King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 2:20 Mean?
“And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.”
Context
18
And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, Did I not say unto you, Go not?
19
And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren. barren: Heb. causing to miscarry
20
And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.
21
And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.
22
So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(20) **A new cruse.**—*Vessel*; either *dish, bowl,* or* cup *(*çĕlōhîth*); only here. (Comp. *çĕlāhôth*, 2Chronicles 35:16 : and the Targum, (*çĕlûhîthā*.) A *new* one, because the holy purpose demanded an instrument uncontaminated by use. (Comp. Numbers 19:2; 2Samuel 6:3.)
**Salt.**—As an antiseptic, an appropriate sacramental medium of the Divine influence which was to expel the corruption of the spring.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:20 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 2:20
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge