2 Kings 2:24
And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּ֤פֶן
And he turned
H6437
וַיִּ֤פֶן
And he turned
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
1 of 16
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
אַֽחֲרָיו֙
back
H310
אַֽחֲרָיו֙
back
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וַיִּרְאֵ֔ם
and looked
H7200
וַיִּרְאֵ֔ם
and looked
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וַֽיְקַלְלֵ֖ם
on them and cursed
H7043
וַֽיְקַלְלֵ֖ם
on them and cursed
Strong's:
H7043
Word #:
4 of 16
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
them in the name
H8034
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
them in the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
5 of 16
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַתֵּצֶ֨אנָה
And there came forth
H3318
וַתֵּצֶ֨אנָה
And there came forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
7 of 16
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַיַּ֔עַר
out of the wood
H3293
הַיַּ֔עַר
out of the wood
Strong's:
H3293
Word #:
11 of 16
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
וַתְּבַקַּ֣עְנָה
and tare
H1234
וַתְּבַקַּ֣עְנָה
and tare
Strong's:
H1234
Word #:
12 of 16
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
Cross References
Acts 5:9Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.Acts 5:5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.Amos 7:17Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.Acts 8:20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.Jeremiah 28:16Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD.Mark 11:21And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.Mark 11:14And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.Exodus 20:5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;Genesis 9:25And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.1 Kings 19:17And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.
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 turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
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.