King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 2:23 Mean?

2 Kings 2:23 in the King James Version says “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 c...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 2:23 · KJV

Context

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.

24

And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

25

And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.

Read 2 Kings 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he went up from thence unto Beth-el: 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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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
עֲלֵ֥ה1 of 20

“And he went up”

H5927

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

מִשָּׁ֖ם2 of 20
H8033

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

בֵּֽית3 of 20
H0
אֵ֑ל4 of 20

“from thence unto Bethel”

H1008

beth-el, a place in palestine

וְה֣וּא׀5 of 20
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

עֲלֵ֥ה6 of 20

“And he went up”

H5927

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

בַדֶּ֗רֶךְ7 of 20

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וּנְעָרִ֤ים8 of 20

“children”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

קְטַנִּים֙9 of 20

“little”

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

יָֽצְא֣וּ10 of 20

“there came forth”

H3318

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

מִן11 of 20
H4480

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

הָעִ֔יר12 of 20

“out of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיִּתְקַלְּסוּ13 of 20

“and mocked”

H7046

to disparage, i.e., ridicule

בוֹ֙14 of 20
H0
וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ15 of 20

“him and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֔וֹ16 of 20
H0
עֲלֵ֥ה17 of 20

“And he went up”

H5927

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

קֵרֵֽחַ׃18 of 20

“thou bald head”

H7142

bald (on the back of the head)

עֲלֵ֥ה19 of 20

“And he went up”

H5927

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

קֵרֵֽחַ׃20 of 20

“thou bald head”

H7142

bald (on the back of the head)

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 2:23 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 2:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 36:16Job 30:1Job 19:18Psalms 31:18Genesis 21:9Amos 5:5

Places in This Verse

Bethel 1Settlement · Modern: Beitin · 31.92°N, 35.24°E69 verses across 12 books
Jericho 1Settlement · Modern: Tell es Sultan · 31.87°N, 35.44°E63 verses across 13 books
View all places in 2 Kings 2 →

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