2 Kings 1:12
And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣עַן
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֣עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 25
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֵֽלִיָּה֮
And Elijah
H452
אֵֽלִיָּה֮
And Elijah
Strong's:
H452
Word #:
2 of 25
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
and said
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
and said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 25
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
5 of 25
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אִ֤ישׁ
unto them If I be a man
H376
אִ֤ישׁ
unto them If I be a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 25
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֱלֹהִים֙
of God
H430
אֱלֹהִים֙
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 25
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וַתֵּ֤רֶד
came down
H3381
וַתֵּ֤רֶד
came down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
9 of 25
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
11 of 25
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
from heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
from heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
12 of 25
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
אֹֽתְךָ֖
H853
אֹֽתְךָ֖
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַתֵּ֤רֶד
came down
H3381
וַתֵּ֤רֶד
came down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
17 of 25
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
אֱלֹהִים֙
of God
H430
אֱלֹהִים֙
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
19 of 25
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
20 of 25
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
from heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
from heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
21 of 25
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
23 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 1 takes place during the mid-9th century BCE, around 850 BCE, during the transition from Elijah to Elisha. The chapter's theme (Ahaziah's Illness and Elijah's Final Confrontations) reflects the historical reality of prophetic succession and divine affirmation of Elisha's ministry following Elijah's remarkable translation. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 1 regarding divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 1: Divine judgment on apostasy and affirmation of prophetic authority. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.