2 Kings 2 9

2 Kings 2:9 kjv

And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

2 Kings 2:9 nkjv

And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?" Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me."

2 Kings 2:9 niv

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?" "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied.

2 Kings 2:9 esv

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me."

2 Kings 2:9 nlt

When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away." And Elisha replied, "Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor."

2 Kings 2 verses

2 Kings 2 9 Meaning

After crossing the Jordan River, Elijah directly questioned Elisha about his final request before Elijah was taken away. Elisha’s immediate and profound request was for "a double portion of your spirit." This did not signify a desire to perform twice as many miracles as Elijah, but rather to be recognized and empowered as Elijah’s primary spiritual heir, receiving the full authority and anointing characteristic of the lead prophet, similar to the inheritance rights of a firstborn son.

2 Kings 2 9 Context

This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the life of Elijah and the initiation of Elisha's prophetic ministry. The chapter describes Elijah's final journey through several significant Israelite cities (Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho), where Elisha consistently refuses to leave Elijah, demonstrating profound loyalty and understanding of the impending transition. Elijah repeatedly tells Elisha to stay behind, which serves as a test of Elisha's resolve and dedication. Their crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground, facilitated by Elijah's cloak, echoes momentous divine acts from Israel's history, such as the crossing under Joshua. This crossing symbolizes a threshold—a transition from Elijah's era to Elisha's. In the broader historical context, it marked a continuation of Yahweh's direct engagement with Israel through a prophet of great power, a necessary reminder in a period of apostasy and struggle against Baal worship under the Omride dynasty. The concept of receiving a "double portion" would be understood by the original audience within the established legal framework of inheritance, setting the stage for Elisha to be viewed as the rightful spiritual heir, continuing the line of powerful prophetic ministry against the prevalent pagan cults.

2 Kings 2 9 Word analysis

• When they had crossed: Refers to Elijah and Elisha successfully passing over the Jordan River on dry ground, miraculously parted by Elijah's cloak (2 Kgs 2:8). This act parallels Israel's crossing into the Promised Land under Joshua (Josh 3:14-17) and serves as a powerful symbol of divine intervention and a threshold moment for Elisha’s ministry.
• Elijah said to Elisha: Marks a direct, personal exchange between the master and disciple just before a monumental event. It highlights the deeply personal and relational aspect of prophetic succession.
• “Tell me, what can I do for you...?”: This is Elijah's final offering, a spiritual testament. It indicates Elijah's authority and access to divine power, capable of bestowing a blessing of great magnitude. It is a genuine, open-ended offer for Elisha to state his heart's deepest desire related to his calling.
• “...before I am taken from you?”: The Hebrew verb used, אֶלָּקַח (ellaqqaḥ), means "I am taken" or "I am seized." It strongly implies a non-natural, divinely orchestrated removal, anticipating his miraculous ascension rather than a conventional death. This is consistent with earlier mentions of Elijah being "taken up."
• “Please let there be a double portion (פִּי שְׁנַיִם - pi shenayim)": Literally "mouth of two" or "two portions." This phrase is primarily rooted in Deut 21:17, which dictates the inheritance rights of a firstborn son, who received twice the portion of other sons. Elisha is not requesting double power compared to Elijah's (i.e., that he do twice as many miracles), but rather a firstborn son's inheritance of Elijah's spirit and prophetic mantle, signifying full recognition as the principal successor and heir to Elijah’s prophetic office and anointing. He desired to be Elijah's true spiritual son.
• “...of your spirit (בְּרוּחֲךָ - bə-rūaḥ-ḵā) on me,”: The term רוּחַ (ruach) signifies the divine Spirit, the animating power, anointing, and prophetic authority that empowered Elijah's ministry, enabling him to perform miracles and speak God’s word. Elisha sought a transfer of this spiritual enabling, not just wisdom or zeal, but the very anointing that qualified Elijah as a prophet of Yahweh. The "on me" implies direct spiritual impartation and equipping.
• Elisha replied: Shows Elisha's readiness and clarity of purpose. His answer demonstrates profound spiritual understanding, not a desire for personal glory, but for divine equipping to continue Elijah's vital work.

2 Kings 2 9 Bonus section

• The crossing of the Jordan by Elijah and Elisha parallels Joshua and Israel crossing the Jordan (Josh 3). In both instances, the Jordan is parted, signifying a divine intervention marking a significant transition point and the commissioning of a new leader.
• Elisha's perseverance in staying with Elijah despite being told to "stay here" at three locations (Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho) indicates a crucial aspect of discipleship: unwavering loyalty and a deep hunger for the divine impartation, which was part of the spiritual "test" Elijah presented. This persistent following demonstrates Elisha's readiness and worthiness to receive the mantle.
• The request itself was "difficult" (2 Kgs 2:10) not because of the amount requested, but because the ability to grant such an impartation of the Spirit ultimately lay with God, not solely with Elijah. Elijah’s response in verse 10 ("If you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours – otherwise, not.") emphasizes the divine approval and direct witness required for such a momentous transfer of spiritual authority.
• Elisha would go on to perform numerous miracles (estimated 14-16) that demonstrably extended Elijah's work, including raising the dead twice, purifying water, multiplying food, and healing Naaman. His ministry showcased the efficacy of the "spirit" he inherited, proving him the true heir and demonstrating the Lord's continued powerful presence among His people.

2 Kings 2 9 Commentary

2 Kings 2:9 captures a poignant and profound moment of spiritual transition. Elijah, aware of his imminent supernatural departure, grants Elisha a final request. Elisha's audacious plea for a "double portion of your spirit" is not a claim for superior power or fame, but a request to be established as Elijah's rightful and fully equipped spiritual successor. Like a firstborn son inheriting a double portion of his father’s estate (Deut 21:17), Elisha desired the fullness of the prophetic anointing that was Elijah's, to ensure the continuation of God’s work through His chosen prophet in Israel. This request highlighted his understanding that divine power for ministry is a bestowed spiritual inheritance. It reveals Elisha’s unwavering commitment and recognition that his efficacy would not come from himself but from a divine endowment through his master.