King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 2:21 Mean?

2 Kings 2:21 in the King James Version says “And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have heale...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 2:21 · KJV

Context

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.

23

And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.

Read 2 Kings 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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

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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 · 20 words
וַיֵּצֵא֙1 of 20

“And he went forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶל2 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מוֹצָ֣א3 of 20

“unto the spring”

H4161

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

לַמַּ֣יִם4 of 20

“of the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַיַּשְׁלֶךְ5 of 20

“and cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֖ם6 of 20
H8033

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

מֶ֑לַח7 of 20

“the salt”

H4417

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

אָמַ֣ר8 of 20

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּֽה9 of 20
H3541

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

אָמַ֣ר10 of 20

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה11 of 20

“the LORD”

H3068

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

רִפִּ֙אתִי֙12 of 20

“I have healed”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

לַמַּ֣יִם13 of 20

“of the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

הָאֵ֔לֶּה14 of 20
H428

these or those

לֹֽא15 of 20
H3808

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

יִהְיֶ֥ה16 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִשָּׁ֛ם17 of 20
H8033

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

ע֖וֹד18 of 20
H5750

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

מָ֥וֶת19 of 20

“there shall not be from thence any more death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

וּמְשַׁכָּֽלֶת׃20 of 20

“or barren”

H7921

properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)

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 2:21 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 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 15:25-262 Kings 4:41Leviticus 2:13Revelation 21:42 Kings 6:6Revelation 22:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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