2 Kings 2:21
2 Kings 2:21 in Multiple Translations
and 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. ’”
And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.
And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast salt therein, and said, Thus saith Jehovah, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or miscarrying.
Then he went out to the spring from which the water came, and put salt in it, and said, The Lord says, Now I have made this water sweet; no longer will it be death-giving or unfertile.
Then Elisha went to the spring, threw the salt into it, and said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘I have purified this water. It won't cause death or miscarriages anymore.’”
And he went vnto the spring of the waters, and cast there the salt, and said, Thus saith the Lord, I haue healed this water: death shall no more come thereof, neither barennesse to the ground.
and he goeth out unto the source of the waters, and casteth there salt, and saith, 'Thus said Jehovah, I have given healing to these waters; there is not thence any more death and sterility.'
He went out to the spring of the waters, and threw salt into it, and said, “The LORD says, ‘I have healed these waters. There shall not be from there any more death or barren wasteland.’”
And he went forth to the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land .
He went out to the spring of the waters, and cast the salt into it, and said: Thus saith the Lord: I have healed these waters, and there shall be no more in them death or barrenness.
Then he went out to the spring from which the people in the town got water. He threw the salt into the spring. Then he said, “This is what Yahweh says: ‘I have made this water good/pure. No longer will anyone die, from having drunk this water, and now crops will be able to grow.’” [LIT]
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 2:21
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 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
אֶל
מוֹצָ֣א
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
וַ/יַּשְׁלֶךְ
שָׁ֖ם
מֶ֑לַח
וַ/יֹּ֜אמֶר
כֹּֽה
אָמַ֣ר
יְהוָ֗ה
רִפִּ֨אתִי֙
לַ/מַּ֣יִם
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
לֹֽא
יִהְיֶ֥ה
מִ/שָּׁ֛ם
ע֖וֹד
מָ֥וֶת
וּ/מְשַׁכָּֽלֶת
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מוֹצָ֣א
môwtsâʼ
H4161
exit
N-ms
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
וַ/יַּשְׁלֶךְ
shâlak
H7993
to throw
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
מֶ֑לַח
melach
H4417
salt
N-ms
וַ/יֹּ֜אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
רִפִּ֨אתִי֙
râphâʼ
H7495
to heal
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
לַ/מַּ֣יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מִ/שָּׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
מָ֥וֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
וּ/מְשַׁכָּֽלֶת
shâkôl
H7921
be bereaved
Conj | V-Piel
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 2:21
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
מוֹצָ֣א
môwtsâʼ
H4161
"exit"
N-ms
Exit refers to a way out or a place of departure, like a gate or a door. In 1 Samuel 17:52, it describes the Israelites' escape route from the Philistines. This term can also mean the rising of the sun or the source of a river.
Definition: 1) act or place of going out or forth, issue, export, source, spring 1a) a going forth 1a1) rising (sun), going forth of a command 1a2) goings forth, those going forth 1a3) way out, exit 1b) that which goes forth 1b1) utterance 1b2) export 1c) place of going forth 1c1) source or spring (of water) 1c2) place of departure 1c3) east (of sun) 1c4) mine (of silver)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: brought out, bud, that which came out, east, going forth, goings out, that which (thing that) is gone out, outgoing, proceeded out, spring, vein, (water-) course (springs). See also: Numbers 30:13; Psalms 75:7; Psalms 19:7.
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וַ/יַּשְׁלֶךְ
shâlak
H7993
"to throw"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
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/יֹּ֜אמֶר
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.
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
רִפִּ֨אתִי֙
râphâʼ
H7495
"to heal"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to heal or mend, often referring to God's power to cure physical or emotional hurts, as seen in Psalm 103:3.
Definition: 1) to heal, make healthful 1a) (Qal) to heal 1a1) of God 1a2) healer, physician (of men) 1a3) of hurts of nations involving restored favour (fig) 1a4) of individual distresses (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be healed 1b1) literal (of persons) 1b2) of water, pottery 1b3) of national hurts (fig) 1b4) of personal distress (fig) 1c) (Piel) to heal 1c1) literal 1c2) of national defects or hurts (fig) 1d) (Hithpael) in order to get healed (infinitive)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, [idiom] thoroughly, make whole. See H7503 (רָפָה). See also: Genesis 20:17; Psalms 107:20; Psalms 6:3.
לַ/מַּ֣יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מִ/שָּׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | 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.
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
מָ֥וֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
וּ/מְשַׁכָּֽלֶת
shâkôl
H7921
"be bereaved"
Conj | V-Piel
Barrenness refers to the inability to have children. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who has lost a child or is unable to conceive, like Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:5-6.
Definition: 1) to be bereaved, make childless, miscarry 1a) (Qal) to be bereaved 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make childless 1b2) to cause barrenness, show barrenness or abortion 1b3) to miscarry 1c) (Hiphil) miscarrying (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: bereave (of children), barren, cast calf (fruit, young), be (make) childless, deprive, destroy, [idiom] expect, lose children, miscarry, rob of children, spoil. See also: Genesis 27:45; Isaiah 49:21; Jeremiah 15:7.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 2:21
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Context — Elisha Heals the Waters of Jericho
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. 23From there, Elisha went up to Bethel, and as he was walking up the road, a group of boys came out of the city and jeered at him, chanting, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 15:25–26 | And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them, saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.” |
| 2 | 2 Kings 4:41 | Then Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He threw it into the pot and said, “Pour it out for the people to eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot. |
| 3 | Leviticus 2:13 | And you shall season each of your grain offerings with salt. You must not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offering; you are to add salt to each of your offerings. |
| 4 | Revelation 21:4 | ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” |
| 5 | 2 Kings 6:6 | “Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. And when he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. |
| 6 | Revelation 22:2–3 | down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him. |
| 7 | John 9:6 | When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes. |
| 8 | Mark 9:50 | Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” |
| 9 | Matthew 5:11 | Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 1:18–28 | For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, |
2 Kings 2:21 Summary
In this verse, Elisha heals the bad water in the city by casting salt into the spring and proclaiming God's word. This shows us that God is powerful and cares about our daily needs, as seen in other verses like Matthew 6:31-33, where Jesus teaches us not to worry about our needs because God will provide. Elisha's faith and obedience are an example to us of how we can trust God to work in our lives, even in unexpected ways. By speaking God's word and trusting in His power, we can see healing and transformation in our own lives, just like the people in the city saw the water become healthy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the problem with the water in the city, and how did Elisha fix it?
The water was causing death and unfruitfulness, as stated in 2 Kings 2:19. Elisha fixed it by casting salt into the spring and proclaiming the Lord's healing, as seen in 2 Kings 2:21.
Why did Elisha use salt to heal the water?
The Bible doesn't explicitly state why Elisha used salt, but it may symbolize purification, as seen in other biblical contexts like Leviticus 2:13, where salt is used to represent covenant and purification.
Did the healing of the water have any lasting effects?
Yes, according to 2 Kings 2:22, the waters remained healthy to that day, demonstrating the power and faithfulness of God's word, as also seen in Isaiah 55:11, where God's word is said to accomplish its purpose.
What can we learn from Elisha's faith and obedience in this situation?
We can learn the importance of trusting and obeying God's instructions, even when they seem unusual or unclear, as Elisha did in 2 Kings 2:20-21, and as seen in other examples of faith like Abraham's obedience in Genesis 12:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply Elisha's example of faith and obedience to my own life, especially in situations where God's instructions seem unclear or challenging?
- What are some areas in my life where I need God's healing and purification, and how can I trust Him to work in those areas?
- How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's power and care for His people, as seen in other biblical stories like Exodus 17:1-7, where God provides water for the Israelites in the wilderness?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of speaking God's word and proclaiming His truth in my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 2:21
And he went forth unto the spring of the waters,.... The fountain from whence they flowed, the head of them: and cast the salt in there; which was an unlikely means of making bad water good, since
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 2:21
And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:21
Cast the salt in there; which was in itself idle and ineffectual, considering both the quality of salt, and the small quantity of it, and the place where it was put, the fountain, which quickly works out any thing which is put into it; see ; but was only used as a sign of God’ s presence and power, which did the thing: compare 6:6. Any more death, i.e. hurt or danger, as death is oft used, to men or beasts, by drinking of it, as formerly.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:21
2 Kings 2:21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren [land].Ver. 21. And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there.] Not into the channel, but into the spring. So must we, if we would be healed, cast the salt of mortification into our hearts, those fountains of speeches and actions. The Paracelsian holdeth that there is salt in every body. Sure enough there ought to be godly sorrow in every soul. I have healed these waters.] If God casteth into our hearts but one cruseful of the salt of his Spirit, we are whole: no thought can pass between the receipt and the remedy.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:21
(21) The spring of the waters.—Now called Aines Sultân (“the Sultan’s Fountain”), a fine spring of sweet water, which irrigates the neighbouring plain. Thus saith the Lord.—Not the prophet’s own power, nor the natural virtues of the salt, but the Divine creative will was effectual to the healing of the spring. There shall not be.—Many MSS., and all the versions, save LXX., read “and there shall not be,” or, “arise.” Death.—Caused by the unwholesome water, either to the people, or to their unborn offspring. Or barren land.—The same word as in 2 Kings 2:19. Literally, and making (or, multiplying) abortion, which is apparently used as a substantive here (i.e., cause of abortion). Unto this day.—The time when the narrative was first committed to writing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:21
Verse 21. And cast the salt in there] He cast in the salt at the place where the waters sprang out of the earth. Jarchi well observes here, "Salt is a thing which corrupts water; therefore, it is evident that this was a true miracle." What Elisha did on this occasion, getting the new cruse and throwing in the salt, was only to make the miracle more conspicuous. If the salt could have had any natural tendency to render the water salubrious, it could have acted only for a short time, and only on that portion of the stream which now arose from the spring; and in a few moments its effects must have disappeared. But the miracle here was permanent: the death of men and cattle, which had been occasioned by the insalubrity of the waters, ceased, the land was no longer barren; and the waters became permanently fit for all agricultural and domestic uses.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 2:21
21. Thus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters] The prophet by his words carries the thought away from the sign to the thing signified, the power of God exerted at the prayer of the prophet. We cannot suppose, though no mention is made of it, that the healing was attempted without a calling upon God. any more death or barren land] R.V. or miscarrying. The R.V. thus conforms to its rendering of verse 19, and gives a wider sense than that conveyed by the A.V. This is to be preferred because the root of the word applies in the first instance rather to deprivation of children than to sterility of soil.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 2:21
The spring of the waters - The spring intended is probably that now called Ain-es-Sultan, which is not much more than a mile from the site of the ancient town.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:21
21. The spring of the waters — “The fountain bursts forth at the eastern foot of a high double mound, or group of mounds, situated a mile or more in front of the mountain Quarantania, and about
Sermons on 2 Kings 2:21
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Mantle of Elijah - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | This sermon delves into the story of Elijah and Elisha, highlighting the need for a double portion of the Holy Spirit to face the challenges of a wicked society and a dead church. |
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(2 Kings) a Prophet and His Protégé by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and the three captains who were sent by King Ahaziah to bring him back. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recogni |
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The Accursed City Builder by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unshakable truth and fulfillment of God's word. Despite the mockery and disbelief of the world, the prophecies recorded in the Bible wil |
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Enduring the Test by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites as they were led by God out of Egypt towards the land of Canaan. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusti |
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Call to Repentance by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that Israel failed to learn from their experiences in the wilderness, despite God's tender leading and the manifestation of His glory. The sp |
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Salt Is Good by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the significance of salt in the Bible, drawing parallels between the use of salt in offerings in the Old Testament and the importance of grace and truth in th |
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The Lord Giveth by E.V. Hill | In this sermon transcript, Dr. Evie Hill delivers a heartfelt message at his wife's funeral. He reflects on the 32 years they spent together and the love and support she gave him. |