Elijah Taken Up; Elisha Succeeds
2 Kings 2:1-18
2 K.2.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בהעלות: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בסערה: PREP
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- הגלגל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 2:11 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the account of Elijah being taken up is completed here with the chariot and whirlwind, closely tied to 2 Kgs 2:1's report of the LORD taking Elijah.
- 2 Kings 6:17 (verbal): Elisha's vision of 'chariots and horses of fire' echoes the language and imagery of Elijah's heavenly conveyance (the fiery chariot/whirlwind).
- 1 Kings 19:11-12 (thematic): Both passages portray God's presence in powerful natural phenomena (wind/fire/earthquake) and involve prophetic encounter or departure, linking motifs of divine revelation and removal.
- Hebrews 11:5 (allusion): The NT citation of Enoch—'was taken so that he did not experience death'—provides a theological parallel of a righteous person being taken by God rather than dying, echoing Elijah's translation.
- Acts 1:9 (thematic): Jesus' ascension ('taken up... a cloud received him') presents a later New Testament instance of a figure being divinely taken into heaven witnessed by companions, paralleling the motif of heavenly removal.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the LORD was about to take Elijah up by a whirlwind into heaven, Elijah and Elisha set out from Gilgal.
- When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha set out from Gilgal.
2 K.2.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- פה: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וחי: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- אם: CONJ
- אעזבך: VERB,qal,imprf,1,m,sg+OBJ:2,m,sg
- וירדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
Parallels
- 1 Kgs.19:19-21 (thematic): Elijah's earlier call of Elisha and Elisha's decisive commitment (leaving his oxen, sealing his allegiance) parallels the loyalty expressed here—Elisha refuses to be parted from Elijah.
- 2 Kgs.2:4 (verbal): A near‑parallel line in the same sequence: Elijah tells Elisha to 'tarry here' because the LORD sent him to Jericho, and Elisha again replies he will not leave—repetition of the same exchange pattern.
- 2 Kgs.2:6 (verbal): The third station (the Jordan) repeats the same formule—Elijah bids Elisha remain, Elisha insists on staying—showing the tripartite, formalized refusal motif throughout the transfer scene.
- 2 Kgs.2:9 (thematic): After the journey and Elijah's ascent, Elisha asks for a 'double portion' of Elijah's spirit; this request and the earlier refusal to leave frame the narrative of succession and conveyance of prophetic authority.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives, and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel.
- Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives, and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel.
2 K.2.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הנביאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אל: NEG
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הידעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לקח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אדניך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- מעל: PREP
- ראשך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- החשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kings 2:4 (verbal): A near-identical exchange occurs with the 'sons of the prophets' at Bethel, using the same report that the LORD will take Elijah today—repeated phrasing and motif.
- 2 Kings 2:5 (verbal): The same report is likewise brought by the prophetic group at Jericho; the trilogy of witnesses underscores the announcement that Elijah will be taken.
- 2 Kings 2:11 (quotation): The actual event—Elijah's being taken up in a whirlwind into heaven—fulfills the announcements made to Elisha by the sons of the prophets.
- 1 Kings 19:19–21 (thematic): Elijah's earlier calling and commissioning of Elisha (the prophetic succession and transfer of mantle) provides the background for Elisha's role and the significance of Elijah's imminent removal.
- Acts 1:9 (thematic): Jesus' ascension into heaven is a New Testament typological parallel to Elijah's being taken up—both narratively portray a prophet/leader bodily taken up, shaping early Christian interpretation of Elijah.
Alternative generated candidates
- The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that today the LORD will take your lord away from over your head?" He answered, "Yes, I know; keep silent."
- The company of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that today the LORD will take your master from over your head?" He answered, "Yes, I know; be silent."
2 K.2.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- פה: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- יריחו: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וחי: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- אם: CONJ
- אעזבך: VERB,qal,imprf,1,m,sg+OBJ:2,m,sg
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- יריחו: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
Parallels
- 1 Kgs.19:15-21 (thematic): God's commissioning and Elisha's calling: God directs Elijah to anoint successors and Elisha decisively leaves his family to follow Elijah, establishing the mentor-successor relationship behind the 2 Kgs. scene.
- 2 Kgs.2:2 (verbal): Earlier in the same episode Elijah tells Elisha to 'tarry here' with the same formula; the repeated command and Elisha's oath ('As the LORD lives...') form a running pattern in the journey.
- 2 Kgs.2:6 (verbal): A third occurrence of Elijah's request that Elisha stay and of Elisha's vow before they go on to the Jordan—shows the repeated testing of Elisha's commitment.
- Deut.34:9 (thematic): Succession of prophetic/leadership authority: Joshua is filled with the spirit after Moses' commissioning—parallels the transfer of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha.
- 2 Kgs.2:11 (structural): Elijah's ascension into heaven immediately follows Elisha's refusal to leave him; provides the narrative outcome that makes Elisha's insistence crucial.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elijah said to him, "Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to Jericho." And he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho.
- Elijah said to him, "Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to Jericho." And he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho.
2 K.2.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגשו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הנביאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ביריחו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הידעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לקח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אדניך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- מעל: PREP
- ראשך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- החשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kings 2:11 (structural): Narrates the fulfillment of the warning in 2:5—the LORD takes Elijah up in a whirlwind, showing the announcement was true.
- 2 Kings 2:15 (verbal): After Elijah's ascent the sons of the prophets at Jericho declare that the spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha, a direct response to their earlier statement that Elijah would be taken.
- 2 Kings 2:3-4 (thematic): Earlier verses in the same chapter show the repeated warnings and the company of the prophets surrounding Elijah and Elisha, framing the scene of prophetic succession and departure.
- 1 Kings 19:19-21 (thematic): Elijah's earlier call of Elisha and Elisha's acceptance prefigure the transfer of prophetic authority that the Jericho prophets anticipate in 2:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- The company of the prophets at Jericho drew near to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that today the LORD will take your lord away from over your head?" He answered, "Yes, I know; keep silent."
- The company of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that today the LORD will take your master from over your head?" He answered, "Yes, I know; be silent."
2 K.2.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- פה: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- הירדנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וחי: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- אם: CONJ
- אעזבך: VERB,qal,imprf,1,m,sg+OBJ:2,m,sg
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- שניהם: PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kings 2:2 (verbal): Earlier in the same narrative Elijah tells Elisha 'Tarry here' (or 'stay') with the identical oath formula 'As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee'—a repeated verbal exchange that frames their journey.
- 2 Kings 2:4 (verbal): The third repetition of the same command-and-refusal pattern at another location (Bethel/Jericho sequence), again using the 'Tarry here' imperative and Elisha's vow not to leave Elijah—demonstrates the literary pattern of insistence and loyalty.
- 2 Kings 2:8 (structural): At the journey's climax Elijah strikes the Jordan and the waters part—this miracle validates Elijah's prophetic authority at the destination to which he was said to be sent in 2:6 and provides the setting for the prophetic succession.
- 2 Kings 2:9 (thematic): Immediately after the Jordan episode Elisha requests a 'double portion' of Elijah's spirit—thematively linked to Elisha's refusal to leave Elijah in 2:6 and explains his determination to stay as the would-be successor.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan." And he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you live, I will not leave you." So the two of them went on.
- He said to him, "Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan." And Elisha said, "As the LORD lives, and as you live, I will not leave you." So the two of them went on.
2 K.2.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וחמשים: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,m
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- הנביאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הלכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- מנגד: ADV
- מרחוק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושניהם: PRON,3,m,pl
- עמדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 2:3 (structural): Earlier in the chapter the 'sons of the prophets' at Jericho come out to Elisha, showing the same prophetic guild surrounding Elisha and anticipating Elijah's removal—a recurring structural element in the narrative.
- 2 Kings 2:5 (structural): The 'sons of the prophets' at Bethel likewise appear to Elisha, reinforcing the motif of prophetic communities positioned at key waypoints as Elijah and Elisha proceed to the Jordan.
- 2 Kings 2:15 (verbal): After Elijah's ascension the fifty men of the sons of the prophets again stand opposite the Jordan; the wording and situation closely echo 2:7 and show the group's role as witnesses and as recognizers of the transfer of prophetic authority.
- 1 Kings 19:19-21 (thematic): Elijah's earlier call of Elisha and the latter's acceptance (casting of the cloak, joining Elijah) establishes the motif of prophetic succession and personal discipleship that culminates in the Jordan scene.
- Joshua 3:14-17 (allusion): The miraculous crossing of the Jordan under Joshua (priests/leadership and the people witnessing on the banks) provides a structural and theological parallel: crossing the Jordan marks a transfer/fulfillment of leadership and divine power, mirrored in Elijah/Elisha's crossing.
Alternative generated candidates
- Fifty men of the company of the prophets also went and stood at some distance, as they both stood by the Jordan.
- Fifty men of the company of the prophets also went and stood at some distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan.
2 K.2.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אדרתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויגלם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויכה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויחצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- הנה: PART
- והנה: ADV
- ויעברו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שניהם: PRON,3,m,pl
- בחרבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 14:21-22 (verbal): Moses stretches out his hand and the sea is divided so the people cross on dry ground—direct verbal and thematic parallel to striking/parting the waters and crossing.
- Joshua 3:15-17 (structural): The Jordan's waters are held back while Israel crosses—structurally parallels a miraculous river crossing under divine agency, echoing Exodus and anticipating Elijah/Elisha.
- 2 Kings 2:14 (verbal): Elisha takes Elijah's cloak and strikes the Jordan, which divides—immediate narrative repetition and explicit verbal echo demonstrating prophetic succession.
- Psalm 77:16-20 (allusion): The psalmist recalls God’s display of power in dividing waters and making a path—poetic allusion to the same motif of waters parted for deliverance.
- Isaiah 51:9-10 (allusion): A prophetic call to remember God’s past act of subduing the sea and drying the deep—uses imagery of cutting the waters that alludes to the Exodus/Jordan deliverances.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, struck the waters, and they were parted to the one side and to the other; and the two of them crossed on dry ground.
- Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, struck the waters, and they were divided to the one side and to the other; and the two of them crossed on dry ground.
2 K.2.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כעברם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ואליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- אעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- בטרם: PREP
- אלקח: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- מעמך: PREP+PRON,2ms
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ברוחך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 21:17 (verbal): Uses the legal phrase “a double portion” (Heb. minah shteyim); Elisha’s request echoes the firstborn’s right to a double share, framing his claim as successor’s inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 34:9 (structural): Describes Joshua being filled with the spirit after Moses laid hands on him—an earlier model of the transfer of leadership/spirit to a designated successor.
- 1 Kings 19:16 (allusion): God’s command that Elijah anoint Elisha as prophet in his place establishes Elisha as Elijah’s intended successor, giving background to Elisha’s petition for Elijah’s spirit.
- 2 Kings 2:13–14 (thematic): Immediate narrative fulfillment: Elisha picks up Elijah’s mantle and performs Elijah’s last acts, demonstrating that the prophetic spirit has passed to him—fulfilling the request for a ‘double portion.’
Alternative generated candidates
- When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you." Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me."
- When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "Let there be—now—a double portion of your spirit on me."
2 K.2.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הקשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- אם: CONJ
- תראה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- לקח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאתך: PREP+PRON,2,ms
- יהי: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- כן: ADV
- ואם: CONJ
- אין: PART,neg
- לא: PART_NEG
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deut.21.17 (allusion): The request for a 'double portion' echoes the inheritance law granting the firstborn a double share, giving cultural/legal background to Elisha's plea for primacy in Elijah's spirit.
- Num.27.18-23 (thematic): Moses commissions Joshua and lays hands on him so that leadership and God's guidance pass to a successor—a close parallel to the transfer of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha.
- Num.11.29 (thematic): Moses' remark 'Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his spirit on them' connects to the theme of the spirit's distribution and Elisha's desire for a share of Elijah's spirit.
- 1Kgs.19.19-21 (structural): Elijah's earlier calling of Elisha (plowing, throwing cloak) establishes the master-disciple relationship and commissioning motif that culminates in Elisha's request before Elijah is taken.
- 2Kgs.2.11-14 (verbal): The immediate narrative continuation: Elijah's ascent (v.11) and Elisha's replication of Elijah's miracle (v.14) function as the fulfillment of Elisha's request for 'a double portion'—the spirit is shown transferred by identical deeds (parting the Jordan).
Alternative generated candidates
- He replied, "You have asked a hard thing. If you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be granted you; if not, it shall not."
- He replied, "You have asked a hard thing. Yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; if not, it shall not be so."
2 K.2.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- הלכים: VERB,qal,ptc,.,m,pl
- הלוך: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- ודבר: VERB,qal,fut,3,m,sg
- והנה: ADV
- רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וסוסי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויפרדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בין: PREP
- שניהם: PRON,3,m,pl
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בסערה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Acts 1:9-11 (allusion): The ascension of Jesus: a heavenly departure witnessed by disciples (cloud/chariot imagery and ascent into heaven) parallels Elijah’s whirlwind ascent as a model for prophetic/Christological ascension.
- Luke 24:50-53 (structural): Luke’s account of Jesus being carried up into heaven closes his ministry in the same way Elijah’s ascent closes his—an upward, divine removal witnessed by the followers.
- 2 Kgs 6:17 (verbal): Explicit verbal parallel within the narrative tradition: Elisha’s servant is shown ‘horses and chariots of fire’ surrounding the prophet—same phrase and imagery of heavenly fiery host.
- Ezekiel 1:4-14 (thematic): Ezekiel’s vision features wheels, living creatures and fire—shared theophanic motifs of a fiery, mobile divine chariot conveying God’s presence and movement.
- Psalm 68:17 (thematic): ‘The chariots of God’ motif (many chariots and hosts) echoes the image of divine/heavenly chariots and martial splendour associated with God’s transport and escort, resonant with Elijah’s chariot of fire.
Alternative generated candidates
- While they were walking and talking, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
- While they were walking and talking, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
2 K.2.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואלישע: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- מצעק: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופרשיו: NOUN,m,pl,poss,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- ראהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,obj:3,m
- עוד: ADV
- ויחזק: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בבגדיו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,suff
- ויקרעם: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl,suff:3m
- לשנים: PREP+NUM,m,du,abs
- קרעים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 2:11 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the verse describes Elijah’s actual ascension (taken up by a whirlwind/chariot) that Elisha witnesses—2:12 is the direct reaction to 2:11.
- 2 Kings 2:14 (structural): Direct sequel: after tearing his garments Elisha picks up Elijah’s mantle and uses it to part the Jordan, showing the mantle as the sign/instrument of prophetic succession.
- 1 Kings 19:19 (verbal): Elijah casts his mantle on Elisha at the call to prophetic office—introduces the mantle motif (cloak as sign of prophetic calling/succession) echoed in 2:12–14.
- 2 Kings 6:17 (thematic): Elisha’s vision of 'horses and chariots of fire' around him uses the same chariot/horse imagery; links the cry 'chariot of Israel and its horsemen' to divine/heavenly chariot motifs.
- Job 1:20 (thematic): Example of the ancient Near Eastern practice of tearing garments in grief/mourning—parallels Elisha’s ripping of his cloak as an expression of intense grief and ritual mourning at Elijah’s departure.
Alternative generated candidates
- Elisha saw it and cried, "My father! My father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" He saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two.
- Elisha saw it and cried out, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!" He saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garments and tore them in two.
2 K.2.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אדרת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נפלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מעליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- שפת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 2:8 (verbal): Elijah earlier takes his own mantle and strikes the Jordan so that the waters part; the same mantle is the verbal link to 2 Kgs 2:13 where Elisha picks it up.
- 2 Kings 2:14 (verbal): Direct continuation: after picking up the mantle Elisha strikes the Jordan and it parts—mirroring Elijah’s earlier action and confirming transfer of prophetic power.
- 1 Kings 19:19 (allusion): Elijah casts his mantle over Elisha at the call to prophetic service; the mantle functions here and in 2 Kgs 2:13 as the tangible sign of prophetic succession.
- Numbers 27:18–23 (thematic): Moses laying hands on Joshua to transfer leadership parallels the theme of symbolic transfer of authority (here expressed by the fallen mantle taken up by Elisha).
- Joshua 3:14–17 (structural): The miraculous parting of the Jordan under new leadership in Joshua’s crossing parallels the Jordan miracle associated with the transition from Elijah to Elisha and the inauguration of a new prophetic era.
Alternative generated candidates
- He took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, returned, and stood on the bank of the Jordan.
- He picked up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, returned, and stood on the bank of the Jordan.
2 K.2.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אדרת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נפלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מעליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויכה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- איה: ADV,interr
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אף: ADV
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויכה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויחצו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- הנה: PART
- והנה: ADV
- ויעבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 2:8 (verbal): Elijah earlier took his mantle, struck the Jordan and the waters parted for them to cross—the same verb and miracle repeated by Elisha.
- 2 Kings 2:13 (structural): Immediate narrative precursor: Elijah’s mantle falls when he is taken up; Elisha picks it up, marking the transfer of prophetic authority that enables the miracle in v.14.
- Joshua 3:14-17 (thematic): The priests carrying the Ark enter the Jordan and the river is cut off so the people cross on dry ground—parallel motif of Yahweh stopping a river to permit passage.
- Exodus 14:21-22 (thematic): God miraculously divides the sea so Israel crosses on dry land; a foundational antecedent for later water-parting miracles (typological parallel).
- Psalm 114:3-8 (allusion): Poetic recollection: 'Jordan turned back' and the sea fled—echoes the theological motif of Yahweh controlling waters to save or enable Israel’s passage.
Alternative generated candidates
- He took the mantle of Elijah, struck the waters and said, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" When he struck the waters, they were parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha crossed over.
- He took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, struck the waters and said, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" When he struck the waters, they were divided to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over.
2 K.2.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויראהו: VERB,hif,impf-cc,3,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הנביאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ביריחו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנגד: ADV
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- נחה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אליהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לקראתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
- וישתחוו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 2:9-14 (structural): Elisha's request for a 'double portion' of Elijah's spirit and the retrieval of Elijah's mantle/parting of the Jordan constitute the immediate narrative demonstration that the prophetic spirit has passed to Elisha, which explains the prophets' recognition in v.15.
- 2 Kings 2:18 (thematic): The sons of the prophets explicitly appeal to Elisha on the basis that 'the spirit of Elijah rests on him,' seeking a demonstration of that power—showing the same conviction and expectation expressed in v.15.
- Numbers 11:25-29 (verbal): The language and motif of the Spirit 'resting on' individuals (here Eldad and Medad) parallels the phrasing in 2 Kgs 2:15 and the communal recognition of prophetic gifting.
- 1 Samuel 10:10-12 (thematic): When the Spirit of the Lord comes on Saul he prophesies among the prophets and bystanders notice and ask whether Saul is 'also among the prophets'—a similar scene of Spirit-endowment producing public recognition and deference.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the company of the prophets who were at Jericho saw him from afar, they said, "The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha!" They came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.
- When the company of the prophets who were at Jericho saw him from a distance, they said, "The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." They came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.
2 K.2.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- נא: PART
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ילכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- נא: PART
- ויבקשו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אדניך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- פן: CONJ
- נשאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישלכהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg,prsuf:3,m,sg
- באחד: PREP
- ההרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- או: CONJ
- באחת: PREP
- הגאיות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- תשלחו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kings 2:11-12 (quotation): Immediate context: describes Elijah being taken up by a whirlwind into heaven — the very event the servants fear has happened and therefore prompt their request to search for him.
- 2 Kings 2:17-18 (structural): Narrative continuation: fifty men are eventually sent to search for Elijah, fail to find him, and report back — confirming Elisha's earlier refusal and the reality of Elijah's removal.
- Ezekiel 3:12-14 (verbal): Similar language and motif of the Spirit lifting a prophet and transporting him. Ezekiel twice describes the 'Spirit' lifting him up and setting him down, paralleling the idea that 'the spirit of the LORD' might have taken Elijah.
- Acts 1:9-11 (thematic): Ascension motif parallel: Jesus is taken up into heaven before the disciples' eyes. The passage parallels the theological and narrative function of a prophet/figure being taken up and the followers' need to make sense of the departure.
Alternative generated candidates
- They said to him, "Look, now—your servants have fifty men; let them go, we may search for your lord, lest the Spirit of the LORD has taken him up and cast him upon some mountain or into some ravine." But he said, "Do not send."
- They said to him, "Look now—your servants are fifty strong men; let them go and seek your master, lest the Spirit of the LORD has taken him up and cast him upon some mountain or into some valley." But he said, "Do not send them."
2 K.2.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפצרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- בש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שלחו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- וישלחו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבקשו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- שלשה: NUM,m
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- מצאהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- 2Kgs.2.15-16 (verbal): Immediate narrative context: the sons of the prophets at Jericho press Elisha to send men to search for Elijah — these verses record the urging that leads directly to v.17.
- 2Kgs.2.1-14 (structural): The fuller account of Elijah's departure (his ascent to heaven) explains why the community searches and why he cannot be found; v.17 is the narrative aftermath.
- 2Kgs.13.20-21 (thematic): A later episode in which contact with Elisha's bones revives a man — thematically related to concern for a prophet's body/presence and the continuing power associated with Elijah/Elisha.
- Malachi 4:5-6 (allusion): The prophetic expectation that Elijah will return (eschatological hope for Elijah's coming) provides theological background for why the community would seek him and why his absence is theologically significant.
- Luke 24:3-6 (thematic): Motif of searching for a missing holy figure and failing to find him (three-day timeframe resonant in Luke) — thematically parallels the search for Elijah and the motif of disappearance/resurrection.
Alternative generated candidates
- They urged him until he was ashamed; so he said, "Send." They sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find him.
- They urged him until he relented; so he said, "Send." They sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find him.
2 K.2.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ביריחו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- הלוא: PART
- אמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
- אליכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- אל: NEG
- תלכו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kings 2:3 (structural): Earlier in the same episode the 'company (sons) of the prophets' approach Elisha asking whether Elijah will be taken; both verses form part of the narrative pattern of the prophetic guilds’ reaction to Elijah’s departure.
- 2 Kings 2:2 (verbal): At the journey’s start Elijah repeatedly tells Elisha to 'stay/tarry here' (at Bethel/Jericho/Jordan); 2:18 echoes that imperative motif—now Elisha reproves the prophets for going out.
- 2 Kings 2:12 (structural): This verse records Elijah’s actual ascension and Elisha’s reaction ('My father!'), which directly explains why the sons of the prophets had gone out and why Elisha later rebukes them for leaving.
- 1 Kings 19:19–21 (thematic): The call of Elisha (leaving his plow and vocation to follow Elijah) highlights the theme of prophetic succession and discipleship—movement away from ordinary life to follow the prophet, which underlies the exchanges about staying or going in 2 Kings 2.
Alternative generated candidates
- They returned to him while he remained at Jericho. He said to them, "Did I not say to you, 'Do not go'?'"
- They returned to him while he remained at Jericho, and he said to them, "Did I not tell you, ‘Do not go’?"
And it came to pass, when the LORD was about to take Elijah up by a whirlwind into heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Bethel." And Elisha said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. Now the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that today the LORD will take away your lord from over your head?" And he said, "Yes, I know; be silent."
Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho." And he said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho.
The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that today the LORD will take away your lord from over your head?" And he answered, "Yes, I know; be silent." And Elijah said to him, "Stay here, for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan." And he said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you." So the two of them went on.
Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood at a distance, facing them; and the two of them stood by the Jordan.
Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the waters; and they were divided this way and that, and both of them crossed over on dry ground.
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask; what shall I do for you before I am taken from you?" And Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." And he said, "You have asked a hard thing; yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so."
While they were going and talking, suddenly there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire, which separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Elisha saw it and cried, "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
He picked up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan.
He took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, struck the waters, and said, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" When he had struck the waters, they were divided this way and that, and Elisha crossed over. Now when the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho saw him from afar, they said, "The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." And they came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.
They said to him, "Behold now—there are with your servants fifty strong men; let them go and search for your master, lest the spirit of the LORD has taken him up and cast him upon some mountain or into some valley." But he said, "Do not send."
They urged him until he was ashamed, and he said, "Send." So they sent fifty men; they sought three days, but did not find him.
They returned to him while he stayed in Jericho, and he said to them, "Did I not tell you, 'Do not go'?'"