2 Kings 1:4
Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed.
Original Language Analysis
וְלָכֵן֙
H3651
וְלָכֵן֙
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַמִּטָּ֞ה
from that bed
H4296
הַמִּטָּ֞ה
from that bed
Strong's:
H4296
Word #:
5 of 16
a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָלִ֥יתָ
on which thou art gone up
H5927
עָלִ֥יתָ
on which thou art gone up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
7 of 16
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
שָּׁ֛ם
H8033
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֵרֵ֥ד
Thou shalt not come down
H3381
תֵרֵ֥ד
Thou shalt not come down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
10 of 16
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
מִמֶּ֖נָּה
H4480
מִמֶּ֖נָּה
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תָּמ֑וּת
but shalt surely
H4191
תָּמ֑וּת
but shalt surely
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
13 of 16
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
תָּמ֑וּת
but shalt surely
H4191
תָּמ֑וּת
but shalt surely
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
14 of 16
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Cross References
Genesis 3:4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:Genesis 2:17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.Ezekiel 18:4Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.2 Kings 1:16And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.2 Kings 1:6And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.
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
Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed.
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.