Elisha and the Floating Axe Head
When a borrowed axe head falls into the river, Elisha performs a miracle, causing the iron to float to the surface.
2 Kings 6:1-7
Take the 2 Kings 6 Quiz
Test your knowledge of this chapter
Explore 2 Kings Chapters
Study all chapters of 2 Kings
The Story
The company of the prophets said to Elisha, 'Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to meet.' Elisha agreed and went with them.
As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water. 'Oh no, my lord!' he cried out. 'It was borrowed!'
In those days, iron was expensive and valuable. To lose a borrowed tool was a serious matter—the man would owe a debt he likely could not repay. His distress was real.
The man of God asked, 'Where did it fall?' When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. The iron floated to the surface.
'Lift it out,' said Elisha. And the man reached out his hand and took it.
This small miracle reveals something profound about God's character. He cares about the everyday concerns of His people. A lost tool, a financial worry, a moment of distress—none of these are beneath His notice. The God who parts seas and calls down fire also makes iron float for a worried student.
Elisha's miracle demonstrated that no problem is too small for God. He is the Lord of both the great and the ordinary, the cosmic and the commonplace.
The Axe Head That Floated
Kids Version
Some men who were learning to be prophets needed a bigger building. They asked Elisha, 'Can we go build a new place by the river?' Elisha said yes and went with them.
The men started cutting down trees to build with. One man was swinging his axe—CHOP! CHOP! CHOP!—when suddenly the metal part flew off the handle and—SPLASH!—it sank into the river!
'Oh no!' the man cried. 'That axe wasn't even mine! I borrowed it!'
This was a big problem. Iron tools were very expensive back then. The man didn't have enough money to buy a new one. He was really worried!
Elisha asked, 'Where did it fall in?'
The man pointed to the spot in the river.
Elisha cut a stick from a tree and threw it into the water right where the axe head had sunk.
And then something IMPOSSIBLE happened—the heavy iron axe head floated up to the top of the water! Iron doesn't float! But this iron did!
'Grab it!' Elisha said.
The man reached out and picked up his axe head. Problem solved!
This story shows us that God cares about even the little things in our lives. The man's lost axe head might seem like a small problem, but it was a big deal to HIM. And God cared about it.
No problem is too small to pray about. God loves to help His children, even with everyday worries!
Ready to test your knowledge?
See how well you know this story from 2 Kings.
Characters in This Story
Settings & Locations
Scripture — 2 Kings 6:1-7 (KJV)
1And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.
2Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.
3And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.
4So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.
5But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. axe head: Heb. iron
6And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.
7Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.
Memory Verse
“And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.”
— 2 Kings 6:1 (KJV)
Test Your Knowledge
How well do you know the story of “Elisha and the Floating Axe Head”? Take the quiz to find out.
More from Elijah & Elisha
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “Elisha and the Floating Axe Head” in the Bible?
When a borrowed axe head falls into the river, Elisha performs a miracle, causing the iron to float to the surface. This story is found in 2 Kings 6:1-7.
Where is “Elisha and the Floating Axe Head” found in the Bible?
“Elisha and the Floating Axe Head” is found in 2 Kings 6:1-7, in the book of 2 Kings.
What can children learn from “Elisha and the Floating Axe Head”?
This story teaches children about God's Care for Small Things, Faith, Divine Provision, Miracles. A man was chopping wood when his axe head flew off and sank in the river! Elisha threw a stick in the water, and the heavy iron floated up!