2 Kings 2:6
2 Kings 2:6 in Multiple Translations
And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.
And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.
And Elijah said unto him, Tarry here, I pray thee; for Jehovah hath sent me to the Jordan. And he said, As Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.
Then Elijah said to him, Come no farther, for the Lord has sent me to Jordan. But he said, As the Lord is living and as your soul is living, I will not be parted from you. So they went on together.
Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, Elisha, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” He replied, “As the Lord lives, and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they traveled on together.
Moreouer Eliiah saide vnto him, Tarie, I pray thee, here: for the Lord hath sent me to Iorden. But he saide, As the Lord liueth, and as thy soule liueth, I will not leaue thee. So they went both together.
And Elijah saith to him, 'Abide, I pray thee, here, for Jehovah hath sent me to the Jordan;' and he saith, 'Jehovah liveth, and thy soul liveth, if I leave thee;' and they go on both of them,
Elijah said to him, “Please wait here, for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” He said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” Then they both went on.
And Elijah said to him, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.
And Elias said to him: Stay here, because the Lord hath sent me as far as the Jordan. And he said: As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee; and they two went on together,
Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, because Yahweh has told only me to go to the Jordan River.” But again Elisha replied, “As certainly as Yahweh lives and you live, I will not leave you!” So they continued walking together.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 2:6
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2 Kings 2:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 2:6
Study Notes — 2 Kings 2:6
Context — Elijah Taken Up to Heaven
6And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.
7Then a company of fifty of the sons of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing Elijah and Elisha as the two of them stood by the Jordan. 8And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 2:2 | and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. |
| 2 | Joshua 3:15 | Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, |
2 Kings 2:6 Summary
In 2 Kings 2:6, Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind, but Elisha refuses to leave his side, showing his loyalty and dedication to the Lord and to Elijah. This verse teaches us about the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in our relationships and in our walk with the Lord (as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:58). Elisha's actions demonstrate that following the Lord often requires us to step out in faith, even when we don't know what's ahead, and to trust in His goodness and sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7. By looking at Elisha's example, we can learn to prioritize our relationship with the Lord and with others, and to trust Him with every step of our journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elijah try to get Elisha to stay behind in 2 Kings 2:6?
Elijah tried to get Elisha to stay behind because he knew that his time on earth was coming to an end, and he may have wanted to spare Elisha the emotional pain of witnessing his departure, as hinted in 2 Kings 2:5 where the sons of the prophets at Jericho told Elisha that the Lord would take his master away.
What does Elisha's response to Elijah reveal about his character?
Elisha's response, 'As surely as the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you,' shows his loyalty, dedication, and commitment to following Elijah and serving the Lord, similar to the devotion of Ruth to Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17.
Why is the Jordan River significant in this context?
The Jordan River is significant because it is the location where Elijah would eventually be taken up to heaven, as seen in 2 Kings 2:8-12, and it may have also symbolized a boundary or a threshold to the next stage of Elisha's journey with the Lord, much like the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan into the Promised Land in Joshua 3:1-17.
What can we learn from Elisha's refusal to leave Elijah's side?
We can learn about the importance of perseverance, loyalty, and faithfulness in our relationships and in our walk with the Lord, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:23 and 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Reflection Questions
- How can I demonstrate loyalty and dedication to the Lord and to those He has placed in my life, just like Elisha did with Elijah?
- What are some 'Jordan' moments in my life where I need to trust the Lord and step out in faith, like Elisha did in 2 Kings 2:6-8?
- In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with the Lord and with others, making sure that I am not leaving anyone or anything that is truly important behind?
- How can I prepare myself for the unexpected twists and turns of life, just like Elisha was prepared to follow Elijah to the Jordan River?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 2:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 2:6
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:6
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:6
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 2:6
Sermons on 2 Kings 2:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Making of a Man of God by Robert Arthur | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Elisha and Gehazi from the Bible. He suggests that the judgment that befell Gehazi and the people was a result of their own ac |
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Calling on God - Part 3 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon reflects on the impossibility of atheism in light of the faith of great men like Sir Isaac Newton and other scientists who followed the Lord Jesus. It emphasizes the ne |
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Power With God Exemplified in Moses by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound relationship between God and Moses, illustrating how Moses' deep commitment to God's purpose exemplifies true power with God. He argues tha |
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Elisha, Tarry Here, I Pray Thee. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the refusal to settle for less than God's best in the sermon 'Elisha, Tarry Here, I Pray Thee.' He highlights how the repea |
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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 |
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Evensong by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of Elijah, emphasizing the beauty and significance of his later years, where he transitioned from a life of intense labor to a period of rest and me |
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Through the Bible - Joshua by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God when He performs miracles in our lives. He uses the example of the Israelites crossing the River Jorda |





