King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 2:12 Mean?

2 Kings 2:12 in the King James Version says “And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him n...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.”

2 Kings 2:12 · KJV

Context

10

And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. Thou hast: Heb. Thou hast done hard in asking

11

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

12

And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.

13

He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; bank: Heb. lip

14

And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

Read 2 Kings 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. 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.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 2 takes place during the mid-9th century BCE, around 850 BCE, during the transition from Elijah to Elisha. The chapter's theme (Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Beginning) 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 2 regarding prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling?
  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 · 17 words
וֶֽאֱלִישָׁ֣ע1 of 17

“And Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

רָאָ֖הוּ2 of 17

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְה֤וּא3 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מְצַעֵק֙4 of 17

“it and he cried”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

אָבִ֗י5 of 17

“My father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אָבִ֗י6 of 17

“My father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

רֶ֤כֶב7 of 17

“the chariot”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙8 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּפָ֣רָשָׁ֔יו9 of 17

“and the horsemen”

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

וְלֹ֥א10 of 17
H3808

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

רָאָ֖הוּ11 of 17

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

ע֑וֹד12 of 17
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

וַֽיַּחֲזֵק֙13 of 17

“him no more and he took hold”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בִּבְגָדָ֔יו14 of 17

“of his own clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וַיִּקְרָעֵ֖ם15 of 17

“and rent”

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

לִשְׁנַ֥יִם16 of 17

“them in two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

קְרָעִֽים׃17 of 17

“pieces”

H7168

a rag

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 2:12 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 2:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 13:142 Corinthians 5:42 Corinthians 5:2Acts 8:2Revelation 11:12Luke 24:51

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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