2 Chronicles 21:15

KJV

And thou [shalt have] great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt have great {H7227} sickness {H2483} by disease {H4245} of thy bowels {H4578}, until thy bowels {H4578} fall out {H3318} by reason of the sickness {H2483} day {H3117} by day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will be very ill from a disease in your intestines, until your intestines protrude, because of the effects of this disease, day after day.'"

Berean Standard Bible

And day after day you yourself will suffer from a severe illness, a disease of your bowels, until it causes your bowels to come out.’”

American Standard Version

and thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness, day by day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 21:15 delivers a chilling prophecy of divine judgment against King Jehoram of Judah, detailing a severe and prolonged physical affliction as a direct consequence of his extreme wickedness. This verse describes a "great sickness by disease of thy bowels," culminating in the horrifying expulsion of his intestines "day by day," a graphic and agonizing demise that underscores the gravity of his apostasy, violence, and rebellion against the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic pronouncement of judgment within a prophetic letter delivered to King Jehoram, attributed to the prophet Elijah, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 21:12-15](/2_chronicles/21-12-15 "2 Chronicles 21:12-15 - Elijah's Letter to Jehoram"). The letter arrives after Jehoram has already committed egregious sins, including the brutal murder of all his brothers to consolidate power ([2 Chronicles 21:4](/2_chronicles/21-4 "2 Chronicles 21:4 - Jehoram Murders His Brothers")) and leading Judah into idolatry, following the practices of the house of Ahab due to his marriage to Athaliah ([2 Chronicles 21:6](/2_chronicles/21-6 "2 Chronicles 21:6 - Jehoram's Wicked Marriage")). The prophecy details the specific, agonizing nature of his death, which is then recounted as fulfilled in [2 Chronicles 21:18-19](/2_chronicles/21-18-19 "2 Chronicles 21:18-19 - Jehoram's Death"). This immediate context highlights the direct correlation between Jehoram's actions and God's severe retribution, serving as a stark contrast to the righteous reign of his father, Jehoshaphat, detailed in [2 Chronicles 17-20](/2_chronicles/17 "2 Chronicles 17-20 - The Reign of Jehoshaphat").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoram reigned in Judah from approximately 848-841 BC. His marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of the infamous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, was a pivotal moment, introducing the deeply entrenched Baal worship of the Northern Kingdom into Judah. This was a profound breach of the Mosaic Covenant and a direct affront to Yahweh. The murder of his brothers was a ruthless act of political consolidation, reminiscent of ancient Near Eastern despots rather than a king in the Davidic line, who was expected to rule with justice and righteousness. The prophetic message delivered by Elijah (or a prophet in his spirit, as Elijah himself had already ascended to heaven according to [2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah Taken to Heaven")) underscores the continued active involvement of God in the affairs of His people, holding even kings accountable to the covenant. The graphic nature of the illness described would have been understood by the ancient audience as a clear sign of divine judgment, a visible manifestation of God's wrath against profound wickedness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it vividly portrays **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His righteous response to flagrant sin, especially from those in positions of authority. Jehoram's agonizing death is presented not as a random misfortune but as a direct, divinely ordained consequence of his unrighteous reign and egregious sins, particularly his idolatry and bloodshed. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Sin**, emphasizing that sinful choices, particularly those involving spiritual rebellion and violence, carry severe and often painful repercussions, both for the individual and the nation. Jehoram's physical suffering serves as a gruesome mirror to his spiritual corruption. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Prophetic Warning and Fulfillment**, as the prophecy delivered through Elijah's letter ([2 Chronicles 21:12](/2_chronicles/21-12 "2 Chronicles 21:12 - Elijah's Prophetic Warning")) serves as a final, merciful warning before the inevitable execution of God's judgment, demonstrating God's patience even in the face of persistent rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sickness (Hebrew, _chŏlîy'_):** from חָלָה; malady, anxiety, calamity; disease, grief, (is) sick(-ness). This term describes the general affliction, emphasizing its nature as a severe ailment. In this context, it is not merely a physical illness but a divinely ordained "malady" or "calamity," signifying the punitive aspect of Jehoram's suffering.
* **Bowels (Hebrew, _mêʻeh'_):** from an unused root probably meaning to be soft; used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uterus (or of men, the seat of generation), the heart (figuratively). While "bowels" can metaphorically refer to the seat of deep emotions or compassion, here the context dictates a literal, physical affliction of the internal organs. The choice of this specific bodily area for judgment underscores the horrific and deeply personal nature of Jehoram's decay, perhaps mirroring his internal spiritual corruption.
* **Fall out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim. This verb powerfully describes the expulsion or prolapse of the intestines, a truly gruesome and debilitating symptom. It signifies a complete and public breakdown of the body's integrity, emphasizing the severity and humiliating aspect of Jehoram's divinely orchestrated demise. The KJV's translation accurately captures the horrific visual implied.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou [shalt have] great sickness by disease of thy bowels":** This clause pronounces the specific nature of the divine judgment: a severe, divinely ordained illness that targets Jehoram's internal organs. The "great sickness" indicates its unusual severity and its origin as a direct act of God's judgment, not a common ailment.
* **"until thy bowels fall out":** This horrifying detail describes the climax and most graphic symptom of the disease. It signifies extreme physical decay, likely involving severe dysentery, internal bleeding, or a prolapse of the intestines, leading to excruciating pain and public humiliation. This specific outcome serves as a direct, visible sign of God's wrath.
* **"by reason of the sickness day by day":** This final phrase emphasizes the duration and progressive deterioration. The suffering would not be instantaneous but a prolonged, agonizing process, with Jehoram's condition worsening daily. This protracted torment underscores the severity of his sins and the thoroughness of God's retribution.

#### Literary Devices
The description in 2 Chronicles 21:15 employs **Graphic Imagery** to convey the severity and horror of Jehoram's judgment. The phrase "until thy bowels fall out" is intensely vivid and visceral, designed to evoke a strong emotional and physical response from the reader, underscoring the depth of God's wrath against Jehoram's profound wickedness. This extreme depiction might also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, magnifying the suffering to emphasize the magnitude of the divine punishment, though it could also describe a literal, agonizing medical condition. Furthermore, there is an element of **Poetic Justice** or **Irony** at play. Jehoram's reign was characterized by internal corruption—idolatry, murder, and a departure from the covenant—and his judgment manifests as a devastating internal physical decay. His "bowels," often associated with compassion or one's inner being, are afflicted, symbolically reflecting the spiritual rot and lack of compassion that defined his rule. The "day by day" suffering also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the relentless and inescapable nature of the divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The agonizing judgment pronounced upon King Jehoram in 2 Chronicles 21:15 serves as a profound theological statement about God's character and the nature of sin. It underscores the truth that while God is merciful and patient, He is also perfectly holy and just, and His righteousness demands that sin, especially persistent and egregious rebellion, be met with consequences. This passage reveals that leadership carries a profound accountability before God, and those who lead His people astray or commit acts of violence and apostasy will face severe divine retribution. It is a stark reminder that God does not trifle with sin, and His warnings are not idle threats but certain promises of judgment for the unrepentant. The physical suffering mirrors the spiritual corruption, illustrating the biblical principle that actions have consequences, and a life lived in rebellion against God ultimately leads to suffering and separation from His blessing.

* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Proverbs 11:31](/proverbs/11-31 "Proverbs 11:31 - The Righteous and the Wicked")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The horrific judgment upon King Jehoram in 2 Chronicles 21:15, while unique in its graphic detail, offers timeless principles for reflection and application in our lives today. Firstly, it powerfully reminds us of the **accountability of leadership**. Whether in the church, family, or society, those entrusted with influence bear a greater responsibility before God. Their choices have far-reaching spiritual and societal impacts, and God holds them to a high standard. Secondly, this passage is a stark reminder of the **reality of consequences for sin**. While we live under grace in the New Covenant, the principle that sin, if unrepented, leads to destructive outcomes remains true. Jehoram's physical suffering was a direct manifestation of his spiritual corruption and violent acts. This should prompt us to examine our own lives, confess our sins, and walk in repentance, understanding that God's justice is an immutable aspect of His character. Finally, understanding God's justice helps us to appreciate His holiness and righteousness more deeply. It cultivates a healthy fear of the Lord, not a terror that drives us away, but a reverence that draws us into obedient submission and a profound appreciation for His mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of Jehoram's judgment inform our understanding of God's holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways might our "internal" spiritual condition manifest in "external" consequences, even if not as dramatic as Jehoram's?**
* **What lessons can leaders (in any sphere) draw from Jehoram's reign regarding accountability and the impact of their choices?**

### FAQ
**Was Elijah still alive when he sent this letter to Jehoram?**

Answer: This is a point of scholarly discussion. According to [2 Kings 2:11-12](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah Taken to Heaven"), Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind *before* Jehoram's reign began in Judah. Jehoram's father, Jehoshaphat, was still king when Elijah ascended. Therefore, the letter mentioned in [2 Chronicles 21:12](/2_chronicles/21-12 "2 Chronicles 21:12 - Elijah's Letter") was likely a posthumous prophecy delivered by a disciple or prophet from Elijah's school, or perhaps a prophetic message given to Elijah during his lifetime that was preserved and delivered at the divinely appointed time. This emphasizes the enduring nature of God's word and the certainty of its fulfillment, regardless of the messenger's physical presence.

**What was the specific medical condition that caused Jehoram's bowels to "fall out"?**

Answer: The biblical text graphically describes the symptoms but does not provide a modern medical diagnosis. The description "disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out" suggests a severe and prolonged gastrointestinal illness, possibly extreme dysentery, Crohn's disease with severe complications, or a form of rectal prolapse. The phrase "fall out" could also imply a general, severe discharge or expulsion of internal contents. The primary purpose of the text is not to offer a medical explanation but to portray the agonizing and humiliating nature of a divinely ordained judgment, emphasizing the direct link between Jehoram's profound wickedness and his physical suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The gruesome judgment upon King Jehoram in 2 Chronicles 21:15, a direct consequence of his profound rebellion and sin, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate reality of sin's wages and points us to the Christ. Jehoram's suffering was a personal, physical manifestation of God's wrath against his own unrighteousness. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, who was perfectly righteous and without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus is Without Sin")), willingly bore the full weight of God's wrath for *our* sins. The "great sickness" and internal decay that afflicted Jehoram serve as a grim picture of the spiritual death and corruption that sin brings to humanity ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Christ, however, endured an infinitely greater suffering, not for His own transgressions, but as the spotless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His agony on the cross, where He was "stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ's Suffering")), was the ultimate "falling out" – the outpouring of divine judgment upon sin, so that those who believe in Him might be spared eternal damnation. Jehoram's internal decay was a sign of his spiritual rot; Christ's perfect inner being and obedience allowed Him to become sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), freeing us from the curse of the law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")) and offering eternal life in His place.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 21:18

And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease.

2 Chronicles 21:19

And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.

Psalms 109:18

As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.

Deuteronomy 28:59

Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, [even] great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance.

Deuteronomy 28:61

Also every sickness, and every plague, which [is] not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.

Acts 1:18

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Deuteronomy 28:37

And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.