2 Kings 2 4

2 Kings 2:4 kjv

And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.

2 Kings 2:4 nkjv

Then Elijah said to him, "Elisha, stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So they came to Jericho.

2 Kings 2:4 niv

Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho." And he replied, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went to Jericho.

2 Kings 2:4 esv

Elijah said to him, "Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho.

2 Kings 2:4 nlt

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

2 Kings 2 verses

2 Kings 2 4 Meaning

2 Kings 2:4 describes the unwavering loyalty and determined commitment of Elisha to Elijah. Despite Elijah's repeated promptings for Elisha to stay behind, presenting it as a divinely ordered journey, Elisha reaffirms his resolution to remain by Elijah's side. His declaration, strengthened by a double oath ("As the Lord lives and as your soul lives"), emphasizes his deep reverence for Elijah and his relentless pursuit of the prophetic anointing that he expects from his master's impending departure. This verse is pivotal in showcasing Elisha's singular focus on inheriting the spiritual authority of Elijah.

2 Kings 2 4 Context

Verse Context:This verse takes place during Elijah’s final earthly journey, specifically at Jericho. It is the third of four recorded stops (Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, Jordan) where Elijah attempts to persuade Elisha to stop following him. Each successive offer is a test of Elisha’s commitment and his singular desire to be present for the moment of Elijah's departure, signifying his pursuit of the prophetic anointing. Elisha's refusal here, stated with powerful resolve, emphasizes his unwavering devotion and focus.

Chapter Context:2 Kings Chapter 2 chronicles the climax of Elijah’s ministry: his ascension into heaven and the transfer of his prophetic mantle to Elisha. The entire chapter revolves around the theme of divine succession and the demonstration of God's power in moving one prophet to another. Elisha's persistent following of Elijah, against the counsel of both Elijah himself and the "sons of the prophets" at each location, proves his spiritual readiness to receive a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit, thus establishing him as Elijah's true and worthy successor. The locations on the journey – Gilgal (Israel’s initial conquest/circumcision), Bethel (house of God, Jacob’s ladder), Jericho (a place of past curses and new beginnings), and the Jordan River (passage into promised land/baptism) – hold significant theological meaning within this narrative of transition.

Historical/Cultural Context:In ancient Israel, prophetic succession was not merely about human choice but divine appointment, often marked by a spiritual anointing or passing of authority. Disciples (literally "sons of the prophets") would learn from established prophets, but few would attain the level of their mentor. Elijah’s multiple attempts to leave Elisha behind would have been culturally understood as a test of humility, devotion, and readiness for a weighty spiritual office. Elisha’s strong oath, "As the Lord lives and as your soul lives," was a common, most solemn declaration in Hebrew culture, indicating absolute earnestness and putting God as the witness and guarantee of the stated resolve. Jericho, being a city that was cursed by Joshua upon its initial fall (Josh 6:26) and rebuilt in defiance of that curse (1 Kgs 16:34), could also signify a place associated with both disobedience and divine power, adding a layer of spiritual weight to the prophetic journey.

2 Kings 2 4 Word analysis

• And Elijah said to him: A standard narrative transition, indicating continuity of dialogue.
• 'Elisha, please stay here,': Elijah’s words are a test. He is not genuinely trying to get rid of Elisha but proving his disciple’s commitment. The repetition across verses 2 and 4 makes the test evident.
• 'for the Lord has sent me on to Jericho.': Elijah attributes his continued journey to a divine command (YHWH, יְהוָה). This highlights that the ultimate authority for their movement is God Himself, not human will or convenience. The implication for Elisha is that staying with Elijah is about staying with God's divine movement.
• Jericho (Hebrew: Yerichoh, יְרִיחוֹ): A historically significant city. It was the first city taken by Joshua in Canaan, and famously cursed so that anyone rebuilding it would do so at the cost of his firstborn and youngest son (Josh 6:26), a curse fulfilled in 1 Kgs 16:34. This location carries spiritual weight – a place of ancient miracles and a solemn curse. For a prophet's journey, it marks another significant stage under God's watchful eye.
• But Elisha said, 'As the Lord lives and as your soul lives,': Elisha's resolute response. This double oath is one of the strongest forms of vow in the Hebrew Bible.
  • 'As the Lord lives' (Hebrew: Chai-YHWH, חַי-יְהוָה): Swearing by the living God (Yahweh). This oath underscores the absolute certainty and solemnity of Elisha's commitment. It places his declaration under God's unassailable existence and authority, appealing to God as a witness to his sincerity and determination. It affirms God's active presence and sovereignty.
  • 'and as your soul lives' (Hebrew: Chei nafshekha, חֵי נַפְשֶׁךָ): Swearing by Elijah’s very life. This oath demonstrates Elisha’s profound respect, love, and unwavering loyalty to his master. It signifies that Elisha’s own life purpose and spiritual future are intrinsically tied to his connection with Elijah in that critical moment. It indicates a spiritual dependency and deep veneration.
• 'I will not leave you.': An unequivocal declaration of fidelity. The Hebrew verb implies an action of forsaking or abandoning. Elisha’s resolute “not leave you” means he will not forsake his spiritual father, signifying steadfast determination.
• So they came to Jericho.: The direct outcome of Elisha's refusal to yield. His determined loyalty enables him to proceed with Elijah on the divinely ordained path.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Elijah said to him, 'Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me on to Jericho.'": This phrase sets up the test. Elijah's framing of his journey as divinely sent emphasizes the seriousness of his command for Elisha to stay, making Elisha's refusal all the more significant as a choice to cling to God's prophet beyond even the prophet's own "command."
• "'As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.'": This oath signifies ultimate loyalty. It's a statement of faith in God's presence, absolute dedication to Elijah as God's servant, and an unwavering commitment to his own call. It underscores that Elisha’s desire is not just to be with Elijah but to secure a divine blessing that requires proximity.
• "So they came to Jericho.": The conclusion of this exchange; Elisha's determined faithfulness triumphs, ensuring his progress on the path to receiving the double portion.

2 Kings 2 4 Bonus section

The repeated sequence of Elijah asking Elisha to stay at each prophetic center (Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, Jordan) is often interpreted as Elijah giving the "sons of the prophets" opportunities to connect with his journey and for Elisha specifically to prove his unyielding commitment. This steadfast following despite repeated invitations to turn back suggests that true discipleship and reception of a divine calling requires perseverance through tests of conviction. Elisha’s determined spirit resonates with the principle that spiritual gifts and callings are often preceded by periods of humble, unwavering service and loyal pursuit of God's presence, manifested through His anointed vessels. Jericho’s historical context, cursed and yet subsequently occupied, also symbolizes the overcoming of historical spiritual impediments as they press on with God's new work through Elisha.

2 Kings 2 4 Commentary

2 Kings 2:4 unveils a crucial moment in the spiritual handover from Elijah to Elisha. Elijah’s repeated command to Elisha to "stay here" served as a test of spiritual tenacity and resolve. Each invitation to stop was an opportunity for Elisha to give up his pursuit of the prophetic anointing. Elisha's profound response, fortified by the most solemn double oath available in their culture – swearing by the life of God and by Elijah’s own life – highlights his absolute and single-minded dedication. This wasn't merely personal affection for Elijah, but a spiritual hunger to be present for the transition of divine power. His refusal to be separated, even by Elijah’s own words which presented a divinely ordained reason for departure, speaks volumes about his conviction that his destiny was intricately tied to Elijah's continued presence. Elisha knew that to receive the "double portion" (2 Kgs 2:9), he had to witness Elijah's departure. This verse thus demonstrates that spiritual blessing and succession often require an unwavering commitment, persistent pursuit, and a refusal to abandon the path or the guide God has provided. Elisha’s resolve serves as a powerful illustration for all believers to cling to God’s promises and their calling with a similar uncompromising devotion, even when challenged.