2 Kings 2 5

2 Kings 2:5 kjv

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

2 Kings 2:5 nkjv

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

2 Kings 2:5 niv

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

2 Kings 2:5 esv

The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that today the LORD will take away your master from over you?" And he answered, "Yes, I know it; keep quiet."

2 Kings 2:5 nlt

Then the group of prophets from Jericho 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 5 Meaning

2 Kings 2:5 details a significant interaction where "the sons of the prophets" at Jericho approached Elisha, asking if he knew that the Lord would imminently "take away" his master Elijah. Elisha confirmed his awareness, signaling profound spiritual insight, and commanded them to remain silent. This verse highlights the communal awareness of a divine event, Elisha's deep connection with God's plan, and the solemnity of Elijah's unique departure from the earth.

2 Kings 2 5 Context

This verse is part of the climactic narrative of Elijah's departure and Elisha's succession in 2 Kings chapter 2. Elijah and Elisha are making a final journey, stopping at prophetic centers in Bethel and Jericho. At each location, "sons of the prophets" confirm their awareness of Elijah's impending divine "taking." This serves to underscore the prophetic community's understanding of God's sovereign actions and also to highlight Elisha's preeminent spiritual insight. The chapter prepares the reader for the end of an era with Elijah and the beginning of a new one with Elisha, establishing Elisha as his legitimate successor, recognized both by God and the prophetic community. Jericho, a significant historical site linked to Israel's conquest, is one of the final stops before Elijah's ascension, adding to the gravitas of the location.

2 Kings 2 5 Word analysis

• Now: Introduces the next scene in Elijah and Elisha's journey, indicating a new point of interaction after leaving Bethel.
• the sons of the prophets (בְנֵי הַנְּבִיאִים - bene hanevi'im): This phrase denotes disciples, students, or members of prophetic guilds or schools. They were often under the guidance of a leading prophet, learning about God's word and ministry. Their presence at various locations (Bethel, Jericho) signifies established communities of prophetic training and fellowship, playing a role in maintaining spiritual life and countering idolatry.
• who were at Jericho: Specifies the location of this particular group of prophetic students. Jericho holds significance from its history in Joshua (Josh 6), being the first city conquered in Canaan, famously cursed and later rebuilt. The presence of a prophetic school there demonstrates that spiritual centers were distributed throughout the land.
• came to Elisha: Indicates their specific purpose to address Elisha, showing they had some form of hierarchical recognition or direct access to him, perhaps even deferring to his closer relationship with Elijah.
• and said to him, "Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?":
  • Do you know: A direct, probing question, not asked out of ignorance but to gauge Elisha's awareness and perhaps to affirm their own insight. It conveys a mix of concern, solemnity, and a shared spiritual burden.
  • the Lord (יְהוָה - YHWH): Emphasizes the divine initiative and sovereignty behind Elijah's departure. This is not a natural death, an abduction, or an accident, but an act solely by God Himself. This assertion implicitly stands against any pagan notions of a prophet being taken by lesser spirits or by chance.
  • will take away (לָקַחַת - laqahat): The verb signifies more than just ordinary death; it implies a divine removal, translation, or rapture. This choice of word aligns with Elijah's extraordinary end and Enoch's earlier translation (Gen 5:24). It hints at a unique, supernatural exit.
  • your master (אֲדֹנֶיךָ - adoneikha): Refers to Elijah, acknowledging Elisha's spiritual father and mentor. It highlights the close master-disciple relationship in ancient Near Eastern prophetic traditions.
  • from over you: Indicates the cessation of Elijah's direct oversight and tutelage of Elisha, implying the transfer of authority and responsibility.
  • today: Stresses the immediacy and certainty of the event, adding to the verse's sense of urgency and solemnity.
• And he answered, "Yes, I know; keep silent.":
  • Yes, I know (גַּם-אֲנִי יָדָעְתִּי - gam 'ani yada'ti - "I also know"): Elisha's concise and firm affirmation reveals his deep spiritual insight and unity with God's divine plan. He is not surprised or seeking confirmation but is already privy to God's revelation, possibly through personal vision or direct communication with Elijah. His composure in the face of such a monumental event speaks volumes of his character and spiritual maturity.
  • keep silent (הַחֲרִשׁוּ - hacharishu - literally "be deaf," or "be still/quiet/hold your peace"): A command from Elisha, indicative of solemnity, reverence, and possibly a desire to not express their grief or consternation aloud. It implies that while the knowledge is shared, the approaching event is too profound for verbal outpouring, requiring quiet awe and introspection as God's plan unfolds. It could also mean he wishes not to hinder or distract from the sacred moment.

2 Kings 2 5 Bonus section

The seemingly redundant queries from the sons of the prophets in both Bethel and Jericho (2 Ki 2:3 and 2:5) emphasize the widespread awareness within the prophetic guilds regarding Elijah's impending divine "taking." This serves not to belittle their understanding but to repeatedly affirm Elisha's unwavering insight and commitment, showcasing his resolute focus on Elijah in these final, critical hours. This quiet determination foreshadows his readiness to receive Elijah's double portion of the spirit, distinguishing him from those who merely observed. It also highlights the continuity of prophetic ministry within the community, as the awareness and solemnity surrounding this transition were broadly felt.

2 Kings 2 5 Commentary

2 Kings 2:5 portrays a remarkable spiritual synergy between God's will, the prophetic community, and the individual insight of Elisha. The "sons of the prophets," through their shared prophetic spirit, had discerned God's plan for Elijah, underscoring that divine revelation was not always exclusive to a single prophet but could be sensed within a community dedicated to God. Their respectful yet direct question to Elisha not only affirms their own knowledge but also serves to test Elisha's depth of perception, which he decisively passes with his succinct "Yes, I know." This quiet acknowledgment reveals Elisha's maturity and divine connection, affirming him as a legitimate successor even before the mantle formally transfers. His command to "keep silent" is key, transforming a potentially disruptive conversation into a moment of sacred solemnity and shared reverence for the powerful, imminent act of God. It underlines the extraordinary nature of Elijah's departure, a spiritual transition best met with awe rather than outward commotion. This quiet recognition highlights that profound spiritual moments are often met with composure and solemnity rather than loud expressions.