2 Kings 2 3

2 Kings 2:3 kjv

And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

2 Kings 2:3 nkjv

Now the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, "Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?" And he said, "Yes, I know; keep silent!"

2 Kings 2:3 niv

The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, "Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?" "Yes, I know," Elisha replied, "so be quiet."

2 Kings 2:3 esv

And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that today the LORD will take away your master from over you?" And he said, "Yes, I know it; keep quiet."

2 Kings 2:3 nlt

The group of prophets from Bethel came to Elisha and asked him, "Did you know that the LORD is going to take your master away from you today?" "Of course I know," Elisha answered. "But be quiet about it."

2 Kings 2 verses

2 Kings 2 3 Meaning

2 Kings 2:3 describes a pivotal moment during Elijah's final days, where "the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel" approached Elisha and revealed their supernatural knowledge: "Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?" This verse highlights the prophetic community's awareness of God's immediate plan for Elijah, underscoring both God's sovereignty over events and Elisha's deep emotional attachment and anticipation concerning his master's departure.

2 Kings 2 3 Context

2 Kings Chapter 2 opens with the narrative of Elijah's impending ascent to heaven, marked by an unusual whirlwind. Elijah and Elisha are journeying from Gilgal towards Bethel, then Jericho, and finally to the Jordan, tracing a path significant to Israel's history and prophetic traditions. This journey signifies Elijah's final tests of Elisha's commitment and devotion. The broader context of 1 and 2 Kings details the succession of kings in Israel and Judah, their faithfulness or unfaithfulness to Yahweh, and the consistent ministry of prophets like Elijah and Elisha, who served as God's messengers to a largely apostate nation. Verse 3 is particularly situated at Bethel, a site with a rich spiritual history (Jacob's ladder in Gen 28), but also a place corrupted by King Jeroboam's establishment of calf worship (1 Kgs 12). The presence of "sons of the prophets" here suggests communities devoted to Yahweh amidst this syncretism, serving as vital spiritual outposts.

2 Kings 2 3 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew wa- (ו), a common conjunction, connecting this event directly to Elijah's journey and imminent departure mentioned in the preceding verses.
• came out: Hebrew yatza' (יָצָא), indicating movement from an enclosed or gathered place, emphasizing their initiative in approaching Elisha. It shows them emerging with a specific purpose.
• the sons of the prophets: Hebrew bene hanevi'im (בְּנֵי הַנְּבִיאִים). This phrase denotes not literal offspring, but a guild, school, or community of prophets, perhaps disciples or students under a master prophet like Elijah. They lived in groups, were dedicated to prophetic service, and were instrumental in preserving true worship amidst idol worship. They often lived communally and sought to serve God and the nation.
• who were at Bethel: Specifically locating this group in Bethel. As mentioned, Bethel had a complex spiritual history. Their presence there implies they were continuing the tradition of prophetic schools or residences in places historically significant for God's interaction with Israel, countering the idolatry Jeroboam had introduced there. Their spiritual vitality is notable in a place of great spiritual compromise.
• to Elisha: Directing their address to Elijah's successor. This shows they recognized Elisha's prominent role as Elijah's devoted attendant and designated heir in ministry.
• and said to him: Indicating direct verbal communication and initiative in their disclosure.
• Do you know: Hebrew Hā-ya-da'ta (הֲיָדַעְתָּ), literally "Did you know?" or "Are you aware?" The interrogative 'Ha-' indicates a question, often expecting an affirmative answer. It’s not an actual query for information, but a rhetorical question conveying that they are aware of a divinely revealed secret and expecting Elisha also knows. It might imply a shared divine revelation, or simply a way to confirm Elisha's state of mind.
• that the Lord: Hebrew Yahweh (יְהוָה), the covenant name of God. This attributes the coming event directly to God's sovereign will and action, emphasizing divine orchestration, not a natural or human event.
• will take away: Hebrew laqqaḥat (לָקַחַת), literally "to take," "to fetch," or "to carry off." Here, it signifies a supernatural, divine removal. The same verb is used for Enoch's translation (Gen 5:24) and often refers to divine election or seizure.
• your master: Hebrew adōneyka (אֲדֹנֶיךָ), referring specifically to Elijah. This acknowledges Elisha's position as a disciple under Elijah's authority and training.
• from over you: Hebrew mē‘alēykā (מֵעָלֶיךָ), implying separation or removal of authority and presence. It indicates Elijah's elevation will affect Elisha's immediate life and ministry, severing their physical connection.
• today: Hebrew hayyōm (הַיּוֹם). This precise temporal marker indicates the immediacy and certainty of the event, reinforcing the prophetic certainty of its happening on that very day. It emphasizes the present, unfolding reality of God's plan.

Words-group analysis:

• "the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel": This phrase highlights the existence of prophetic communities scattered throughout Israel, serving as spiritual hubs where truth was preserved and prophetic gifts cultivated. Their geographical location at Bethel suggests their presence even in places of religious corruption, perhaps as a counter-witness or a means of spiritual sustenance for those devoted to Yahweh. Their insight into divine plans testifies to their spiritual sensitivity and genuine connection with God.
• "Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?": This direct rhetorical question serves multiple purposes: it demonstrates the collective prophetic insight given by God (Amos 3:7), affirms Elisha's understanding of the imminent departure (though he wants to deny it), and builds the tension and anticipation for the event that unfolds in the rest of the chapter. The "today" emphasizes the precision of God's timing and revelation. It is a moment of shared, somber awareness.

2 Kings 2 3 Bonus section

The concept of "sons of the prophets" being organized in communities reflects an ancient form of spiritual discipleship and vocational training. These communities likely fostered environments of study, prayer, and shared spiritual experiences, enabling them to be sensitive to God's word and often act as sources of truth in society. Their prophetic insight into Elijah's rapture not only confirmed Elisha's prior understanding (likely from Elijah himself or directly from God) but also served to strengthen Elisha's resolve to remain with Elijah to the very end, understanding the critical nature of these final moments. The exact mechanism of their "knowing" is not specified (e.g., dream, vision, direct word from God), but their collective agreement and Elisha's acknowledgment affirm its divine origin and certainty. This highlights the reality of supernatural communication in the prophetic office.

2 Kings 2 3 Commentary

2 Kings 2:3 captures a profound intersection of divine revelation and human response. The "sons of the prophets," often trained groups committed to serving Yahweh, demonstrate here their genuine prophetic gifting, having received specific knowledge from God about Elijah's unique ascension. Their approach to Elisha isn't to inform him as if he were ignorant, but to confirm their shared supernatural understanding and acknowledge the gravitas of the impending separation. This question also serves to underscore Elisha's profound emotional state—he knows, but perhaps cannot yet fully accept or speak of the loss. It reveals Elisha's deep devotion to Elijah, reflected in his stern "hold your peace," indicating his desire not to speak about the painful truth. This scene highlights God's practice of revealing His plans to His faithful servants (Amos 3:7) and affirms the continuation of prophetic communities in Israel even during periods of spiritual decline. It prepares both Elisha and the reader for the extraordinary divine act to follow.