King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 2:4 Mean?

2 Kings 2:4 in the King James Version says “And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LOR...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.”

2 Kings 2:4 · KJV

Prayer

Context

2

And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.

3

And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

4

And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.

5

And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

6

And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.

Read 2 Kings 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.

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.

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
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר1 of 20

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֨וֹ2 of 20
H0
אֵֽלִיָּ֜הוּ3 of 20

“And Elijah”

H452

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

אֱלִישָׁ֣ע׀4 of 20

“unto him Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

שֵֽׁב5 of 20

“tarry”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

נָ֣א6 of 20
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

פֹ֗ה7 of 20
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

כִּ֤י8 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָ֥ה9 of 20

“As the LORD”

H3068

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

שְׁלָחַ֣נִי10 of 20

“hath sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְרִיחֽוֹ׃11 of 20

“me to Jericho”

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר12 of 20

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וְחֵֽי13 of 20

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָ֥ה14 of 20

“As the LORD”

H3068

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

וְחֵֽי15 of 20

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

נַפְשְׁךָ֖16 of 20

“and as thy soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אִם17 of 20
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֶֽעֶזְבֶ֑ךָּ18 of 20

“I will not leave”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ19 of 20

“thee So they came”

H935

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

יְרִיחֽוֹ׃20 of 20

“me to Jericho”

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 2:2Joshua 6:261 Kings 16:342 Kings 4:30Luke 19:1Acts 2:42

Places in This Verse

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

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

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