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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Kings 2:10 "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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/2-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/12_2Ki_02_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 2:10 - Elijah Taken to Heaven" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You have requested a difficult thing, said Elijah. 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But if not, then you won’t.” <a href="/esv/2_kings/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” <a href="/bsb/2_kings/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “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="/kjv/2_kings/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/2.htm">New King James Version</a> So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” <a href="/nasb/2_kings/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> He said, &#8220You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” <a href="/lsb/2_kings/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” <a href="/amp/2_kings/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He said, “You have asked for a difficult thing. However, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” <a href="/csb/2_kings/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Elijah replied, “You have asked for something difficult. If you see me being taken from you, you will have it. If not, you won’t.” <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Elijah replied, &#8220You have asked for something difficult. If you see me being taken from you, you will have it. If not, you won&#8217t.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_kings/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. <a href="/cev/2_kings/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "It won't be easy," Elijah answered. "It can happen only if you see me as I am being taken away." <a href="/erv/2_kings/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Elijah said, "You have asked for something difficult. If you see me taken from you, it will be yours. Otherwise, it will not." <a href="/gnt/2_kings/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> "That is a difficult request to grant," Elijah replied. "But you will receive it if you see me as I am being taken away from you; if you don't see me, you won't receive it." <a href="/isv/2_kings/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> "That's a hard thing to ask for," Elijah answered, "but if you see me while I'm being taken from you, it will happen for you. But if you don't see me, it won't happen." <a href="/msb/2_kings/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?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="/net/2_kings/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Elijah replied, "That's a difficult request! If you see me taken from you, may it be so, but if you don't, it will not happen." <a href="/nheb/2_kings/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He said, "You have asked a hard thing. If you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so." <a href="/wbt/2_kings/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou shalt see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so to thee; but if not, it shall not be so. <a href="/web/2_kings/2.htm">World English Bible</a> He said, “You have asked a hard thing. If you see me when I am taken from you, it will be so for you; but if not, it will not be so.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he says, “You have asked a hard thing; if you see me taken from you, it is to you so; and if not, it is not.” <a href="/ylt/2_kings/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he saith, 'Thou hast asked a hard thing; if thou dost see me taken from thee, it is to thee so; and if not, it is not.' <a href="/slt/2_kings/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will say, Thou wert hard to ask: if thou shalt see me taken from thee, it shall be thus to thee; and if not, it shall not be.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he answered: Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless if thou see me when I am taken from thee, thou shalt have what thou hast asked: but if thou see me not, thou shalt not have it. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he responded: “You have requested a difficult thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, you will have what you requested. But if you do not see, it shall not be.” <a href="/nabre/2_kings/2.htm">New American Bible</a> He replied, “You have asked something that is not easy. Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he said, You have asked too much; 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. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he said: “You have multiplied the request. If you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so to you, and if not, it shall not be.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he said: 'Thou hast asked a hard thing; nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.' <a href="/sep/2_kings/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Eliu said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: if thou shalt see me when I am taken up from thee, then shall it be so to thee; and if not, it shall not be so. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/2-10.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=386" 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> …9After 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. 10<a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: liš·’ō·wl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">“You have requested</a> <a href="/hebrew/7185.htm" title="7185: hiq·šî·ṯā (V-Hifil-Perf-2ms) -- To be hard, severe or fierce. A primitive root; properly, to be dense, i.e. Tough or severe.">a difficult thing,”</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 Elijah.</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“Nevertheless, if</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: tir·’eh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">you see</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯî (DirObjM:: 1cs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: luq·qāḥ (V-QalPass-Prtcpl-ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">as I am taken</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: mê·’it·tāḵ (Prep-m:: DirObjM:: 2ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">from you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yə·hî- (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">it will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">yours.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">But if</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’a·yin (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">not,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">then it will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">be so.”</a> 11As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.…<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="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” <a href="/john/14-12.htm">John 14:12-14</a> Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. / And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it. <a href="/matthew/17-20.htm">Matthew 17:20</a> “Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” <a href="/luke/24-49.htm">Luke 24:49</a> And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” <a href="/john/16-23.htm">John 16:23-24</a> In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. / Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. <a href="/mark/11-22.htm">Mark 11:22-24</a> “Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. / “Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. / Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. <a href="/acts/8-18.htm">Acts 8:18-19</a> When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. / “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">1 Corinthians 12:31</a> But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. <a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a> Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. <a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a> Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ... <a href="/numbers/11-17.htm">Numbers 11:17</a> And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself. <a href="/deuteronomy/34-9.htm">Deuteronomy 34:9</a> Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. <a href="/1_samuel/10-6.htm">1 Samuel 10:6</a> Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person. <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/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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.Thou hast<a href="/mark/11-22.htm">Mark 11:22-24</a> And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God… <a href="/john/16-24.htm">John 16:24</a> Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.<a href="/2_kings/2-12.htm">2 Kings 2:12</a> And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.<a href="/acts/1-9.htm">Acts 1:9,10</a> And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/21-6.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">Difficult</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-9.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-1.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-43.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-21.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-13.htm">Request</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-32.htm">Thee</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/4-28.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/psalms/131-1.htm">Difficult</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-11.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-2.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-3.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-4.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-28.htm">Request</a> <a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Thee</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>“You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. Elijah's response to Elisha's request for a double portion of his spirit acknowledges the gravity of the request. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, a "double portion" was typically the inheritance of the firstborn son, symbolizing a significant blessing and responsibility. Elisha's request is not just for power but for the spiritual authority and responsibility that comes with it. Elijah's acknowledgment of the difficulty suggests that such spiritual empowerment is not easily granted and requires divine approval. This phrase also highlights the prophetic office's challenges and the weight of spiritual leadership.“Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours.” Elijah sets a condition for Elisha's request, emphasizing the importance of witnessing his departure. This condition underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the necessity of being spiritually perceptive to receive God's blessings. The phrase "as I am taken from you" refers to Elijah's impending ascension to heaven, a unique event that prefigures the ascension of Jesus Christ (<a href="/acts/1-9.htm">Acts 1:9</a>). The requirement for Elisha to see Elijah's departure suggests the need for spiritual insight and readiness to receive God's gifts. It also implies that witnessing such a miraculous event would confirm Elisha's role as Elijah's successor.“But if not, then it will not be so.” Elijah's statement introduces the possibility of Elisha not receiving the double portion, highlighting the conditional nature of spiritual gifts. This reflects the biblical principle that God's gifts and callings are not automatic but require faithfulness and alignment with His will. The phrase serves as a reminder of human limitations and the need for divine intervention in fulfilling God's purposes. It also parallels the conditional promises found throughout Scripture, where obedience and faith are prerequisites for receiving God's blessings (Deuteronomy 28). This conditionality emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance and readiness to receive God's calling.<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 miracles and his role in turning the hearts of the people back to God. He is about to be taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. 2. <a href="/topical/e/elisha.htm">Elisha</a> A devoted disciple of Elijah, who has asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. He is being tested in his faith and commitment. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a> The location where Elijah and Elisha cross before Elijah is taken up. It symbolizes a place of transition and divine encounter. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_chariot_of_fire.htm">The Chariot of Fire</a> Represents God's divine intervention and the supernatural means by which Elijah is taken to heaven. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_mantle.htm">The Mantle</a> A symbol of prophetic authority and the transfer of leadership from Elijah to Elisha.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Elisha's request for a double portion signifies his understanding of the weight and responsibility of prophetic ministry. True discipleship requires commitment and readiness to bear the cost. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_vision.htm">Faith and Vision</a> Elijah's response to Elisha's request underscores the importance of spiritual vision. Seeing Elijah taken up was a test of Elisha's faith and spiritual perception. <a href="/topical/d/divine_empowerment.htm">Divine Empowerment</a> The "double portion" reflects the need for divine empowerment to fulfill God's calling. Believers today are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit's power for effective ministry. <a href="/topical/t/transition_and_continuity.htm">Transition and Continuity</a> Elijah's departure and Elisha's succession illustrate God's ongoing work through different generations. God raises new leaders to continue His mission. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> The event highlights God's control over life and ministry. He determines the timing and means of His servants' transitions.<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/what_is_elisha's_double_spirit.htm">What is Elisha's double portion of Elijah's spirit?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_fearing_god_mean.htm">Where did the taken one go?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_record_of_elijah's_whirlwind.htm">2 Kings 2:11 - Why is there no historical or archeological record of Elijah being taken up by a whirlwind?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_ezekiel_10_2_vision.htm">In Ezekiel 10:2, does any historical or archaeological record validate the vision of coals scattering over the city?</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>(10) Thou hast asked a hard thing.--Because to grant such a petition was not in Elijah's own power, but in God's only. And therefore in the next words the prophet connects the fulfilment of his follower's wish with a condition depending entirely upon the Divine will: "If thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee (Keil)." 'If the Lord think thee worthy to witness my departure, thou wilt be worthy to win thy boon.' Elijah thus disclaims power to fulfil the request. At the same time, it is implied that his departure will be something exalted above the perception of ordinary men" (Thenius).When I am taken.--Literally, taken (participle pu'al, shortened form, as in <a href="/exodus/3-2.htm" title="And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the middle of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.">Exodus 3:2</a>; <a href="/isaiah/18-2.htm" title="That sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes on the waters, saying, Go, you swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning till now; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!">Isaiah 18:2</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 10. - And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing; literally, thou hast been hard in asking (ἐσκλήρυνας τοῦ αἰτήσασθαι, LXX.). Perhaps the "hardness" of the request was in the thing asked, not in the quantity of the thing. Had Elisha asked for anything that Elijah had it directly in his power to give, as for his mantle, or his blessing, or his prayers in the other world, to grant the request would have been easy. But he had asked for something that was not Elijah's to give, but only God's. Elijah could not bequeath his spirit, as a man bequeaths his property; he could only pray God that Elisha's pious request might be granted. Nevertheless, if thou see ms when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. Our translators have thought to clear the sense by inserting "nevertheless" and "when I am." But the inserted words would be better away. As Elijah cannot either grant or refuse a request for a spiritual gift, which it is not in his power to Bestow, he is divinely instructed to give Elisha a sign, by which he shall know whether God grants his prayer or not. The sign of acceptance is to be his actually seeing his master's translation. Probably the chariot and horses were not visible to the natural human eye, any more than the angelic hosts were who compassed Elisha himself about at Dothan (<a href="/2_kings/6-17.htm">2 Kings 6:17</a>). <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/2-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“You have requested לִשְׁא֑וֹל (liš·’ō·wl) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> To inquire, to request, to demand a difficult thing,” הִקְשִׁ֣יתָ (hiq·šî·ṯā) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7185.htm">Strong's 7185: </a> To be hard, severe or fierce said Elijah. וַיֹּ֖אמֶר (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 “[Nevertheless,] if אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you see תִּרְאֶ֨ה (tir·’eh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see me אֹתִ֜י (’ō·ṯî) Direct object marker | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case as I am taken לֻקָּ֤ח (luq·qāḥ) Verb - QalPass - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take from you, מֵֽאִתָּךְ֙ (mê·’it·tāḵ) Preposition-m | Direct object marker | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case it will be יְהִֽי־ (yə·hî-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be yours. לְךָ֣ (lə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> But if וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not not, אַ֖יִן (’a·yin) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle then it will not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no be [so].” יִהְיֶֽה׃ (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/2-10.htm">2 Kings 2:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/2-10.htm">2 Kings 2:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/2-10.htm">2 Kings 2:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/2-10.htm">2 Kings 2:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/2-10.htm">2 Kings 2:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/2-10.htm">2 Kings 2:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/2-10.htm">2 Kings 2:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/2-10.htm">2 Kings 2:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/2-10.htm">2 Kings 2:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/2-10.htm">2 Kings 2:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-10.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 2:10 He said You have asked a hard (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/2-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 2:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 2:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/2-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 2:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 2:11" /></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>