist.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">“It was</a> <a href="/hebrew/452.htm" title="452: ’ê·lî·yāh (N-proper-ms) -- Or prolonged teliyahuw; from 'el and Yahh; God of Jehovah; Elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other Israelites.">Elijah</a> <a href="/hebrew/8664.htm" title="8664: hat·tiš·bî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- A Tishbite. Patrial from an unused name meaning recourse; a Tishbite or inhabitant of Tishbeh.">the Tishbite,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said the king.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Matthew 3:4</a></span><br />John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/1-6.htm">Mark 1:6</a></span><br />John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/4-5.htm">Malachi 4:5</a></span><br />Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-14.htm">Matthew 11:14</a></span><br />And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-17.htm">Luke 1:17</a></span><br />And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-10.htm">Matthew 17:10-13</a></span><br />The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” / Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things. / But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-21.htm">John 1:21</a></span><br />“Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-17.htm">James 5:17</a></span><br />Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/11-3.htm">Revelation 11:3-6</a></span><br />And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” / These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. / If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone who wants to harm them must be killed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-2.htm">Matthew 14:2</a></span><br />and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-8.htm">Luke 9:8</a></span><br />others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm">1 Kings 19:13</a></span><br />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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm">1 Kings 18:46</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/17-1.htm">1 Kings 17:1</a></span><br />Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">1 Kings 19:19</a></span><br />So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm">Isaiah 20:2</a></b></br> At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/13-4.htm">Zechariah 13:4</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass in that day, <i>that</i> the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Matthew 3:4</a></b></br> And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/11-24.htm">Band</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm">Belt</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-50.htm">Body</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-34.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-29.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">Coat</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-4.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-4.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-30.htm">Garment</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">Girdle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-18.htm">Girt</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-9.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-27.htm">Haircloth</a> <a href="/genesis/27-23.htm">Hairy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-50.htm">Leather</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-20.htm">Skin</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-3.htm">Tishbite</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm">Waist</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-19.htm">Wore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/13-21.htm">Band</a> <a href="/job/12-18.htm">Belt</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-34.htm">Body</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-23.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-18.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/job/30-18.htm">Coat</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-9.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-10.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-13.htm">Garment</a> <a href="/job/12-18.htm">Girdle</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-31.htm">Girt</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-30.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-30.htm">Haircloth</a> <a href="/psalms/68-21.htm">Hairy</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-14.htm">Leather</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-34.htm">Skin</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-36.htm">Tishbite</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-29.htm">Waist</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-27.htm">Wore</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/1-1.htm">Moab rebels</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/1-2.htm">Ahaziah, sending to Baal-Zebub, has his judgement by Elijah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/1-5.htm">Elijah twice brings fire from heaven on those Ahaziah sent to apprehend him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/1-13.htm">He pities the third captain, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/1-15.htm">and, encouraged by an angel, tells the king of his death</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/1-17.htm">Jehoram succeeds Ahaziah</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He was a hairy man,</b><br>This description of Elijah as a "hairy man" can refer to his physical appearance, possibly indicating a rugged, unkempt look that was common among prophets who lived in the wilderness. It may also refer to a garment made of hair, such as camel's hair, which was typical of prophets (cf. <a href="/zechariah/13-4.htm">Zechariah 13:4</a>). This attire symbolized a life of austerity and separation from worldly comforts, aligning with the prophetic call to live a life dedicated to God. Elijah's appearance is reminiscent of John the Baptist, who also wore camel's hair and lived in the wilderness (<a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Matthew 3:4</a>), drawing a parallel between the two as forerunners of God's message.<p><b>they answered,</b><br>The response comes from the messengers sent by King Ahaziah. Their recognition of Elijah based on his distinctive appearance suggests that Elijah was a well-known figure in Israel. His reputation as a prophet of Yahweh and his previous confrontations with the monarchy, particularly with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, would have made him a prominent and recognizable figure.<p><b>with a leather belt around his waist.</b><br>The leather belt is another distinctive feature of Elijah's attire. In ancient times, a leather belt was practical for securing garments and carrying tools or weapons. It signifies readiness and preparedness, qualities essential for a prophet who must be ready to deliver God's message at any moment. This detail also connects Elijah to John the Baptist, who wore a similar belt, emphasizing their roles as prophets calling for repentance and heralding significant divine intervention (<a href="/mark/1-6.htm">Mark 1:6</a>).<p><b>It was Elijah the Tishbite,</b><br>Elijah is identified as "the Tishbite," indicating his origin from Tishbe in Gilead. This region was known for its rugged terrain and isolation, which may have contributed to Elijah's austere lifestyle and prophetic ministry. Elijah's identity as a Tishbite underscores his outsider status, as he often stood in opposition to the Israelite monarchy and the prevailing idolatry. His role as a prophet was to call Israel back to covenant faithfulness, often through dramatic and miraculous acts (1 Kings 17-19).<p><b>said the king.</b><br>The king in question is Ahaziah, son of Ahab and Jezebel, who continued his parents' legacy of idolatry and opposition to Yahweh. Ahaziah's recognition of Elijah indicates the prophet's significant influence and the fear he instilled in the royal house due to his previous confrontations and the power of his prophetic word. Elijah's presence and message were a direct challenge to the king's authority and the nation's apostasy, highlighting the ongoing conflict between the worship of Yahweh and the Baal worship promoted by the royal family.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elijah_the_tishbite.htm">Elijah the Tishbite</a></b><br>A prophet of God known for his boldness and miraculous acts. He is recognized by his distinctive appearance, described as a "hairy man with a leather belt."<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_ahaziah.htm">King Ahaziah</a></b><br>The king of Israel who sought counsel from Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, instead of the God of Israel, leading to his confrontation with Elijah.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/messengers_of_ahaziah.htm">Messengers of Ahaziah</a></b><br>Sent by King Ahaziah to inquire of Baal-Zebub, they encounter Elijah, who delivers God's message of judgment.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Ahaziah reigned.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/baal-zebub.htm">Baal-Zebub</a></b><br>A false god of Ekron, whose name means "lord of the flies," representing the idolatry that Israel was warned against.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_god's_messengers.htm">Recognizing God's Messengers</a></b><br>Elijah's distinct appearance and message were unmistakable. We should be attentive to God's messengers in our lives, who may come in unexpected forms.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_idolatry.htm">The Danger of Idolatry</a></b><br>Ahaziah's reliance on Baal-Zebub instead of God serves as a warning against idolatry and the importance of seeking God first in all circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_a_godly_life.htm">The Power of a Godly Life</a></b><br>Elijah's life and ministry demonstrate the impact of living faithfully for God. Our lives should reflect God's truth and power, influencing those around us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_proclaiming_truth.htm">Courage in Proclaiming Truth</a></b><br>Elijah boldly confronted the king with God's message. We are called to speak truth with courage, even when it is unpopular or risky.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_the_messiah.htm">Preparation for the Messiah</a></b><br>Elijah's role as a forerunner to the Messiah reminds us of the importance of preparing our hearts for Christ's return and living in anticipation of His coming.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_john_mean_by_'repent'.htm">What did John mean by "Repent, Kingdom of Heaven near"?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_john_the_baptist's_role.htm">Who was John the Baptist and what was his role?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_are_john_the_baptist_and_elijah_linked.htm">What is the connection between John the Baptist and Elijah?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_2_chr_8_2_and_1_kgs_9_11-13_align.htm">In 2 Chronicles 8:2, Solomon rebuilds cities given by Hiram, yet 1 Kings 9:11-13 implies those cities were unacceptable to him; how can both accounts be accurate?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">Answered.</span>--Said unto.<p><span class= "bld">An hairy man.</span>--Literally, a lord of hair. This might refer to length of hair and beard (so LXX., <span class= "greekheb">?????</span>, "hirsute," "shaggy"); or to a hairy cloak or mantle. The second alternative is right, because a hairy mantle was a mark of the prophetic office from Elijah downwards. (Comp. <a href="/zechariah/13-4.htm" title="And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he has prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:">Zechariah 13:4</a>, "a rough garment;" and <a href="/matthew/3-4.htm" title="And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.">Matthew 3:4</a>, where it is said of John Baptist--the second Elias--that "he was clad in camel's hair," and had "a leather girdle about his loins.") The girdle, as Thenius remarks, would not be mentioned alone. The common dress of the Bedawis is a sheep or goat's skin with the hair left on.<p><span class= "bld">Girt with a girdle of leather.</span>--Such as only the poorest would wear. The girdle was ordinarily of linen or cotton, and often costly. The prophet's dress was a sign of contempt for earthly display, and of sorrow for the national sins and their consequences, which it was his function to proclaim. (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm" title="At the same time spoke the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off your loins, and put off your shoe from your foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.">Isaiah 20:2</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A hairy man</span>; literally, a <span class="accented">lord</span> <span class="accented">of hair</span> (<span class="hebrew">בַּעַל שַׂעָר</span>). Some take the meaning to be that he was rough and unkempt, with his hair and beard long; and so the LXX., who give <span class="greek">ἀνὴρ δασύς</span>. But the more usual explanation is that he wore a shaggy coat of untanned skin, with the hair outward. Such a garment seems certainly to have been worn by the later prophets (<a href="/zechariah/13-4.htm">Zechariah 13:4</a>; <a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Matthew 3:4</a>), and to have been regarded as a sign of their profession. But there is no positive evidence that the dress had been adopted by Isaiah's time. <span class="cmt_word">Girt with a girdle of leather.</span> Generally the Israelites wore girdles of a soft material, as linen or cotton. The "curious girdle" of the high priest's ephod was of "fine twined linen," embroidered with gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet (<a href="/exodus/28-8.htm">Exodus 28:8</a>). Girdles of leather, rough and uncomfortable, would only be worn by the very poor and by the ascetic. Elijah may have adopted his rough and coarse costume, either to show contempt for things earthly, as Hengstenberg thinks; or as a penitential garb indicating sorrow for the sins of the people, as Keil supposes; or simple to chastise and subdue the flesh, as other ascetics. <span class="cmt_word">It is Elijah the Tishbite.</span> The description given is enough. The king has no longer any doubt. His suspicion is turned into certainty. There is no living person but Elijah who would at once have the boldness to prophesy the death of the king, and would wear such a costume as described. Elijah is, of course, his enemy, as he had been his father's "enemy" (<a href="/1_kings/21-20.htm">1 Kings 21:20</a>), and will wish him ill, and prophesy accordingly, the wish being "father to the thought." It is not improbable that Elijah had withdrawn himself into obscurity on the accession of Ahaziah, or at any rate on his exhibition of strong idolatrous proclivities (Ewald), as he had done on more than one occasion from Ahab (<a href="/1_kings/17-10.htm">1 Kings 17:10</a>; <a href="/1_kings/19-8.htm">1 Kings 19:8-8</a>). Ahaziah may have been long wishing to arrest and imprison him, and now thought he saw his opportunity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_kings/1-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“[He was] a hairy</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׂעָ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(śê·‘ār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8181.htm">Strong's 8181: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hair</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man,”</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֚ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they answered,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“with a leather</span><br /><span class="heb">ע֖וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5785.htm">Strong's 5785: </a> </span><span class="str2">Skin, hide, leather</span><br /><br /><span class="word">belt</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֵז֥וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ê·zō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_232.htm">Strong's 232: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something girt, a belt, a band</span><br /><br /><span class="word">around his waist.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמָתְנָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(bə·mā·ṯə·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - mdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4975.htm">Strong's 4975: </a> </span><span class="str2">The waist, small of the back, the loins</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“It is</span><br /><span class="heb">הֽוּא׃</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Elijah</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלִיָּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lî·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_452.htm">Strong's 452: </a> </span><span class="str2">Elijah -- 'Yah is God', a well-known prophet of Israel, also three other Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Tishbite,”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַתִּשְׁבִּ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(hat·tiš·bî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8664.htm">Strong's 8664: </a> </span><span class="str2">A Tishbite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said [the king].</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמַ֕ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 1:8 They answered him He was a hairy (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/1-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 1:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 1:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/1-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 1:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 1:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>