2 Kings 2:20
2 Kings 2:20 in Multiple Translations
“Bring me a new bowl,” he replied, “and put some salt in it.” So they brought it to him,
And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.
And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.
So he said, Get me a new vessel, and put salt in it; and they took it to him.
“Bring me a brand new bowl and put some salt in it,” he replied. So they brought it to him.
Then he saide, Bring me a newe cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.
And he saith, 'Bring to me a new dish, and place there salt;' and they bring [it] unto him,
He said, “Bring me a new jar, and put salt in it.” Then they brought it to him.
And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.
And he said: Bring me a new vessel, and put salt into it. And when they had brought it,
Elisha said to them, “Put some salt in a new bowl and bring the bowl to me.” So they brought it to him.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 2:20
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 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
קְחוּ
לִ/י֙
צְלֹחִ֣ית
חֲדָשָׁ֔ה
וְ/שִׂ֥ימוּ
שָׁ֖ם
מֶ֑לַח
וַ/יִּקְח֖וּ
אֵלָֽי/ו
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
קְחוּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
צְלֹחִ֣ית
tsᵉlôchîyth
H6746
jar
N-fs
חֲדָשָׁ֔ה
châdâsh
H2319
new
Adj
וְ/שִׂ֥ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
מֶ֑לַח
melach
H4417
salt
N-ms
וַ/יִּקְח֖וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלָֽי/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 2:20
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
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.
קְחוּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
צְלֹחִ֣ית
tsᵉlôchîyth
H6746
"jar"
N-fs
A jar or bowl, similar to the ones used to store oil and spices in the biblical era. This word describes a tall, prolonged container. It is translated as cruse in the KJV.
Definition: jar, bowl
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cruse. See also: 2 Kings 2:20.
חֲדָשָׁ֔ה
châdâsh
H2319
"new"
Adj
The Hebrew word for new or fresh, used to describe something recently created or renewed, as seen in God's creation of a new heaven and earth. It emphasizes the idea of something being recent or modern.
Definition: new, new thing, fresh Aramaic equivalent: cha.dat (חֲדַ֑ת "new" H2323)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: fresh, new thing. See also: Exodus 1:8; Psalms 40:4; Psalms 33:3.
וְ/שִׂ֥ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
מֶ֑לַח
melach
H4417
"salt"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers specifically to salt that is easily pulverized and dissolved, often used to season food. It is also associated with salt pits, where salt was harvested. The word highlights the importance of salt in ancient Israelite life.
Definition: salt
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: salt(-pit). See also: Genesis 14:3; Judges 9:45; Psalms 60:2.
וַ/יִּקְח֖וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֵלָֽי/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 2:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 2:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 2:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 2:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:20
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 2:20
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 2:20
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:20
- Sermons on 2 Kings 2:20
Context — Elisha Heals the Waters of Jericho
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.”
20“Bring me a new bowl,” he replied, “and put some salt in it.” So they brought it to him,
21and Elisha went out to the spring, cast the salt into it, and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness. ’” 22And the waters there have been healthy to this day, according to the word spoken by Elisha.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 9:45 | And all that day Abimelech fought against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he demolished the city and sowed it with salt. |
| 2 | Zephaniah 2:9 | Therefore, as surely as I live,” declares the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, “surely Moab will be like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah— a place of weeds and salt pits, a perpetual wasteland. The remnant of My people will plunder them; the remainder of My nation will dispossess them.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 47:11 | But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. |
2 Kings 2:20 Summary
In 2 Kings 2:20, Elisha asks for a new bowl and salt, which represents his desire for purity and newness in his approach to God. This event shows us that God is powerful and able to transform and restore us, just like He healed the bad water in Jericho. As seen in Matthew 5:13, salt is often used to symbolize the purifying power of God, and Elisha's use of it here demonstrates his faith in that power. By seeking God's presence and power, we can trust in His ability to restore and revive us, just as He did for the city of Jericho, and as promised in Exodus 15:25 and Ezekiel 36:26.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Elisha asking for a new bowl and salt in 2 Kings 2:20?
Elisha's request for a new bowl and salt symbolizes the need for purity and newness in our approach to God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17, and the salt may represent the purifying power of God, as mentioned in Matthew 5:13.
Why did Elisha use salt to heal the water in 2 Kings 2:20-21?
The use of salt in this context may represent the transformative power of God's presence, as salt was often used to purify and preserve, and Elisha's action is a demonstration of his faith in God's power to heal and restore, as seen in Exodus 15:25.
Is there any spiritual significance to the city's water being bad and the land being unfruitful in 2 Kings 2:19-20?
The bad water and unfruitful land may symbolize the spiritual barrenness and corruption that can occur when we turn away from God, as seen in Jeremiah 2:13, and Elisha's healing of the water represents God's power to restore and revive His people, as promised in Ezekiel 36:26.
How does this event relate to our lives as Christians today?
This event reminds us of the importance of seeking God's power and presence in our lives, just as Elisha did, and trusting in His ability to transform and restore us, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Philippians 4:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'bad waters' in my life that need God's healing touch, and how can I seek His presence and power to restore them?
- In what ways can I, like Elisha, demonstrate my faith in God's power to transform and restore, and what 'salt' can I use to bring healing to those around me?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking newness and purity, as seen in Elisha's request for a new bowl, to my own walk with God, and what areas of my life need renewal?
- What are the 'unfruitful lands' in my life that need God's healing, and how can I trust in His power to revive and restore them, as seen in Ezekiel 36:26?
- How can I, like the men of the city, recognize the 'good location' of my life, but also acknowledge the areas that need God's healing and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 2:20
And he said, bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein,.... One that had never been used, that it might not be thought that the virtue was owing to anything that had been, or was, put into it: and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 2:20
And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him. Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:20
A new cruse; partly that there might be no ground of suspicion that the cure was wrought by any natural virtue of any thing which was or had been in the cruse before, but only by God’ s power; and partly that there might be no legal pollution in it which might offend God, and hinder his miraculous operation by it. Put salt therein; a most improper remedy; for salt naturally makes waters brackish, and lands barren. Hereby therefore he would show that this was effected solely by the Divine power, which could work either without means, or against them.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:20
2 Kings 2:20 And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought [it] to him.Ver. 20. And he said, Bring me, &c.] Jericho is now become a receptacle of prophets; it is reason that any place should fare the better for the presence of such. A new cruse,] Whereby it might appear that the miracle was not wrought by virtue of anything that had been in it before. And put salt therein.] Salt was more likely to make the waters brackish, than to sweeten them. Salsum in amarum was a strange way to heal. God oft worketh by contraries, that his power may the more appear.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:20
(20) A new cruse.—Vessel; either dish, bowl, or cup (ηĕ ?lτhξth); only here. (Comp. ηĕ ?lβhτth, 2 Chronicles 35:16 : and the Targum, (ηĕ ?lϋhξthβ.) A new one, because the holy purpose demanded an instrument uncontaminated by use. (Comp. Numbers 19:2; 2 Samuel 6:3.) Salt.—As an antiseptic, an appropriate sacramental medium of the Divine influence which was to expel the corruption of the spring.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 2:20
20. Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein] The purity and freshness of the vessel were to typify the purification wrought upon the spring. Salt too is significant of preservation and purity. We are not however to think of this as the means whereby the healing was wrought, but only as an outward sign to point to the work which was supernaturally performed. The old word ‘cruse’ = a cup, is akin to the more modern ‘cruet’ and ‘crucible’, and occurs before in the A.V. (1 Kings 14:3).
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 2:20
The “new cruse” and the “salt” are evidently chosen from a regard to symbolizm. The foul stream represents sin, and to cleanse it emblems of purity must he taken.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:20
20. A new cruse — Never used in any common or unholy service. Put salt therein — Elisha, in working this miracle, would seem to make use of means just as did Jesus when he put spittle on the blind man’s eyes.John 9:6; Mark 8:23.
Sermons on 2 Kings 2:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Skyland Conference 1979-05 Elisha by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Elisha, a man who lived a life that had a lasting impact even after his death. The preacher emphasizes the importance of living a |
|
Pride and Shame or Humility and Wisdom by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of walking in humility rather than pride to receive God's grace and wisdom. Those who walk in pride end up with shame, as seen in the wicked |