2 Kings 2:10

Authorized King James Version

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And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.

Original Language Analysis

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר And he said H559
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר And he said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 15
to say (used with great latitude)
הִקְשִׁ֣יתָ a hard thing H7185
הִקְשִׁ֣יתָ a hard thing
Strong's: H7185
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)
לִשְׁא֑וֹל Thou hast asked H7592
לִשְׁא֑וֹל Thou hast asked
Strong's: H7592
Word #: 3 of 15
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 4 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תִּרְאֶ֨ה nevertheless if thou see H7200
תִּרְאֶ֨ה nevertheless if thou see
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 5 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֹתִ֜י H853
אֹתִ֜י
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֻקָּ֤ח me when I am taken H3947
לֻקָּ֤ח me when I am taken
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 7 of 15
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מֵֽאִתָּךְ֙ H853
מֵֽאִתָּךְ֙
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהִֽי H1961
יְהִֽי
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 9 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְךָ֣ H0
לְךָ֣
Strong's: H0
Word #: 10 of 15
כֵ֔ן H3651
כֵ֔ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 11 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וְאִם H518
וְאִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 12 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אַ֖יִן H369
אַ֖יִן
Strong's: H369
Word #: 13 of 15
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 14 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִֽהְיֶֽה׃ H1961
יִֽהְיֶֽה׃
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 15 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Analysis & Commentary

And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. 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.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 2 takes place during the mid-9th century BCE, around 850 BCE, during the transition from Elijah to Elisha. The chapter's theme (Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Beginning) 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

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