2 Kings 2 6

2 Kings 2:6 kjv

And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.

2 Kings 2:6 nkjv

Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So the two of them went on.

2 Kings 2:6 niv

Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan." And he replied, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So the two of them walked on.

2 Kings 2:6 esv

Then Elijah said to him, "Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So the two of them went on.

2 Kings 2:6 nlt

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

2 Kings 2 verses

2 Kings 2 6 Meaning

This verse recounts Elijah's third and final attempt to test Elisha's devotion and steadfastness by urging him to remain behind in Jericho, while Elijah himself continues his journey to the Jordan River, emphasizing that his onward movement is by direct divine command from the Lord (Yahweh). Elisha's persistent refusal, though not stated in this particular verse, is the expected response implied by the continuing narrative, signifying his unwavering commitment to witness Elijah's departure and receive his spiritual inheritance.

2 Kings 2 6 Context

This verse is set in a climactic sequence leading up to Elijah's miraculous departure from the earthly realm. It is the third time Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind, progressively moving eastward towards the Jordan. First, in 2 Kgs 2:2, Elijah tells Elisha to stay in Gilgal while he goes to Bethel. Then, in 2 Kgs 2:4, he instructs Elisha to stay in Bethel as he proceeds to Jericho. Here in 2 Kgs 2:6, they are in Jericho, and Elijah asks Elisha to remain there as he goes to the Jordan. Each time, Elisha vehemently declares, "As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you!" This unwavering commitment on Elisha's part underscores his singular focus on inheriting the spiritual power and prophetic mantle from his master. Historically, this period marked a critical transition in the prophetic ministry of Israel, with the torch passing from one of the greatest prophets, Elijah, to his chosen successor, Elisha. The journey's sequence through Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and finally to the Jordan, carries deep historical and spiritual significance for Israel.

2 Kings 2 6 Word analysis

• Then (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyō’mer): A common Hebrew conjunction "and" (וַ) followed by an imperfect verb, often translated as "then," indicating a sequential action or continuation of the narrative. It signals the next step in Elijah's series of tests or preparations for his departure.

• Elijah (אֵלִיָּהוּ - 'Eliyyahū): Meaning "My God is Yahweh." He is the paramount prophet of Yahweh during the reigns of wicked kings Ahab and Ahaziah, zealous for God's covenant. His departure narrative concludes his mighty earthly ministry.

• said to him: Indicates a direct communication from Elijah to Elisha, emphasizing the personal nature of this crucial interaction and test.

• Please stay here: (שֵׁב־נָא פֹה - shēḇ-nā' fōh):

  • Shev (שֵׁב): Imperative verb "sit" or "remain." In context, "stay."
  • Na' (נָא): An enclitic particle adding emphasis or politeness, equivalent to "please" or "I pray you." This shows it's a request, not an absolute command that Elisha must obey, thereby making his choice to follow a test of his resolve.
  • Foh (פֹה): "Here." Refers specifically to Jericho. This is part of the final, crucial test of Elisha's commitment. Elijah's consistent "send-off" could be a way to ensure Elisha's unwavering resolve and worthiness to receive the double portion of his spirit.

• for the Lord has sent me: (כִּי יְהוָה שְׁלָחַנִי - kî YHVH shəlāḥanî):

  • Ki (כִּי): "For" or "because," explaining the reason for Elijah's request to go alone.
  • Yahweh (יְהוָה): The sacred personal name of the covenant God of Israel. Explicitly naming "the LORD" reinforces the divine mandate for Elijah's journey, underlining its supernatural purpose and God's sovereignty over the prophet's life and death.
  • Shəlāḥanî (שְׁלָחַנִי): "Has sent me." From the verb shalakh (שָׁלַח), "to send, commission." This asserts that Elijah's actions are not his own whim but part of God's sovereign plan. This directly challenges any contemporary pagan beliefs that human actions or a prophet's journey could be without divine direction or merely dictated by lesser gods. It is Yahweh, the God of Israel, who directs all. This specific statement indicates a divine appointment leading to the precise time and location of Elijah's departure, highlighting divine providence.

• to the Jordan: (הַיַּרְדֵּנָה - hayYarədēna):

  • HayYarədēna: "To the Jordan." The definite article 'ha-' indicates "the" specific river Jordan. The suffix '-na' indicates direction "to."The Jordan River holds profound biblical significance: it was crossed miraculously under Joshua (Joshua 3) as Israel entered the Promised Land, marking a new era; it was where John baptized many, including Jesus (Matthew 3); and it was often a boundary for spiritual transitions and divine interventions. For Elijah, it would be the precise location of his ascent to heaven, making it a powerful symbol of separation, transition, and a direct encounter with the divine.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Then Elijah said to him, 'Please stay here": This recurring plea is Elijah's final examination of Elisha's unwavering devotion. It ensures that Elisha's continued presence is a result of tenacious personal commitment rather than mere obligation. This scene resonates with many biblical narratives of tests of obedience and persistence.
  • "for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.": This phrase establishes the divine nature of Elijah's journey and imminent departure. It's not a secret personal journey but a divinely ordained itinerary. The specific mention of "the Lord" (Yahweh) powerfully contrasts with the prevalent Baal worship of the era, affirming Yahweh's supreme authority and active involvement in the lives of His prophets, even to their supernatural exit. This subtle polemic emphasizes Yahweh's control over life, death, and all earthly events. The Jordan here is not just a geographical point, but the ordained threshold of the next, glorious step in Yahweh’s plan.

2 Kings 2 6 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of Elijah's instruction and Elisha's refusal across 2 Kgs 2:2, 4, and 6 underscores Elisha's persistent pursuit of the prophetic mantle. This triadic testing can be seen as mirroring patterns of divine testing or preparation throughout scripture (e.g., Jesus's three temptations, Peter's three denials and restorations, Jesus's three prayers in Gethsemane). Each stop—Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho—carries distinct symbolic weight. Gilgal signifies a new beginning and consecration; Bethel, "house of God," represents divine encounter; Jericho, the city of conquest and curses, symbolizes overcoming. The Jordan, as the final destination, acts as a boundary of transition and miraculous divine activity. The narrative's pacing and symbolic geography contribute to building a profound anticipation for the impending separation and transfer of spiritual authority, emphasizing the sacredness and the predetermined nature of Elijah's ascension and Elisha's succession.

2 Kings 2 6 Commentary

2 Kings 2:6 captures a poignant moment in Elijah's final earthly walk, where he again attempts to have Elisha separate from him. This is not because Elijah wished to be alone, but rather a vital test of Elisha's unwavering commitment, resilience, and hunger for the spiritual inheritance. Elisha’s immediate (implied) refusal—as demonstrated in prior verses—illustrates true discipleship: one that prioritizes spiritual presence and a yearning for God’s anointing above comfort or logical requests. Elijah's statement "for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan" reveals the divine mandate behind his final journey, reminding us that prophetic movements, including dramatic departures, are orchestrated by God's sovereign hand. This journey to the Jordan, a place of historical significance for divine interventions and new beginnings, underscores the supernatural nature of the upcoming event. It invites believers to examine their own level of commitment and perseverance when following God's calling, and their earnestness in seeking the spiritual blessings He desires to bestow. For example, if faced with a challenge or inconvenience, does one's spiritual pursuit waver, or does one demonstrate Elisha's resolve, knowing that the greatest spiritual gains often lie beyond comfort?