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And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they came to Jericho. <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. <a href="/nasb/2_kings/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Elijah said to him, &#8220Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.&#8221 But he said, &#8220As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.&#8221 So they came to Jericho. <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. <a href="/lsb/2_kings/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for Yahweh has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As Yahweh lives and as your soul lives, I will not forsake you.” So they came to Jericho. <a href="/amp/2_kings/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. <a href="/csb/2_kings/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; the LORD is sending me to Jericho.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Elijah said to him, &#8220Elisha, stay here; the LORD is sending me to Jericho.&#8221 But Elisha said, &#8220As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.&#8221 So they went to Jericho. <a href="/asv/2_kings/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for Jehovah hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. <a href="/cev/2_kings/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Elijah then said, "Elisha, now the LORD wants me to go to Jericho, 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 Jericho. <a href="/erv/2_kings/2.htm">English Revised Version</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="/gwt/2_kings/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Elijah said, "Elisha, please stay here because the LORD is sending me to Jericho." Elisha answered, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not abandon you." So they went to Jericho. <a href="/gnt/2_kings/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Elijah said to Elisha, "Now stay here; the LORD has ordered me to go to Jericho." 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 Jericho. <a href="/isv/2_kings/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Elijah also spoke to him, "Elisha, remain here on this side, please, because the LORD is sending me to Jericho." But Elisha responded, "As the LORD lives, and while you're still alive, I'm not going to leave you!" So they went to Jericho. <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 Jericho.? But Elisha replied, ?As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.? So they went to Jericho. <a href="/net/2_kings/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Elijah said to him, "Elisha, stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho." But he replied, "As certainly as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went to Jericho. <a href="/nheb/2_kings/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Elijah said to him, "Elisha, please wait here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho." He said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho. <a href="/wbt/2_kings/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Elijah said to 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="/web/2_kings/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please wait here, for Yahweh has sent me to Jericho.” He said, “As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Elijah says to him, “Elisha, please abide here, for YHWH has sent me to Jericho”; and he says, “YHWH lives, and your soul lives, if I leave you”; and they come to Jericho. <a href="/ylt/2_kings/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Elijah saith to him, 'Elisha, abide, I pray thee, here, for Jehovah hath sent me to Jericho;' and he saith, 'Jehovah liveth, and thy soul liveth, if I leave thee;' and they come in to Jericho. <a href="/slt/2_kings/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Elijah will say to him, Elisha, sit now here; for Jehovah sent me to Jericho. And he will say, Jehovah lives, and thy soul lives, if I shall forsake thee. And they will come to Jericho.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Elias said to Eliseus: Stay here because the Lord hath sent me to Jericho. And he said: As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And when they were come to Jericho, <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Elijah said to Elisha: “Remain here. For the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” And he said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not forsake you.” And when they had arrived at Jericho, <a href="/nabre/2_kings/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here, please. The LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” Elisha replied, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho.<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 Jericho. And he said. As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they came to Jericho. <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 Jeirikho!” And he said: “As LORD JEHOVAH is living and your soul is living, I shall not leave you!” And they went to Jeirikho.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</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="/sep/2_kings/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Eliu said to Elisaie, Stay here, I pray thee; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the Lord lives and thy soul lives, I will not leave thee. And they came to Jericho. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/2-4.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=301" 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> …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.” 4<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 to</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></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/3405.htm" title="3405: yə·rî·ḥōw (N-proper-fs) -- Or Yrechow; or variation Yriychoh; perhaps from yareach; its month; or else from ruwach; fragrant; Jericho or Jerecho, a place in Palestine.">on to Jericho.”</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.">But Elisha 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/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">So they went</a> <a href="/hebrew/3405.htm" title="3405: yə·rî·ḥōw (N-proper-fs) -- Or Yrechow; or variation Yriychoh; perhaps from yareach; its month; or else from ruwach; fragrant; Jericho or Jerecho, a place in Palestine.">to Jericho.</a> 5Then the sons of the prophets at Jericho came up 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="/1_kings/19-19.htm">1 Kings 19:19-21</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?” / 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="/2_kings/2-9.htm">2 Kings 2:9-10</a> After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” “Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. / “You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. “Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so.” <a href="/2_kings/3-11.htm">2 Kings 3:11</a> But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” <a href="/2_kings/4-29.htm">2 Kings 4:29-31</a> So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.” / And the mother of the boy said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her. / Gehazi went on ahead of them and laid the staff on the boy’s face, but there was no sound or response. So he went back to meet Elisha and told him, “The boy has not awakened.” <a href="/2_kings/6-3.htm">2 Kings 6:3</a> Then one of them said, “Please come with your servants.” “I will come,” he replied. <a href="/2_kings/13-14.htm">2 Kings 13:14</a> When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” <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/19-16.htm">1 Kings 19:16</a> You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet. <a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21</a> Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. <a href="/matthew/4-19.htm">Matthew 4:19-20</a> “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” / And at once they left their nets and followed Him. <a href="/matthew/8-19.htm">Matthew 8:19-22</a> And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher, 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.” / Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” ... <a href="/matthew/10-37.htm">Matthew 10:37-39</a> Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; / and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. / Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24-25</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. / For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. <a href="/mark/1-16.htm">Mark 1:16-20</a> As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. / “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” / And at once they left their nets and followed Him. ... <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.” ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Elijah said to him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray you; 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.Jericho<a href="/joshua/6-26.htm">Joshua 6:26</a> And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.<a href="/1_kings/16-34.htm">1 Kings 16:34</a> In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.<a href="/luke/19-1.htm">Luke 19:1</a> And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.As the Lord<a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2</a> 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.<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="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42</a> And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/17-9.htm">Abide</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.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="/1_kings/16-34.htm">Jericho</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">Parted</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">Tarry</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">Wait</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/2-6.htm">Abide</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-6.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-6.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-5.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-5.htm">Eli'sha</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-5.htm">Jericho</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-6.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-6.htm">Parted</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-6.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-6.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-6.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-6.htm">Tarry</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-6.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, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” Elijah, a prominent prophet in Israel, is nearing the end of his earthly ministry. His request for Elisha to stay behind is part of a series of tests to determine Elisha's commitment and readiness to succeed him. Jericho, a city with a rich biblical history, was the first city conquered by the Israelites under Joshua (Joshua 6). It symbolizes new beginnings and divine intervention. Elijah's journey to Jericho signifies a continuation of God's work and the passing of prophetic authority.But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” Elisha's response demonstrates his unwavering loyalty and determination to follow Elijah until the end. His oath, invoking the life of the LORD and Elijah, underscores the seriousness of his commitment. This mirrors Ruth's dedication to Naomi (<a href="/ruth/1-16.htm">Ruth 1:16-17</a>) and reflects the biblical principle of faithful discipleship. Elisha's insistence on staying with Elijah also foreshadows his desire to inherit a double portion of Elijah's spirit (<a href="/2_kings/2-9.htm">2 Kings 2:9</a>).So they went to Jericho. The journey to Jericho is significant as it marks a transition point in the narrative. Jericho, located near the Jordan River, serves as a backdrop for the miraculous events that follow, including Elijah's ascension and Elisha's confirmation as his successor. The city's historical and geographical context highlights the continuity of God's covenant promises and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. This journey also prefigures the ministry of Jesus, who, like Elisha, would perform miracles and fulfill the prophetic tradition.<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 of Elijah, who is determined to follow his mentor until the very end. He is being prepared to succeed Elijah as a prophet. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jericho.htm">Jericho</a> A significant city in biblical history, known for its walls that fell during Joshua's conquest. It represents a place of transition and new beginnings. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who directs the movements and missions of His prophets. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_journey.htm">The Journey</a> The journey from Gilgal to Bethel, then to Jericho, and finally to the Jordan River, symbolizes a spiritual pilgrimage and the passing of prophetic authority.<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 loyalty and commitment to godly mentors and leaders. In our spiritual journey, we should seek to learn from and support those who guide us in faith. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_transition.htm">Faithfulness in Transition</a> The journey to Jericho represents a time of transition. Like Elisha, we must remain faithful and attentive during periods of change, trusting in God's plan and timing. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_divine_direction.htm">The Role of Divine Direction</a> Elijah's movements are directed by the LORD, reminding us that our steps should be guided by God's will. We must be sensitive to His leading in our lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_presence.htm">The Power of Presence</a> Elisha's insistence on staying with Elijah highlights the power of presence. Being present with others in their times of need can be a profound ministry in itself.<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_does_2_kings_4_align_with_other_resurrections.htm">How does the resurrection of the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4:18-37) align with or contradict other biblical resurrection accounts?</a> <a href="/q/why_40,000_stalls_in_1_kings,_4,000_in_2_chron.htm">Why does 1 Kings 4:26 mention 40,000 stalls for Solomon's horses, while 2 Chronicles 9:25 records only 4,000?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_the_bronze_sea's_capacity_differ.htm">How do we reconcile the apparent capacity discrepancy of the bronze sea between 1 Kings 7:26 (2,000 baths) and 2 Chronicles 4:5 (3,000 baths)?</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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) And Elijah said.--The exact repetition of the language of <a href="/context/2_kings/2-2.htm" title="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.">2Kings 2:2-3</a> in this and the next two verses, appears to indicate that the narrative had originally been handed on by oral tradition, probably in the prophetic guilds at the local sanctuaries.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - And Elijah said unto him, Tarry here, I pray thee. The first trial of Elisha's fidelity is followed by a second. The master suggests his tarrying at Bethel, the sacred center, where he will have the company of the "sons of the prophets," and will not be companionless, as perhaps he would have been at Gilgal. He himself is ordered to take a second journey, longer and rougher than the first. For the Lord hath sent me to Jericho. Will it not be better that Elisha shall spare himself the long and rugged descent from the high-land of Ephraim to the deep gully of Jordan, and remain with the friends who have sought him out, while his master accomplishes the remainder of his journey alone? And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. Absolute unchangeableness of resolution is best shown by absolute un-changingness of speech. Elisha, therefore, simply repeats his previous words. And the master once more yields. So they came to Jericho. <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/2-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And Elijah אֵלִיָּ֜הוּ (’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 to 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 Elisha, אֱלִישָׁ֣ע ׀ (’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 Jericho.” יְרִיח֔וֹ (yə·rî·ḥōw) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3405.htm">Strong's 3405: </a> Jericho -- a city in the Jordan Valley captured by Joshua But Elisha replied, וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (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 וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to Jericho. יְרִיחֽוֹ׃ (yə·rî·ḥōw) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3405.htm">Strong's 3405: </a> Jericho -- a city in the Jordan Valley captured by Joshua <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/2-4.htm">2 Kings 2:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/2-4.htm">2 Kings 2:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/2-4.htm">2 Kings 2:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/2-4.htm">2 Kings 2:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/2-4.htm">2 Kings 2:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/2-4.htm">2 Kings 2:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/2-4.htm">2 Kings 2:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/2-4.htm">2 Kings 2:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/2-4.htm">2 Kings 2:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/2-4.htm">2 Kings 2:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-4.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 2:4 Elijah said to him Elisha please wait (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/2-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 2:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 2:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/2-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 2:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 2:5" /></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>