2 Kings 2:21
And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּצֵא֙
And he went forth
H3318
וַיֵּצֵא֙
And he went forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 20
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מוֹצָ֣א
unto the spring
H4161
מוֹצָ֣א
unto the spring
Strong's:
H4161
Word #:
3 of 20
a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex
לַמַּ֣יִם
of the waters
H4325
לַמַּ֣יִם
of the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
4 of 20
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
וַיַּשְׁלֶךְ
and cast
H7993
וַיַּשְׁלֶךְ
and cast
Strong's:
H7993
Word #:
5 of 20
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
מֶ֑לַח
the salt
H4417
מֶ֑לַח
the salt
Strong's:
H4417
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רִפִּ֙אתִי֙
I have healed
H7495
רִפִּ֙אתִי֙
I have healed
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
לַמַּ֣יִם
of the waters
H4325
לַמַּ֣יִם
of the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
13 of 20
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
15 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
16 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מִשָּׁ֛ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֛ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
17 of 20
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
ע֖וֹד
H5750
ע֖וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
Cross References
2 Kings 4:41But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot.Leviticus 2:13And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.Revelation 21:4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.John 9:6When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,2 Kings 6:6And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.Mark 9:50Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
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 went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.
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.