King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 2:15 Mean?

2 Kings 2:15 in the King James Version says “And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on El... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

2 Kings 2:15 · KJV


Context

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.

15

And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

16

And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men ; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send. strong: Heb. sons of strength some mountain: Heb. one of the mountains

17

And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

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
וַיִּרְאֻ֨הוּ1 of 17

saw

H7200

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

בְנֵֽי2 of 17

And when the sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַנְּבִיאִ֤ים3 of 17

of the prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֲשֶׁר4 of 17
H834

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

בִּֽירִיחוֹ֙5 of 17

which were to view at Jericho

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

מִנֶּ֔גֶד6 of 17
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ7 of 17

him they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נָ֛חָה8 of 17

doth rest

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

ר֥וּחַ9 of 17

The spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

אֵֽלִיָּ֖הוּ10 of 17

of Elijah

H452

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

עַל11 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֱלִישָׁ֑ע12 of 17

on Elisha

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙13 of 17

And they came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לִקְרָאת֔וֹ14 of 17

to meet

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

וַיִּשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ15 of 17

him and bowed

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

ל֖וֹ16 of 17
H0
אָֽרְצָה׃17 of 17

themselves to the ground

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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