King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 1:4 Mean?

2 Kings 1:4 in the King James Version says “Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely di...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed. Thou shalt: Heb. The bed whither thou art gone up, thou shalt not come down from it”

2 Kings 1:4 · KJV

Context

2

And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.

3

But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron?

4

Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed. Thou shalt: Heb. The bed whither thou art gone up, thou shalt not come down from it

5

And when the messengers turned back unto him, he said unto them, Why are ye now turned back?

6

And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.

Read 2 Kings 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 1: Divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 1 takes place during the mid-9th century BCE, around 850 BCE, during the transition from Elijah to Elisha. The chapter's theme (Ahaziah's Illness and Elijah's Final Confrontations) reflects the historical reality of prophetic succession and divine affirmation of Elisha's ministry following Elijah's remarkable translation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 1 regarding divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְלָכֵן֙1 of 16
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּֽה2 of 16
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר3 of 16

“Now therefore thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַמִּטָּ֞ה5 of 16

“from that bed”

H4296

a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier

אֲשֶׁר6 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָלִ֥יתָ7 of 16

“on which thou art gone up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

שָּׁ֛ם8 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

לֹֽא9 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵרֵ֥ד10 of 16

“Thou shalt not come down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מִמֶּ֖נָּה11 of 16
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

כִּ֣י12 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תָּמ֑וּת13 of 16

“but shalt surely”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

תָּמ֑וּת14 of 16

“but shalt surely”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ15 of 16
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֵֽלִיָּֽה׃16 of 16

“And Elijah”

H452

elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 1:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 1:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 3:4Genesis 2:17Ezekiel 18:41 Samuel 28:19Proverbs 11:192 Kings 1:16

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 1 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes