2 Kings 2 7

2 Kings 2:7 kjv

And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.

2 Kings 2:7 nkjv

And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan.

2 Kings 2:7 niv

Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan.

2 Kings 2:7 esv

Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan.

2 Kings 2:7 nlt

Fifty men from the group of prophets also went and watched from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stopped beside the Jordan River.

2 Kings 2 verses

2 Kings 2 7 Meaning

Second Kings chapter 2 verse 7 details that fifty members of the prophetic community, known as "the sons of the prophets," deliberately went and positioned themselves a distance away to observe Elijah and Elisha as the two prophets stood by the Jordan River. This setting establishes multiple witnesses to the monumental and divinely orchestrated transfer of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha, underscoring the significance and public validation of the event about to transpire.

2 Kings 2 7 Context

This verse is situated at a crucial juncture in the narrative of Elijah's earthly ministry, marking his final moments before being taken up into heaven. Elijah, accompanied by his faithful disciple Elisha, embarks on a solemn journey from Gilgal, passing through Bethel and Jericho, eventually arriving at the Jordan River. At each stage, the "sons of the prophets" attempt to deter Elisha, subtly reminding him of Elijah's impending departure, which Elisha staunchly denies knowing, prioritizing his mentor's final presence. The Jordan River becomes the dramatic setting for the final act of this prophetic transition. Historically, this period in Israel's history was characterized by rampant idolatry and moral decline, especially under the rule of Ahab and Jezebel, who promoted Baal worship. Elijah had been God's primary voice of judgment and revival against this apostasy. His supernatural departure and the subsequent anointing of Elisha demonstrate God's continued commitment to His covenant with Israel and the unbroken line of prophetic witness in the face of national backsliding. The presence of the "sons of the prophets" in this verse underscores the public and verifiable nature of this divine succession within the prophetic community.

2 Kings 2 7 Word analysis

• Fifty men: In ancient Israelite accounts, specific numbers often carry factual significance, providing a sense of scale and corroboration. "Fifty" (חֲמִשִּׁים - chamishshim) indicates a substantial group of observers, far more than just a handful, thereby solidifying the credibility of their future testimony about Elijah's ascension and Elisha's reception of his spirit. This suggests a publicly witnessed event, not a private one.
• of the sons of the prophets: (בְּנֵי הַנְּבִיאִים - bene ha-nevi'im). This term refers to communities or guilds of prophetic disciples who gathered around leading prophets like Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha. They were not necessarily biological offspring but spiritual "sons"—learners, apprentices, and sometimes even resident students. They lived together, received instruction, and were trained in the prophetic ministry. Their existence provided a formal structure for preserving God's truth and continuing prophetic revelation during challenging times. Their presence here signifies an official recognition of the transfer of authority within the prophetic establishment.
• also went and stood: (הָלְכוּ וַיַּעַמְדוּ - halekhu vayya'amdu). This dual verb construction emphasizes deliberate action. They weren't there by chance but made an intentional journey and took up a position to observe. Their active pursuit to witness implies a profound interest in, and perhaps anticipation of, what was to unfold.
• at some distance from them: (מִנֶּגֶד - minneged). This phrase conveys that they were positioned "from opposite," "from afar," or "facing them." Their distance signifies several things:
  • Respect and Reverence: They acknowledged the sanctity and profound nature of the event by maintaining a respectful boundary, not intruding on the intimate moments between Elijah and Elisha.
  • Observational Vantage Point: The distance provided a clear view, allowing them to observe without becoming involved or interfering with the unfolding miracle.
  • Acknowledgement of Separation: It subtly highlights that while they were part of the broader prophetic community, they were not privy to the intimate spiritual exchange that would soon occur between Elijah and Elisha. Only Elisha would receive the mantle of authority. It also underlines the extraordinary nature of what was about to happen – something only for the "two of them" (Elijah and Elisha) to participate in directly.
• while the two of them: (שְׁנֵיהֶם - sheneyhem). This specifically designates Elijah and Elisha, emphasizing their exclusive position at the epicenter of the divine event. They were the key actors, with everyone else serving as witnesses.
• stood by the Jordan: (עָמְדוּ עַל הַיַּרְדֵּן - amdu al hayYarden). The Jordan River is rich with biblical symbolism. It marked the boundary of the Promised Land, serving as the point of Israel's entry under Joshua, a miraculous dry-ground crossing mirroring the Red Sea. In the New Testament, it is where John the Baptist ministered and where Jesus was baptized. For Elijah and Elisha, it represents a spiritual threshold: Elijah’s departure from earthly ministry and Elisha’s inauguration into his. Standing "by" (upon/next to) the Jordan sets the stage for a new miraculous crossing, mirroring God's previous mighty acts.

2 Kings 2 7 Bonus section

The consistent effort of Elijah to dismiss Elisha on their journey (Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, Jordan) can be interpreted as a test of Elisha's loyalty, determination, and earnest desire for the prophetic mantle, not as a genuine wish for him to leave. Elisha's persistent "As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you" (2 Kgs 2:2, 4, 6) shows his unwavering commitment to his master and the divine call, preparing him for the "double portion" request. The fifty sons of the prophets observing from a distance mirror how sometimes the divine hand of God's work, though publicly manifest, is not fully understood by all witnesses, who see the external effects but not the intimate spiritual exchange. Their physical distance corresponds to a spiritual boundary; they would witness the "splitting of the waters" (2 Kgs 2:8) and the ascension (2 Kgs 2:11), but only Elisha would cross both Jordan and the spiritual threshold to receive Elijah's anointing. This deliberate witnessing establishes irrefutable proof for the prophetic community concerning Elisha’s unique succession, even when they later initially doubt Elijah’s ascension and attempt to search for him (2 Kgs 2:16-18).

2 Kings 2 7 Commentary

2 Kings 2:7 meticulously details the positioning of fifty "sons of the prophets" as direct witnesses to the climactic moment of Elijah's ascension. Their collective presence was not coincidental but a deliberate act of observation, highlighting the importance God places on verifiable testimony, particularly regarding transitions of divine authority. By standing at a distance, they exhibited reverence for the sacred unfolding event, acknowledging its unique spiritual intimacy between Elijah and Elisha while also signifying their limited role as observers rather than participants in the supernatural feat of crossing the Jordan. The Jordan itself, a place of past divine intervention (Josh 3), reinforces the typological significance of the coming miracle. This verse serves as foundational testimony, confirming the validity of Elisha's future ministry by ensuring that reputable witnesses were present to see the extraordinary transfer of the prophetic mantle, thereby establishing his legitimacy as Elijah's successor.