2 Kings 6 3

2 Kings 6:3 kjv

And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.

2 Kings 6:3 nkjv

Then one said, "Please consent to go with your servants." And he answered, "I will go."

2 Kings 6:3 niv

Then one of them said, "Won't you please come with your servants?" "I will," Elisha replied.

2 Kings 6:3 esv

Then one of them said, "Be pleased to go with your servants." And he answered, "I will go."

2 Kings 6:3 nlt

"Please come with us," someone suggested. "I will," he said.

2 Kings 6 verses

2 Kings 6 3 Meaning

This verse records a humble yet earnest request from one of the "sons of the prophets" to Elisha. They are planning to expand their living quarters by collecting timber from the Jordan, and one spokesman appeals to Elisha to accompany them. Their desire for his presence indicates not just a practical need for leadership or guidance in a physical endeavor, but also a profound respect for his spiritual authority, seeking divine blessing and assurance through his company for their work. It signifies their dependence on the prophet and, implicitly, on God's favor through him.

2 Kings 6 3 Context

This verse is embedded in a narrative demonstrating Elisha's continued miraculous work and his interaction with the "sons of the prophets." Immediately prior (2 Ki 6:1-2), the community of prophets acknowledges their current dwelling is too small and proposes to go to the Jordan River to cut timber for a larger residence. Verse 3 presents their request for Elisha's accompaniment. This highlights the respectful and dependent relationship between the disciples and their prophet. Historically, these groups, "sons of the prophets," represented spiritual centers maintaining Yahweh worship and prophetic tradition during periods often marked by idolatry (e.g., under the Omride dynasty). Elisha's willingness to engage in their practical, humble building project contrasts with pagan cults, demonstrating true divine authority is not detached but involved in the daily needs of God's people.

2 Kings 6 3 Word analysis

• And one said (וַיֹּאמֶר אֶחָד֙ - wai·yo·mer e·ḥaḏ): This indicates that the request, though undoubtedly a collective desire of the "sons of the prophets," was vocalized by a single spokesperson, possibly showing respect or deferring the direct address to Elisha to one among them. The verb "said" (אמר, 'amar) is in the perfect consecutive, advancing the narrative smoothly.
• Please, let one of us go (יֵאָ֥ת נָא֙ - yê·'āt nā'):
  • Please (נָא - nā'): This is an emphatic particle commonly used to soften an imperative or express earnest request. It signals a polite and deferential plea, emphasizing their respectful petition to their master, Elisha.
  • let one of us go (יֵאָ֥ת - yê·'āt): This verb is a jussive/imperative form of אָתָה ('ātāh), meaning "to come." When paired with the previous context where they planned to go to the Jordan, this phrase literally means "come please" or "do come," implying their request for Elisha to join them on their journey. It's an invitation for his physical presence. The sense of "let one of us go with your servants" (KJV/NIV phrasing) implicitly means Elisha should be that 'one' who goes with them.
• with your servants (אִתְּךָ֖ מֵעֲבָדֶֽיךָ׃ - it·te·ḵā mê·'ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā):
  • with you (אִתְּךָ֖ - it·te·ḵā): Clearly addresses Elisha directly, showing their desire for his personal company. His presence, in their view, carried the weight of divine blessing and guidance.
  • your servants (מֵעֲבָדֶֽיךָ׃ - mê·'ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā): Literally, "from among your servants." This is a crucial self-identification. The "sons of the prophets" humble themselves by calling themselves Elisha's "servants" ('ăvāḏîm). This title signifies not only a master-disciple relationship but also submission, respect, and readiness to carry out his will. In biblical thought, being a "servant" of a prophet also implicitly means being a servant of the God whom the prophet represents.

2 Kings 6 3 Bonus section

This incident showcases the communal living aspect of the prophetic schools in ancient Israel. These groups often operated as self-sustaining communities, underscoring practical support and fellowship within the prophetic movement. Elisha’s readiness to join them, leaving his more prominent role temporarily for a practical task, reflects a Christ-like model of servant leadership, where leaders are not above ordinary labors and prioritize the well-being of their disciples. This event, simple in its premise, also serves to magnify God's attention to seemingly minor details in the lives of His faithful, a subtle demonstration of His pervasive care and power even in the context of chopping wood by a river.

2 Kings 6 3 Commentary

This concise verse illuminates several facets of biblical spiritual life: the humility of genuine disciples, their dependence on prophetic leadership, and the accessibility of a true man of God. The "sons of the prophets" were not passive learners but active participants in building their community. Yet, for a practical task, they sought Elisha's accompanying presence, valuing it more than mere physical labor or logistical expertise. This desire reveals a recognition that spiritual authority is not just for grand miracles or pronouncements, but essential even for mundane, everyday endeavors. Elisha's presence implied divine favor, practical wisdom, and spiritual protection. The passage highlights Elisha’s accessible, humble servant leadership, contrasting with distant, authoritarian figures. This interaction sets the stage for God's providential care and Elisha's supernatural intervention in an everyday situation, demonstrating God's involvement in the practical needs of His people through His chosen instruments.