2 Kings 2:17

2 Kings 2:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment, he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find Elijah.

King James Version KJV

And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.

American Standard Version ASV

And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But when they kept on requesting him, he was shamed and said, Send, then. So they sent fifty men; but after searching for three days, they came back without having seen him.

Free Bible Version FBV

But they went on trying to persuade him until he was too embarrassed to say no. “Go ahead and send them,” he told them. So they sent fifty men, who searched for Elijah for three days but couldn't find him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Yet they were instant vpon him, til he was ashamed: wherefore he saide, Sende. So they sent fiftie men, which sought three dayes, but founde him not.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And they press upon him, till he is ashamed, and he saith, 'Send ye;' and they send fifty men, and they seek three days, and have not found him;

World English Bible WEB

When they urged him until he was ashamed, he said, “Send them.” Therefore they sent fifty men; and they searched for three days, but didn’t find him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But they pressed him, till he consented, and said: Send. And they sent fifty men: and they sought three days but found him not.

Translation for Translators T4T

But they kept insisting. Finally he was tired of saying “No,” and he said, “Okay, send them.” So 50 men searched for three days, but they did not find Elijah.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 2:17

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 2:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּפְצְרוּ ב֥/וֹ עַד בֹּ֖שׁ וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁלָ֑חוּ וַֽ/יִּשְׁלְחוּ֙ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים אִ֔ישׁ וַ/יְבַקְשׁ֥וּ שְׁלֹשָֽׁה יָמִ֖ים וְ/לֹ֥א מְצָאֻֽ/הוּ

וַ/יִּפְצְרוּ pâtsar H6484 to press Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

ב֥/וֹ Prep | Suff

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

בֹּ֖שׁ bûwsh H954 be ashamed V-Qal-Inf-a

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שְׁלָ֑חוּ shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Impv-2mp

וַֽ/יִּשְׁלְחוּ֙ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים chămishshîym H2572 fifty Adj

אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

וַ/יְבַקְשׁ֥וּ bâqash H1245 to seek Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

שְׁלֹשָֽׁה shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

יָמִ֖ים yôwm H3117 day N-mp

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

מְצָאֻֽ/הוּ mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 2:17

וַ/יִּפְצְרוּ pâtsar H6484 "to press" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This verb means to press or push, and can also imply being stubborn or arrogant. It is used in different contexts, such as pushing or pressing something, or displaying insolence. The KJV translates it as press, urge, or stubbornness.

Definition: 1) to press, push 1a) (Qal) to push, press 1b) (Hiphil) be insolent, display pushing (arrogance, presumption)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: press, urge, stubbornness. See also: Genesis 19:3; Judges 19:7; 2 Kings 5:16.

ב֥/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

בֹּ֖שׁ bûwsh H954 "be ashamed" V-Qal-Inf-a

To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.

Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another

Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

שְׁלָ֑חוּ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

וַֽ/יִּשְׁלְחוּ֙ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים chămishshîym H2572 "fifty" Adj

This Hebrew word simply means the number fifty, used in various biblical contexts like measurements and quantities. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers.

Definition: 1) fifty 1a) fifty (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of fifty (with other numbers) 1c) fiftieth (ordinal number)

Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: fifty. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:2; Isaiah 3:3.

אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

וַ/יְבַקְשׁ֥וּ bâqash H1245 "to seek" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

שְׁלֹשָֽׁה shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

יָמִ֖ים yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

מְצָאֻֽ/הוּ mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 2:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Kings 2:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 2:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 2:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:17
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:17
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:17
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 2:17
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 2:17
Sermons on 2 Kings 2:17

Context — Elisha Succeeds Elijah

15When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him. 16“Look now,” they said to Elisha, “we your servants have fifty valiant men. Please let them go and search for your master. Perhaps the Spirit of the LORD has taken him up and put him on one of the mountains or in one of the valleys.” “Do not send them,” Elisha replied.

17But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment, he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find Elijah.

18When they returned to Elisha, who was staying in Jericho, he said to them, “Didn’t I tell you not to go?” 19Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please note, our lord, that the city’s location is good, as you can see. But the water is bad and the land is unfruitful.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Kings 8:11	Elisha fixed his gaze steadily on him until Hazael became uncomfortable. Then the man of God began to weep.
2	Hebrews 11:5	By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
3	Romans 10:2	For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.
4	Luke 11:8	I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
5	2 Samuel 18:22–23	Ahimaaz son of Zadok, however, persisted and said to Joab, “Regardless of whatever may happen, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” “My son,” Joab replied, “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?” “No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.

2 Kings 2:17 Summary

[This verse shows that Elisha knew Elijah was gone, taken up by God, and that searching for him would not work. Elisha only agreed to send the search party because the people kept asking, as seen in 2 Kings 2:17. We can learn from Elisha's trust in God's plan and his willingness to accept the unknown, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence, even in uncertain times, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Elisha initially refuse to send the fifty men to search for Elijah?

Elisha knew that Elijah had been taken up by God, as seen in 2 Kings 2:11-12, and he understood that searching for him would be futile, as confirmed in 2 Kings 2:17.

What can we learn from Elisha's initial reluctance to send the search party?

We can see that Elisha was trying to avoid unnecessary trouble and was confident in the Lord's sovereignty, much like the trust exhibited by the prophet in Isaiah 50:10.

How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God's plan?

This verse demonstrates that true faith and trust in God's plan can sometimes mean accepting the unknown and not insisting on our own way, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.

What does the fact that the fifty men did not find Elijah reveal about God's power and control?

The fact that the fifty men did not find Elijah highlights God's power and control over all things, including the lives of His servants, as stated in Psalm 115:3 and Isaiah 46:10.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am struggling to trust God's plan, and how can I apply the lessons from this verse to those situations?
In what ways can I demonstrate my faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or unclear?
How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse, impact my daily decisions and priorities?
What can I learn from Elisha's example about balancing faith and practical action in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 2:17

And when they urged him until he was ashamed,.... To deny them any longer, being so very pressing and importunate: he said, send; lest they should think he had not the respect for his master he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 2:17

And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:17

Till he was ashamed, i.e. to wit, to deny them any longer, lest they should think his denial proceeded from a neglect of his master, or a contempt of the sons of the prophets, or a secret content he took in his master’ s loss, that he might have his honour and power. Or, till they were ashamed, because he did so oft and so obstinately deny their request.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:17

2 Kings 2:17 And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.Ver. 17. He said, Send.] Since you have such a mind to it; though you are sure to lose your labour, But found him not.] Tired with three days’ search, they turn back as wise as they went. Some men are best satisfied when they have wearied themselves in their own ways. Nothing will teach them wit but disappointments.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:17

(17) Urged him.—Genesis 33:11. Till he was ashamed.—Literally, unto being ashamed. The pronoun is not expressed in the Hebrew. “They pressed upon him, ‘ad bôsh,” means “until he was embarrassed, disconcerted, put out of countenance.” (Comp. 2 Kings 8:11; Judges 3:25.) Thenius prefers “they carried their importunity to a shameless length;” Keil and Bähr, “until he was disappointed in the hope of dissuading them.” (Comp. Psalms 22:5.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:17

Verse 17. Till he was ashamed] He saw they would not be satisfied unless they made the proposed search; he felt therefore that he could not, with any good grace, resist their importunity any longer.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 2:17

17. till he was ashamed] i.e. to refuse longer so urgent, though as he knew resultless, a petition. There is no pronoun expressed in the original. Hence some have thought the expression meant ‘to a shameful extent’ and was to be applied to the undue persistence of the petitioners. But the same phrase occurs in Judges 3:25 of Eglon’s servants who waited till they were ashamed to wait longer. Here it implies that Elisha was at a loss how to refuse them any longer. His narrative was unprecedented in its character, and if they refused to be persuaded by that, he had no more that he could do.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 2:17

Till he was ashamed - i. e. to refuse them any longer.

Sermons on 2 Kings 2:17

	Sermon	Description
	Our Daily Homily - 2 Kings by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the call to live as true 'men of God,' reflecting God's holiness and grace in our lives, as exemplified by Elijah and Elisha. He urges believers to be filled
	And the Man of God Wept. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer reflects on the profound compassion of Elisha, who wept for the impending suffering that Hazael would bring upon Israel. Despite his strength and ability to influence ki
	God Is a Rewarder by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking with God and giving Him our whole heart. He challenges the audience to examine their lives and see if they truly l
	(Genesis) Genesis 6:8-12 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of man's promise of a Redeemer and the need for humanity to look for a Savior. The story of Cain and Abel is used as an exampl
	(Genesis #7) Enoch Walked With God by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transformative power of walking with God. He uses the example of Zacchaeus, who was changed after spending just an hour with Jesus. The p
	Christ in Genesis: Enoch's Heaven by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the end times and the imminent judgment that will come upon the earth. He emphasizes the need for believers to live differentl
	(Through the Bible) Hebrews 11 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses how God often leads us one step at a time, which can be challenging for us. He uses the examples of Abraham and Philip to illustrate this poin