2 Kings 2:7
2 Kings 2:7 in Multiple Translations
Then 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.
And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.
And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood over against them afar off: and they two stood by the Jordan.
And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went out and took their places facing them a long way off, while the two of them were by the edge of Jordan.
Then a group of fifty of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing Elijah and Elisha at a distance as the two of them stood by the Jordan.
And fiftie men of the sonnes of the Prophets went and stoode on the other side a farre off, and they two stoode by Iorden.
— and fifty men of the sons of the prophets have gone on, and stand over-against afar off — and both of them have stood by the Jordan.
Fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood opposite them at a distance; and they both stood by the Jordan.
And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.
And fifty men of the sons of the prophets followed them, and stood in sight at a distance: but they two stood by the Jordan.
Fifty men from a group of prophets who were from Jericho also went, but they watched from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stopped at the edge of the Jordan River.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 2:7
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 2:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/חֲמִשִּׁ֨ים
אִ֜ישׁ
מִ/בְּנֵ֤י
הַ/נְּבִיאִים֙
הָֽלְכ֔וּ
וַ/יַּעַמְד֥וּ
מִ/נֶּ֖גֶד
מֵ/רָח֑וֹק
וּ/שְׁנֵי/הֶ֖ם
עָמְד֥וּ
עַל
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
וַ/חֲמִשִּׁ֨ים
chămishshîym
H2572
fifty
Conj | Adj
אִ֜ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מִ/בְּנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
הַ/נְּבִיאִים֙
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-mp
הָֽלְכ֔וּ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וַ/יַּעַמְד֥וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/נֶּ֖גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep
מֵ/רָח֑וֹק
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Prep | Adj
וּ/שְׁנֵי/הֶ֖ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj | Suff
עָמְד֥וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 2:7
וַ/חֲמִשִּׁ֨ים
chămishshîym
H2572
"fifty"
Conj | 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.
אִ֜ישׁ
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.
מִ/בְּנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/נְּבִיאִים֙
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Art | N-mp
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
הָֽלְכ֔וּ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וַ/יַּעַמְד֥וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
מִ/נֶּ֖גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
מֵ/רָח֑וֹק
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
וּ/שְׁנֵי/הֶ֖ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עָמְד֥וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 2:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 2:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 2:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 2:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:7
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 2:7
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 2:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:7
- Sermons on 2 Kings 2:7
Context — Elijah Taken Up to Heaven
5Then the sons of the prophets at Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”
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. 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 18:13 | Was it not reported to my lord what I did when Jezebel slaughtered the prophets of the LORD? I hid a hundred prophets of the LORD, fifty men per cave, and I provided them with food and water. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 2:17 | 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. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 18:4 | for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.) |
2 Kings 2:7 Summary
This verse shows a group of fifty sons of the prophets watching from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stand by the Jordan River, awaiting God's next move. It's a moment of anticipation and expectation, like in Habakkuk 2:1, where the prophet stands watch, waiting for God's response. The sons of the prophets are curious and want to learn from Elijah and Elisha, demonstrating the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from spiritual leaders, as seen in Proverbs 1:7. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can position ourselves to receive spiritual blessings and guidance in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did a company of fifty sons of the prophets follow Elijah and Elisha to the Jordan?
The sons of the prophets likely followed Elijah and Elisha to witness the transfer of prophetic authority, as seen in Deuteronomy 34:9, where Joshua received a similar transfer from Moses.
What is the significance of the Jordan River in this verse?
The Jordan River holds spiritual significance, as seen in Joshua 3:13-17, where it parted for the Israelites to cross, and in Matthew 3:13-17, where Jesus was baptized, symbolizing a new beginning and divine commission.
Why did Elijah and Elisha stand by the Jordan River?
Elijah and Elisha stood by the Jordan River, awaiting God's instruction, much like Moses in Exodus 3:5, who removed his sandals before the burning bush, demonstrating reverence and readiness to receive divine direction.
What can we learn from the actions of the sons of the prophets in this verse?
The sons of the prophets demonstrated curiosity and a desire to learn from Elijah and Elisha, as seen in Psalm 119:66, where the psalmist asks for knowledge and understanding, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from spiritual leaders.
Reflection Questions
- What am I doing to position myself to receive a transfer of spiritual authority or blessing from those who have gone before me?
- How can I, like the sons of the prophets, demonstrate a desire to learn from and follow spiritual leaders in my life?
- What are some 'Jordan River' moments in my life where I need to trust God for a new beginning or a fresh start?
- In what ways can I show reverence and readiness to receive divine direction, like Elijah and Elisha standing by the Jordan River?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 2:7
And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off,.... To have a view, if they could, of the assumption of Elijah to heaven, and be witnesses of it: and they two stood by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 2:7
And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. They two stood by Jordan , [ `al (H5921) ha-Yardeen (H3383), upon the Jordan; so Septuagint, epi tou Iordanou.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:7
Stood to view; to observe this great event, Elijah’ s translation to heaven, which they expected every moment, now when he had taken his last farewell of all the prophets; and whereof they desired to be spectators, not so much to satisfy their own curiosity, as that they might be witnesses of it to others.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:7
2 Kings 2:7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.Ver. 7. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets.] These were all of one college, and these were strong men, able and active. In our days, the Jesuits - those locusts, Revelation 9:3 - have maintained two hundred thousand scholars, besides the monks and friars of other orders, enough to make up a very formidable army, and such as may serve Antichrist for a sufficient reserve, cum res redierit ad Triarios, when he shall be worst put to it. Oxford is said to have had sometime thirty thousand students in it at once. And stood to view afar off.] Out of curiosity likely, but not without a special providence of God, that there might be so many witnesses of Elijah’ s assumption to heaven.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:7
(7) And fifty . . . went.—Now fifty . . . had gone.Stood to view.—Taken their stand opposite, i.e., directly opposite the place where the two were standing by the brink of the river, yet at some distance behind. They wished to see whether and how the companions would cross the stream at a point where there was no ford.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:7
Verse 7. Fifty men of the sons of the prophets] They fully expected this extraordinary event, and they could have known it only from Elijah himself, or by a direct revelation from God.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 2:7
7. And fifty men] It is not without surprise that we come at one single centre upon so large a body of men devoting themselves to a holy life in the service of Jehovah, while Ahab’s children are still on the throne of Israel. There seems also to have been, beside Jericho and Bethel, similar colleges at Gilgal and perhaps on Carmel. It would almost appear as though all those who were true adherents of the Lord had betaken themselves to this life of retirement, that they might escape from the evils which followed so thick in the train of the worship of the Baalim. stood to view] R.V. over against them, and similarly in verse 15. This rendering stands also as one margin of the A.V. The Hebrew word [neged] originally signifies ‘in front’ of anything; but since we are in front of anything which faces us, and it may be said to be in front of us, the adverb in the text has a double use. Here it refers to the position of the sons of the prophets as they stood looking towards the departing couple, while in the next chapter (2 Kings 3:22) it is applied to the blood which the Moabites supposed they saw ‘on the other side’ of the valley. R.V. has ‘over against them’ in that verse also.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 2:7
Fifty men of the sons of the prophets - We see by this how large were the prophetical schools. It is implied that the “fifty” were only a portion of the school of Jericho.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:7
7. Fifty men… stood to view afar off — What all they saw we are not told.
Sermons on 2 Kings 2:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Beheading in the Bible: Are You Ready to Lose Your Head for Jesus? by Jason Cooley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a daily decision to serve Christ and live for Him. He challenges the audience to abstain from evil and be separated |
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God’s Measure of Success by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that true success in God's eyes is found in being fulfilled through ministering to Him, rather than seeking earthly recognition or security. He reflects |