2 Kings 2 8

2 Kings 2:8 kjv

And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

2 Kings 2:8 nkjv

Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.

2 Kings 2:8 niv

Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.

2 Kings 2:8 esv

Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground.

2 Kings 2:8 nlt

Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground!

2 Kings 2 verses

2 Kings 2 8 Meaning

2 Kings 2:8 describes a pivotal moment immediately before Elijah's ascension, where the prophet performs a miracle that underscores divine power and prophetic authority. Elijah takes his characteristic outer garment, a mantle or cloak, acts decisively by rolling it up and striking the waters of the Jordan River. Immediately, the river parts, creating a dry path. This allows Elijah and Elisha, his successor, to cross the formidable natural barrier on solid ground, demonstrating Yahweh's continued control over creation through His chosen servants, reminiscent of earlier divine interventions in Israel's history.

2 Kings 2 8 Context

This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Elijah's ministry, specifically as he and Elisha approach the conclusion of Elijah's earthly journey. Chapter 2 opens with the divine revelation that Elijah is about to be taken up to heaven. Elijah, on a divinely guided circuit, journeys from Gilgal to Bethel, then to Jericho, and finally to the Jordan River, with Elisha steadfastly accompanying him despite Elijah's repeated attempts to make him stay behind. The fifty "sons of the prophets" observing from a distance highlight the public and prophetic significance of this transition. The miracle at the Jordan immediately precedes Elijah's departure, serving as a powerful demonstration of Yahweh's direct intervention and prophetic authentication. It directly links Elijah's ministry to the Exodus and Conquest narratives, solidifying his role as a second Moses figure, and sets the stage for Elisha to inherit his mantle and continue the prophetic ministry. Historically, this occurs during the Divided Monarchy period in Israel, emphasizing God's continued covenant faithfulness despite Israel's apostasy, particularly in the northern kingdom.

2 Kings 2 8 Word analysis

• Then: Hebrew waw connective (וַ) indicating sequence, linking this action directly to the preceding events of their journey to the Jordan.
• Elijah: Hebrew אֵלִיָּהוּ (’Eliyyahu), meaning "My God is Yahweh." The subject of divine action, whose prophetic identity is intrinsically tied to God's power.
• took: Hebrew וַיִּקַּח (vayyiqqaḥ), simple verb indicating a deliberate, personal action. Not accidental, but a conscious choice to wield his garment.
• his cloak: Hebrew אַדַּרְתּוֹ (’addarto), "his mantle" or "his wide, magnificent cloak." This adderet (אַדֶּרֶת) was typically a large, often hairy outer garment that symbolized the prophet's authority and distinctive office. It was associated with men of distinction and prophetic function (Zech 13:4). Its use here highlights its symbolic rather than magical power; the power resides in God, channeled through the prophet's instrument.
• rolled it up: Hebrew וַיִּגְלֹם (vayyiglom), meaning "he rolled it up" or "folded it tightly." This action suggests preparation, focus, and intentionality before using it as a striking instrument, making it more compact and potent. It’s a deliberate action to perform a deed.
• and struck: Hebrew וַיַּכֶּה (vayyakkeh), from the root נָכָה (nakah), meaning "to strike," "to hit," "to smite." A strong, decisive action, parallel to Moses striking the rock or his staff hitting the water (Exod 14:16, Num 20:11). It's an act of authority, not violence, triggering a supernatural event.
• the water: Hebrew הַמַּיִם (hammayim), referring specifically to the Jordan River. This body of water, flowing south into the Dead Sea, was a significant natural barrier and culturally symbolic. Its parting speaks to God's dominion over nature.
• with it: Implies the cloak as the instrument. It is not the cloak itself that possesses power, but it serves as the visible point of contact for the invisible divine power.
• and the water was divided: Hebrew וַיֵּחָצ֖וּ (vayyeḥaṣu), from the root חָצָה (ḥaṣah), "to divide in two," "to halve." The immediate and complete nature of the division highlights the supernatural cause.
• to one side and to the other: Specifies the result – the waters parted horizontally, forming a passage. This visual reinforces the parallel with the Red Sea and earlier Jordan crossings (Exod 14; Josh 3).
• until the two of them crossed: The purpose and duration of the miracle. "The two of them" refers to Elijah and Elisha, emphasizing their joint passage into the next phase of ministry/departure.
• on dry ground: Hebrew בֶּֽחָרָבָֽה (beḥaravah), literally "on the dryness," "on the parched place." This specifies that the riverbed became solid, safe, and easily passable, ruling out a mere reduction of water depth or muddy banks. It is a clear sign of a divine, complete intervention.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up": This sequence of actions emphasizes Elijah's intentionality and the significance of the mantle. The mantle, an ordinary garment, becomes a divine instrument because God works through Elijah, showcasing the human medium in a supernatural display.
• "and struck the water with it": This is the direct action that triggers the miracle. It mimics earlier miracles where divine power was channeled through a prophet's staff (Moses) or even simply by divine command (Joshua), firmly establishing Elijah's prophetic credentials and his place in this line of mighty men of God.
• "the water was divided to one side and to the other": This describes the miraculous effect, demonstrating God's sovereign control over creation. The immediate and clear division underscores that this is not a natural phenomenon but a supernatural intervention.
• "until the two of them crossed on dry ground": This final phrase confirms the success and purpose of the miracle – safe passage for Elijah and Elisha. "Dry ground" further amplifies the divine nature of the event, ensuring not just a path but a clean and secure one.

2 Kings 2 8 Bonus section

• The "adderet" (mantle) specifically represents the prophetic office. When Elijah "throws" his mantle on Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19, it's an act of calling; here, its active use in a miracle is a demonstration of the power inherent in that calling and the one who embodies it.
• The crossing of the Jordan River carries immense historical and theological weight for Israel. It was the entry point into the Promised Land under Joshua, symbolizing a new beginning and the fulfillment of God's promises (Josh 3). For Elijah and Elisha, it represents not only a passage for Elijah out of the earthly realm but also Elisha's formal entrance into his full prophetic ministry in the Promised Land. This symbolic "entry" parallels the "exodus" (departure) from earthly ministry for Elijah.
• The method of "striking" is a key element that removes the action from mere human skill and attributes it to a divine force operating through the prophet. It is a gesture of command and authority delegated by God, rather than a magical incantation or inherent power within the cloak itself.

2 Kings 2 8 Commentary

2 Kings 2:8 vividly illustrates the transfer of divine power and prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha, echoing monumental miracles from Israel's past. The mantle, though a simple object, acts as a symbol and conduit of God's power, not magic. This miracle serves multiple purposes: it authenticates Elijah's standing as God's premier prophet of that era, reminiscent of Moses's unparalleled acts (Exod 14). It prefigures Elisha's subsequent action (2 Kgs 2:14), confirming his succession as a legitimate prophet. More profoundly, it unequivocally declares Yahweh's sovereignty over creation, distinguishing Him from any regional pagan deities whose worshippers believed them to control nature. The event marks a ceremonial crossing, not just of a river, but into a new chapter of prophetic history for Israel, demonstrating that God continues to work powerfully through His chosen vessels, regardless of natural barriers or challenges.