King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 2:24 Mean?

2 Kings 2:24 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 2:24 · KJV

Context

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 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.

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 · 16 words
וַיִּ֤פֶן1 of 16

“And he turned”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אַֽחֲרָיו֙2 of 16

“back”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וַיִּרְאֵ֔ם3 of 16

“and looked”

H7200

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

וַֽיְקַלְלֵ֖ם4 of 16

“on them and cursed”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

בְּשֵׁ֣ם5 of 16

“them in the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֑ה6 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַתֵּצֶ֨אנָה7 of 16

“And there came forth”

H3318

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

וּשְׁנֵ֖י8 of 16

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

דֻּבִּים֙9 of 16

“she bears”

H1677

the bear (as slow)

מִן10 of 16
H4480

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

הַיַּ֔עַר11 of 16

“out of the wood”

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

וַתְּבַקַּ֣עְנָה12 of 16

“and tare”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

מֵהֶ֔ם13 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים14 of 16

“forty”

H705

forty

וּשְׁנֵ֖י15 of 16

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

יְלָדִֽים׃16 of 16

“children”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

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 2:24 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 2:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 13:9-11Hosea 13:8Acts 5:9Acts 5:5Amos 7:171 Kings 19:17

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