King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 2:8 Mean?

2 Kings 2:8 in the King James Version says “And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 2:8 · KJV

Context

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.

7

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

8

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.

9

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.

10

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

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 14 words
וַיִּקַּח֩1 of 14

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵֽלִיָּ֨הוּ2 of 14

“And Elijah”

H452

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

אֶת3 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַדַּרְתּ֤וֹ4 of 14

“his mantle”

H155

something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress)

וַיִּגְלֹם֙5 of 14

“and wrapped it together”

H1563

to fold

וַיַּכֶּ֣ה6 of 14

“and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת7 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמַּ֔יִם8 of 14

“the waters”

H4325

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

וַיֵּֽחָצ֖וּ9 of 14

“and they were divided”

H2673

to cut or split in two; to halve

הֵ֣נָּה10 of 14
H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

וָהֵ֑נָּה11 of 14
H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

וַיַּֽעַבְר֥וּ12 of 14

“went over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם13 of 14

“hither and thither so that they two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בֶּחָֽרָבָֽה׃14 of 14

“on dry”

H2724

a desert

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

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 2:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 19:19Exodus 14:21-22Joshua 3:14-172 Kings 2:141 Kings 19:13Isaiah 11:15

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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