2 Kings 2:14
And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקַּח֩
And he took
H3947
וַיִּקַּח֩
And he took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 25
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֵֽלִיָּ֑הוּ
of Elijah
H452
אֵֽלִיָּ֑הוּ
of Elijah
Strong's:
H452
Word #:
4 of 25
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָֽפְלָ֤ה
that fell
H5307
נָֽפְלָ֤ה
that fell
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
6 of 25
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
מֵֽעָלָיו֙
H5921
מֵֽעָלָיו֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 25
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַיַּכֶּ֣ה
and when he also had smitten
H5221
וַיַּכֶּ֣ה
and when he also had smitten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
8 of 25
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּ֗יִם
the waters
H4325
הַמַּ֗יִם
the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
10 of 25
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
יְהוָ֖ה
Where is the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
Where is the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 25
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
14 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
אֵֽלִיָּ֑הוּ
of Elijah
H452
אֵֽלִיָּ֑הוּ
of Elijah
Strong's:
H452
Word #:
15 of 25
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
אַף
H637
אַף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
16 of 25
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
ה֣וּא׀
H1931
ה֣וּא׀
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
17 of 25
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַיַּכֶּ֣ה
and when he also had smitten
H5221
וַיַּכֶּ֣ה
and when he also had smitten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
18 of 25
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּ֗יִם
the waters
H4325
הַמַּ֗יִם
the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
20 of 25
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
הֵ֣נָּה
H2008
וָהֵ֔נָּה
H2008
Cross References
John 14:12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.Psalms 42:10As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?Psalms 115:2Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
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
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 2 regarding prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling?
- 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 he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. 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.