2 Kings 2:1 kjv
And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
2 Kings 2:1 nkjv
And it came to pass, when the LORD was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
2 Kings 2:1 niv
When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.
2 Kings 2:1 esv
Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.
2 Kings 2:1 nlt
When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal.
2 Kings 2 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 5:24 | ...Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. | Precedent of unique divine 'taking' of a human. |
| Heb 11:5 | By faith Enoch was translated... he was not found, because God had translated him. | Echoes the unusual manner of departure from life. |
| Mal 4:5-6 | Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and dreadful day of the LORD... | Prophecy of Elijah's return and enduring significance. |
| Matt 17:3-4 | And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. | Elijah's presence with Christ at the Transfiguration, demonstrating his living state. |
| Mk 9:4 | And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. | Confirms Elijah's continued existence beyond earthly death. |
| Lk 9:30 | And behold, two men were talking with Him, Moses and Elijah... | Another account of Elijah's Transfiguration appearance. |
| Lk 1:17 | He will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah... | John the Baptist as the prophetic forerunner, fulfilling a role "in the spirit of Elijah." |
| Isa 66:15 | For behold, the LORD will come with fire and with His chariots like a whirlwind... | Connects whirlwind/fire with God's majestic arrival, paralleling Elijah's departure. |
| Psa 104:3 | He lays the beams of His upper chambers on the waters; He makes the clouds His chariot... | God's use of natural phenomena (clouds, wind) as vehicles, aligning with Elijah's transport. |
| Nah 1:3 | The LORD has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm... | God's power and presence often manifested through tumultuous weather. |
| Job 38:1 | Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind... | God's revelatory power frequently accompanied by a whirlwind. |
| Jer 10:23 | O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. | Emphasizes divine sovereignty over all human journeys and destinies, including Elijah's. |
| Prov 16:9 | The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. | Reinforces God's ultimate control over even prophetic movements. |
| Num 27:18-20 | And the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun... put your hand on him; and charge him... | Example of divine selection and orderly prophetic succession (Moses to Joshua). |
| Deut 34:9 | Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him... | Demonstrates the spiritual transfer and divine enablement of a successor. |
| 1 Ki 19:16-19 | Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king... and Elisha... you shall anoint as prophet in your place. | God's initial command to Elijah to appoint Elisha as his successor. |
| Jos 4:19-20 | ...they encamped in Gilgal... And those twelve stones... Joshua set up in Gilgal. | Gilgal's significance as a starting point, place of covenant, and remembrance for Israel. |
| Jos 5:9 | ...Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you. Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day. | Gilgal as a place of purification, renewal, and removal of shame, a meaningful departure point. |
| 1 Sam 7:16 | He went on a circuit year by year to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah... | Gilgal's role as a key Israelite center for prophets and leaders. |
| 1 Sam 11:15 | So all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal... | Gilgal as a place of national gathering, divine appointment, and covenant. |
| Judg 2:1 | Now the Angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim... | Indicates Gilgal as a place of divine appearance and significant revelation. |
| Jn 1:29 | The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" | The work of John the Baptist (in spirit of Elijah) pointing to ultimate salvation. |
2 Kings 2 verses
2 Kings 2 1 Meaning
This verse introduces a pivotal moment in salvation history: the imminent, unique, and divinely ordained translation of the prophet Elijah. It establishes the context of Elijah's final journey on earth alongside his successor, Elisha, commencing from Gilgal. The Lord's direct involvement in taking Elijah is explicitly stated, signaling a supernatural event.
2 Kings 2 1 Context
This verse serves as the opening statement of the narrative describing Elijah's final earthly moments and his supernatural ascension, setting the stage for the transfer of his prophetic mantle to Elisha. Historically, it falls during the Divided Monarchy period in ancient Israel, likely during the reign of Jehoram in Judah and his contemporary in Israel. Prophetically, it highlights God's ongoing activity in guiding His people through His chosen servants amidst widespread apostasy. The journey beginning at Gilgal holds historical weight, as it was the first encampment of Israel after crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land, a place of renewal, covenant, and a base for prophetic activity.
2 Kings 2 1 Word analysis
- And it came to pass: (Hebrew: וַיְהִי, wa-yehi) A very common introductory phrase in biblical Hebrew narrative, signaling that a significant event is about to unfold. It implies divine orchestrating and providential progression rather than mere chance.
- when the Lord was about to take up: (Hebrew: בְּהַעֲלוֹת יְהוָה, bə·ha·‘a·lōṯ Yahweh)
- The Lord (Yahweh): God's personal covenant name, emphasizing His direct, sovereign involvement and commitment to His servant. This is not a mere natural phenomenon but a divine act.
- about to take up: The infinitive construct (לְהַעֲלוֹת, ləha'alot, from עלה, alah) combined with the preposition "bə-" signifies "when" or "in the ascending of." It highlights an impending, pre-determined, and unique divine action of elevating Elijah. It avoids words like "die" or "cease to be," instead pointing to a unique transition.
- Elijah: (Hebrew: אֵלִיָּהוּ, Eliyyahu) "My God is Yahweh." His name encapsulated his ministry: boldly proclaiming Yahweh as the one true God against Baal worship. He stands as a monumental figure in Israel's prophetic tradition.
- into heaven: (Hebrew: הַשָּׁמָיִם, ha-shamayim) Refers to the visible sky but contextually also to the divine realm beyond human sight. This "taking up" is distinct from dying and implies a continuation of existence in a heavenly state.
- by a whirlwind: (Hebrew: בַּסְּעָרָה, bas-sə‘ārâ)
- whirlwind: (sə‘ārâ) A fierce storm, tempest. In the Bible, whirlwinds often signify the direct presence, power, or rapid action of God (Job 38:1; Psa 104:3; Isa 66:15). It underscores the supernatural nature of Elijah's departure and God's dramatic manifestation.
- that Elisha and Elijah were going from Gilgal: This establishes the starting point of their final, momentous journey together. It is not a casual walk but a purposeful, Spirit-led pilgrimage.
- Elisha: (Hebrew: אֱלִישָׁע, Eliyša‘) "My God is salvation." His name aptly foreshadows his ministry, characterized by numerous acts of healing and deliverance. His presence highlights the prophetic succession.
- going from Gilgal: Not a random location. Gilgal holds immense significance: it was Israel's first camp upon entering Canaan (Jos 4:19), a place of circumcision (Jos 5:9), renewed covenant, and Samuel's prophetic circuit (1 Sam 7:16). Starting from Gilgal imbues the journey with a deep sense of national, historical, and spiritual importance, symbolizing a return to roots or the initiation of a new phase under divine direction. This journey is part of the divine plan for prophetic transfer.
2 Kings 2 1 Bonus section
- Elijah's unique departure parallels Enoch's translation (Gen 5:24, Heb 11:5), establishing a rare biblical precedent for escaping physical death, highlighting special divine favor or purpose.
- The "spirit of Elijah" that will rest upon Elisha (2 Ki 2:9) and later is applied to John the Baptist (Lk 1:17) underlines a continuity of prophetic power and ministry through generations.
- The use of a natural phenomenon like a whirlwind for a divine act demonstrates God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to transcend natural laws, foreshadowing His control over all elements.
- The final journey with Elisha from Gilgal, through Bethel, and to Jericho, then Jordan, mirrors significant Israelite historical movements, subtly indicating that Elijah's exit is not merely personal but holds national, covenantal significance for Israel's identity and future.
2 Kings 2 1 Commentary
This verse powerfully sets the stage for one of the Bible's most unique events: Elijah's non-death translation into heaven. It is initiated by Yahweh, emphasizing divine sovereignty and control over life and prophetic destiny. The "whirlwind" indicates God's majestic and dramatic presence, not just a natural storm. The mention of Elisha alongside Elijah from the outset highlights the theme of prophetic succession, signaling that the divine plan includes equipping the next generation of leadership. Their journey from Gilgal, a place steeped in Israel's foundational history and covenant experiences, suggests that this final journey is not aimless but deeply symbolic and spiritually ordained, tying the past of Israel's covenant with the future of its prophetic ministry.