King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 2:8 Mean?

“And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.”

Context

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.

And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. to view: Heb. in sight, or, over against

And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. Thou hast: Heb. Thou hast done hard in asking

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **His mantle.**—The hairy ’*addèreth,* which characterised him as prophet. Zechariah 13:4, ’*addèreth sē‘ār*, “mantle of hair;” Syriac and Arabic, “head-dress” (wrongly). **Wrapped it together.**—*Rolled it up.* Here only. (Comp. “my substance,” or “mass,” Psalm 139:16; “blue mantles,” Ezekiel 27:24, from the same root.) LXX., εἵλησεν; Vulg., “involvit;” Syriac, “rolled it up.” **Smote the waters.**—A symbolical action like that of Moses smiting the rock, or stretching out his rod over the sea. (Comp. also the use of Elisha’s staff, 2Kings 4:29.) In all these cases the outward and visible sign is made the channel of the invisible and spiritual force of faith. **They were divided hither and thither.**—Exodus 14:16; Exodus 14:21-22; Joshua 4:22, *seq.* **So that.**—*And.*

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 2:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.