2 Kings 2 2

2 Kings 2:2 kjv

And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.

2 Kings 2:2 nkjv

Then Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So they went down to Bethel.

2 Kings 2:2 niv

Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel.

2 Kings 2:2 esv

And Elijah said to Elisha, "Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel.

2 Kings 2:2 nlt

And Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here, for the LORD has told me to go to Bethel." But Elisha replied, "As surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!" So they went down together to Bethel.

2 Kings 2 verses

2 Kings 2 2 Meaning

Elijah's statement to Elisha marks the beginning of the journey that culminates in Elijah's departure. It is a divine directive from the Lord that sets Elijah's course to Bethel. For Elisha, it serves as the first in a series of tests, challenging his loyalty, resolve, and devotion to his master, inviting him to choose whether he will remain behind or steadfastly follow Elijah to the very end of his earthly ministry.

2 Kings 2 2 Context

Chapter 2 of 2 Kings opens with Elijah's impending departure by whirlwind into heaven. This verse initiates a journey from Gilgal, revealing the Lord's specific directions to Elijah regarding the route of his final walk. The subsequent verses describe a series of encounters at different locations (Bethel, Jericho, Jordan) where Elijah attempts to "test" Elisha by asking him to remain behind. Each time, Elisha adamantly refuses to leave, demonstrating unwavering devotion. Historically, Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan River are highly significant sites in Israel's history—sites of entry into the land, covenant renewal, divine revelation, and significant battles. Bethel, specifically, was a place of Jacob's dream and God's covenant promise but later became a notorious center for idolatry under Jeroboam I. Elijah's visit, sent by the Lord, underscores the divine hand orchestrating his final steps and the transition of prophetic authority.

2 Kings 2 2 Word analysis

• And Elijah said: This sets the scene, indicating the speaker and receiver of the command. It highlights Elijah's role as the authoritative figure.
• to Elisha,: The direct address signifies the personal nature of the instruction and the relationship between master and disciple.
• "Stay here, (שֵׁב־נָא פֹה - shev-na foh):
  • `שֵׁב` (shev): From the verb יָשַׁב (yashav), meaning "to sit," "to remain," "to dwell," or "to abide." It carries a sense of settling or ceasing motion. In this context, it implies stopping the journey and staying put.
  • `נָא` (na): An important particle used to express entreaty, please, or exhortation. It softens the imperative, making the command sound more like a strong plea or gentle request. This linguistic nuance suggests it might be more of a test or a formal custom for separation rather than an absolute command, allowing Elisha the choice to either obey or persist.
  • `פֹה` (foh): Meaning "here," indicating the immediate vicinity of Gilgal where they are at the start of the journey.
  • Significance: This phrase represents Elijah's initial "test" of Elisha's loyalty and determination. Will Elisha's devotion to his master lead him to stay or to follow? The form of the request indicates that while a command, it leaves room for Elisha's free, committed response.
• for the LORD (כִּי־יְהוָה - ki-YHWH):
  • `כִּי` (ki): A conjunction meaning "for" or "because," providing the reason for Elijah's instruction.
  • `יְהוָה` (YHWH): The covenant name of God, emphasizing the divine authority and sacred nature of Elijah's mission. It indicates that Elijah's journey is not arbitrary or self-directed but divinely orchestrated.
  • Significance: This underscores the ultimate source of Elijah's commission. His movements are not based on his own will but on the sovereign direction of God, which also frames Elisha's response as either obeying a man or persisting in following God's appointed servant.
• has sent me (שְׁלָחַנִי - shalakhanu):
  • From the verb שָׁלַח (shalach), meaning "to send," "to dispatch," "to extend." It is frequently used for divine commission and commissioning of prophets. The Hebrew uses the perfect tense, indicating a completed action, "has sent me," implying the directive has already been given and Elijah is now acting upon it.
  • Significance: Reinforces the divine mandate behind Elijah's journey. Prophets are messengers of YHWH, sent with a specific purpose. This divine sending elevates the importance of the journey.
• to Bethel." (בֵּית־אֵל - Bethel):
  • Literally "House of God." It was a sacred site where Jacob encountered God (Gen 28) and was foundational to early Israelite worship.
  • Significance: Tragically, Bethel later became a prominent center for idolatry with Jeroboam I establishing one of his golden calves there (1 Kgs 12). Elijah being sent "to Bethel" highlights that the divine presence, embodied by the true prophet, is journeying to a place of historical sacredness but contemporary spiritual corruption. This suggests a contrast between true prophetic mission and idolatrous practices.

2 Kings 2 2 Bonus section

The threefold repetition of Elijah's instruction for Elisha to "stay here" (2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6) followed by Elisha's resolute answer "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you" creates a dramatic tension and serves as a significant literary and theological device. This structure powerfully emphasizes Elisha's profound loyalty and determination. Each repetition heightens the stakes, demonstrating that Elisha's commitment is not based on passing sentiment but a deeply ingrained faithfulness, proving him worthy to receive the mantle and a double portion of Elijah's spirit. This narrative pattern reinforces the spiritual principle that persistence and devotion are often prerequisites for receiving greater spiritual blessings or divine assignments.

2 Kings 2 2 Commentary

This verse initiates a poignant scene of spiritual transition and unwavering commitment. Elijah, prompted by a divine imperative from YHWH, seeks to continue his journey alone to Bethel. His request to Elisha, "Stay here," is more than a simple command; it's understood as a test. The softening particle na suggests a space for Elisha to choose his response, revealing the depth of his devotion and resolve to not abandon his master's side until the very end. Elisha’s immediate refusal, driven by an oath (verse 2b), foreshadows his perseverance through the subsequent tests. The phrase "the Lord has sent me" confirms the divine orchestration of Elijah's final movements, emphasizing that true prophetic activity is always in submission to God's will. Bethel's dual nature as a sacred site and a place of deep apostasy also implicitly underscores the prophetic message and the stark difference between genuine worship led by a true prophet of God and the corrupt practices established there. The entire journey serves to highlight that receiving a divine calling often involves trials of faithfulness and the importance of clinging to God’s appointed servants, ultimately to receive a share of the divine anointing.