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So they went down to Bethel.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/2-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/12_2Ki_02_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 2:2 - Elijah Taken to Heaven" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and Elijah said to Elisha, Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel. But Elisha replied, As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you. 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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. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here please, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/nasb/2_kings/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Elijah said to Elisha, &#8220Stay here please, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.&#8221 But Elisha said, &#8220As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.&#8221 So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here please, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/lsb/2_kings/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here please, for Yahweh has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As Yahweh lives and as your soul lives, I will not forsake you.” So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/amp/2_kings/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As the LORD lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/csb/2_kings/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> and Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD is sending me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and Elijah said to Elisha, &#8220Stay here; the LORD is sending me on to Bethel.&#8221 But Elisha replied, &#8220As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.&#8221 So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/asv/2_kings/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for Jehovah hath sent me as far as Beth-el. And Elisha said, As Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el. <a href="/cev/2_kings/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Elijah said to Elisha, "The LORD wants me to go to Bethel, but you must stay here." Elisha replied, "I swear by the living LORD and by your own life that I will stay with you no matter what!" And he went with Elijah to Bethel. <a href="/erv/2_kings/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me as far as Beth-el. And Elisha said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Elijah said to Elisha, "Please stay here because the LORD is sending me to Bethel." Elisha answered, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not abandon you." So they went to Bethel. <a href="/gnt/2_kings/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> and on the way Elijah said to Elisha, "Now stay here; the LORD has ordered me to go to Bethel." But Elisha answered, "I swear by my loyalty to the living LORD and to you that I will not leave you." So they went on to Bethel. <a href="/isv/2_kings/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Elijah instructed Elisha, "Remain here on this side, please, because the LORD is sending me as far as Bethel." But Elisha replied, "As the LORD lives, I'm not going to leave you while you're still alive!" So they both went on to Bethel. <a href="/net/2_kings/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Elijah told Elisha, "Stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As certainly as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/nheb/2_kings/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Elijah said to Elisha, "Please wait here, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel." Elisha said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/wbt/2_kings/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Elijah said to Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/2_kings/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/web/2_kings/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Elijah said to Elisha, “Please wait here, for Yahweh has sent me as far as Bethel.” Elisha said, “As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Elijah says to Elisha, “Please abide here, for YHWH has sent me to Beth-El”; and Elisha says, “YHWH lives, and your soul lives, if I leave you”; and they go down to Beth-El. <a href="/ylt/2_kings/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Elijah saith unto Elisha, 'Abide, I pray thee, here, for Jehovah hath sent me unto Beth-El;' and Elisha saith, 'Jehovah liveth, and thy soul liveth, if I leave thee;' and they go down to Beth-El. <a href="/slt/2_kings/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Elijah will say to Elisha, Sit now, here; for Jehovah sent me even to the house of God. And Elisha will say to him, Jehovah lives, and thy soul lives, if I shall forsake thee. And they will go down to the house of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Elias said to Eliseus: Stay thou here, because the Lord hath sent me as far as Bethel. And Eliseus said to him: As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And when they were come down to Bethel, <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Elijah said to Elisha: “Remain here. For the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” And Elisha said to him, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not forsake you.” And when they had descended to Bethel, <a href="/nabre/2_kings/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please. The LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” Elisha replied, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Elijah said to Elisha, Wait for me here, for the LORD has sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they went down to Beth-el. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Elyah said to Elisha: “Wait for me here, because LORD JEHOVAH has sent me to Bayth Eil.” And Elisha said: “As LORD JEHOVAH is living and your soul is living, I shall not leave you!” And they went down to Bayth Eil.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Elijah said unto Elisha: 'Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me as far as Beth-el.' And Elisha said: 'As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.' So they went down to Beth-el.-- <a href="/sep/2_kings/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Eliu said to Elisaie, Stay here, I pray thee; for God has sent me to Baethel. And Elisaie said, As the Lord lives and thy soul lives, I will not leave thee; so they came to Baethel. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/2-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=269" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_kings/2.htm">Elijah Taken to Heaven</a> 1Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal, 2<a href="/hebrew/452.htm" title="452: ’ê·lî·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Or prolonged teliyahuw; from 'el and Yahh; God of Jehovah; Elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other Israelites.">and Elijah</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/477.htm" title="477: ’ĕ·lî·šā‘ (N-proper-ms) -- God is salvation, a well-known Isr. prophet. Contracted for Eliyshuwa'. Elisha, the famous prophet.">Elisha,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">“Please</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: šêḇ- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">stay</a> <a href="/hebrew/6311.htm" title="6311: p̄ōh (Adv) -- Here, hither. Or po; or pow; probably from a primitive inseparable particle p and huw'; this place, i.e. Here or hence.">here,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šə·lā·ḥa·nî (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">has sent me</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">on to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: bêṯ- (Prep) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: ’êl (N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine.">Bethel.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/477.htm" title="477: ’ĕ·lî·šā‘ (N-proper-ms) -- God is salvation, a well-known Isr. prophet. Contracted for Eliyshuwa'. Elisha, the famous prophet.">But Elisha</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">“As surely as the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay- (N-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">lives</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">and as you yourself</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: wə·ḥê- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">live,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ’e·‘ez·ḇe·kā (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 2mse) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">leave you.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: way·yê·rə·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come or go down, descend. ">So they went down</a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: bêṯ- (Prep) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: ’êl (N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine.">Bethel.</a> 3Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ruth/1-16.htm">Ruth 1:16-17</a> But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” <a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a> and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” <a href="/john/14-18.htm">John 14:18</a> I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. <a href="/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3</a> But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.” <a href="/1_kings/19-21.htm">1 Kings 19:21</a> So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah. <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24</a> Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. <a href="/luke/9-57.htm">Luke 9:57-62</a> As they were walking along the road, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow You wherever You go.” / Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” / Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” ... <a href="/john/13-1.htm">John 13:1</a> It was now just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end. <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Acts 20:24</a> But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. <a href="/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23-24</a> I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. / But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7-8</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing. <a href="/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49</a> It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. <a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a> But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” <a href="/1_samuel/3-1.htm">1 Samuel 3:1-10</a> And the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. Now in those days the word of the LORD was rare, and visions were scarce. / And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room. / Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located. ... <a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">1 Kings 19:19-20</a> So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Elijah said to Elisha, Tarry here, I pray you; for the LORD has sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said to him, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they went down to Bethel.Tarry here<a href="/ruth/1-15.htm">Ruth 1:15,16</a> And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law… <a href="/2_samuel/15-19.htm">2 Samuel 15:19,20</a> Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile… <a href="/john/6-67.htm">John 6:67,68</a> Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? … As the Lord<a href="/2_kings/2-4.htm">2 Kings 2:4,6</a> 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… <a href="/2_kings/4-30.htm">2 Kings 4:30</a> And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.<a href="/1_samuel/1-26.htm">1 Samuel 1:26</a> And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.I will not<a href="/ruth/1-16.htm">Ruth 1:16-18</a> And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: … <a href="/2_samuel/15-21.htm">2 Samuel 15:21</a> And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.<a href="/1_john/2-19.htm">1 John 2:19</a> They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.Beth-el<a href="/genesis/28-19.htm">Genesis 28:19</a> And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.<a href="/1_kings/12-29.htm">1 Kings 12:29,33</a> And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan… <a href="/1_kings/13-1.htm">1 Kings 13:1,2</a> And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/13-32.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-32.htm">Beth-El</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm">Eli'sha</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-3.htm">Far</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-4.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-21.htm">Parted</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-13.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-14.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-16.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-7.htm">Tarry</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-2.htm">Wait</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/2-3.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-3.htm">Beth-El</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-4.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-4.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-3.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-3.htm">Eli'sha</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-15.htm">Far</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-4.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-4.htm">Parted</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-4.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-4.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-4.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-4.htm">Tarry</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-4.htm">Wait</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 2</div>1. <a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm">Elijah, taking his leave of Elisha, with his mantle divides Jordan</a> 9. <a href="/2_kings/2-9.htm">and, granting Elisha his request, is taken up by a fiery chariot into heaven</a> 12. <a href="/2_kings/2-12.htm">Elisha, dividing Jordan with Elijah's mantle, is acknowledged his successor</a> 16. <a href="/2_kings/2-16.htm">The young prophets, hardly obtaining leave to seek Elijah, cannot find him.</a> 19. <a href="/2_kings/2-19.htm">Elisha with salt heals the unwholesome waters</a> 23. <a href="/2_kings/2-23.htm">Bears destroy the children that mocked Elisha</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>and Elijah said to Elisha, Elijah, a prominent prophet in Israel, is nearing the end of his earthly ministry. Elisha, his devoted disciple, has been chosen by God to succeed him. This relationship mirrors the mentor-disciple dynamic seen throughout Scripture, such as Moses and Joshua or Paul and Timothy.“Please stay here, Elijah's request for Elisha to stay behind may test Elisha's commitment and loyalty. It reflects the biblical theme of testing faithfulness, similar to Jesus asking Peter if he loves Him three times (<a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-17</a>).for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” Bethel, meaning "House of God," is a significant location in Israel's history. It was a center of worship and the site where Jacob had his vision of the ladder (<a href="/genesis/28-10.htm">Genesis 28:10-19</a>). Elijah's journey to Bethel signifies a continuation of God's work and presence in Israel.But Elisha replied, Elisha's response demonstrates his determination and dedication to his calling. His unwavering commitment is reminiscent of Ruth's loyalty to Naomi (<a href="/ruth/1-16.htm">Ruth 1:16-17</a>).“As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, This oath underscores the seriousness of Elisha's commitment. The phrase "as the LORD lives" is a common biblical expression affirming the truth and certainty of one's words (<a href="/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39</a>).I will not leave you.” Elisha's refusal to leave Elijah highlights the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in ministry. It foreshadows the disciples' commitment to Jesus, even unto death (<a href="/matthew/26-35.htm">Matthew 26:35</a>).So they went down to Bethel. The journey to Bethel signifies obedience to God's direction. The phrase "went down" may indicate a descent in elevation, as Bethel is situated in the hill country of Ephraim. This physical journey parallels the spiritual journey of following God's call, regardless of the challenges.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/elijah.htm">Elijah</a> A major prophet in Israel, known for his powerful ministry and miracles. He is nearing the end of his earthly journey and is about to be taken up to heaven. 2. <a href="/topical/e/elisha.htm">Elisha</a> A devoted disciple and successor of Elijah, who is determined to follow his mentor until the very end. 3. <a href="/topical/b/bethel.htm">Bethel</a> A significant location in Israel's history, often associated with worship and revelation. It is one of the places Elijah visits before his departure. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who directs the movements of His prophets. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_journey.htm">The Journey</a> The event of Elijah's final journey, which includes several stops, each with spiritual significance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_godly_leadership.htm">Commitment to Godly Leadership</a> Elisha's refusal to leave Elijah demonstrates the importance of commitment to godly mentorship and leadership. In our spiritual journey, we should seek and remain faithful to those who guide us in truth. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_perseverance.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Perseverance</a> Elisha's determination to follow Elijah to the end teaches us about perseverance in our spiritual walk. We must remain steadfast in our faith, even when the journey is challenging. <a href="/topical/r/recognizing_divine_appointments.htm">Recognizing Divine Appointments</a> Elijah's journey to Bethel, directed by the LORD, reminds us to be attentive to God's leading in our lives. We should seek to understand and follow His divine appointments. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faithful_companionship.htm">The Role of Faithful Companionship</a> Elisha's loyalty to Elijah highlights the value of faithful companionship in our spiritual lives. We are called to support and encourage one another in our walk with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 2</a> <a href="/q/how_did_elisha_blind_and_unblind_foes.htm">2 Kings 6:18-20: How could Elisha strike an entire enemy force with blindness and then restore their sight?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_elisha_predict_recovery,_then_death.htm">In 2 Kings 8:7-15, why does Elisha first tell Hazael the king will recover but then predict his death--does this not seem contradictory?</a> <a href="/q/did_anyone_besides_jesus_ascend.htm">Apart from Jesus did anyone else ascend to heaven? No (John 3:13) Yes. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven (2 Kings 2:11)</a> <a href="/q/what_do_elijah_and_elisha_teach.htm">What lessons do Elijah and Elisha teach us?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Said.--Not spake, as throughout the account in <a href="/context/2_kings/1-2.htm" title="And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said to them, Go, inquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.">2Kings 1:2-16</a>; a mark of different origin.Tarry here, I pray thee.--This was said, not to test Elisha's affection, nor from a motive of humility, that Elisha might not witness his glorious ascension, but because Elijah was uncertain whether it was God's will that Elisha should go with him. (Comp. <a href="/2_kings/2-10.htm" title="And he said, You have asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so to you; but if not, it shall not be so.">2Kings 2:10</a>.) Elisha's threefold refusal to leave him settled the doubt. (Comp. <a href="/john/21-15.htm" title="So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, love you me more than these? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Feed my lambs.">John 21:15</a>, seq.)The Lord hath sent me to Beth-el.--Why? Not merely to "see once more this holiest place in Israel, the spiritual centre of the kingdom of the ten tribes" (Ewald), but to visit the prophetic schools, or guilds, established there, and at Gilgal and Jericho, and to confirm their fidelity to Jehovah. Gilgal and Beth-el, as ancient Canaanite sanctuaries, were centres of illegal worship of the God of Israel. The guilds of the prophets may have been intended to counteract this evil influence at its head-quarters (Bahr).As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth.--<a href="/2_kings/4-30.htm" title="And the mother of the child said, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. And he arose, and followed her.">2Kings 4:30</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/20-3.htm" title="And David swore moreover, and said, Your father certainly knows that I have found grace in your eyes; and he said, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.">1Samuel 20:3</a>. A more solemn and emphatic oath than "As the Lord liveth" (<a href="/judges/8-19.htm" title="And he said, They were my brothers, even the sons of my mother: as the LORD lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not slay you.">Judges 8:19</a>), or "As thy soul liveth" (<a href="/1_samuel/1-26.htm" title="And she said, Oh my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman that stood by you here, praying to the LORD.">1Samuel 1:26</a>). Literally, By the life of Jehovah and by the life of thy soul (i.e., of thyself, thine own life). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me. Elijah makes three efforts to rid himself of the presence of his faithful attendant (see vers. 4 and 6), either really desirous to pass in solitude the few remaining hours of his earthly life, for he knows that his end is approaching (vers. 9, 10), or for the purpose of testing his fidelity and affection. Under ordinary circumstances, the servant would naturally have obeyed his lord, and submitted to a temporary separation; but Elisha has a presentiment, or something stronger than a presentiment, of what is impending (vers. 3, 5), and will not be induced to accelerate by a single moment the time of the last parting. He will remain with his master, ready to do him all needful service, until the end. To Bethel. Bethel was the spiritual center of the kingdom of the ten tribes. There may have been many reasons why Elijah should visit it once more before he quitted the earth. He may have had directions to leave, consolation to give, words of warning to speak. We must not suppose that the narrative before us is complete. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth. These were ordinary forms of earnest asseveration with the Israelites, generally used separately (<a href="/judges/8-19.htm">Judges 8:19</a>; <a href="/ruth/3-13.htm">Ruth 3:13</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/1-26.htm">1 Samuel 1:26</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">1 Samuel 17:55</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/19-6.htm">1 Samuel 19:6</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/20-21.htm">1 Samuel 20:21</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/4-9.htm">2 Samuel 4:9</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/11-11.htm">2 Samuel 11:11</a>, etc.); but on occasions of special solemnity united, as here and in <a href="/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26</a>; <a href="/2_kings/4-30.htm">2 Kings 4:30</a>). The prophet is not to be blamed for using them, since the command, "Swear not at all," had not yet been given. I will not leave thee. The resolve indicates strong attachment, deep fidelity, combined, perhaps, with a reasonable curiosity to see how the end would be brought about. So they went down to Bethel. The expression, "went down," shows that the Gilgal of ver. 1 is not that of the Jordan valley, but the mountain-city between Sichem and Bethel. <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/2-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>and Elijah אֵלִיָּ֨הוּ (’ê·lî·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_452.htm">Strong's 452: </a> Elijah -- 'Yah is God', a well-known prophet of Israel, also three other Israelites said וַיֹּאמֶר֩ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Elisha, אֱלִישָׁ֜ע (’ĕ·lî·šā‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_477.htm">Strong's 477: </a> Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet “Please נָ֣א (nā) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> I pray', 'now', 'then' stay שֵֽׁב־ (šêḇ-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry here, פֹ֗ה (p̄ōh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6311.htm">Strong's 6311: </a> This place, here for כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel has sent me שְׁלָחַ֣נִי (šə·lā·ḥa·nî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out on to עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while Bethel.” אֵ֔ל (’êl) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1008.htm">Strong's 1008: </a> Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah But Elisha אֱלִישָׁ֔ע (’ĕ·lî·šā‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_477.htm">Strong's 477: </a> Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet replied, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “As surely as the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel lives חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life and as you yourself נַפְשְׁךָ֖ (nap̄·šə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion live, וְחֵֽי־ (wə·ḥê-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life I will not אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not leave you.” אֶעֶזְבֶ֑ךָּ (’e·‘ez·ḇe·kā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> To loosen, relinquish, permit So they went down וַיֵּרְד֖וּ (way·yê·rə·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend to בֵּֽית־ (bêṯ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_0.htm">Strong's 0: </a> 0 Bethel. אֵֽל׃ (’êl) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1008.htm">Strong's 1008: </a> Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 2:2 Elijah said to Elisha Please wait here (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 2:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 2:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/2-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 2:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 2:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>