2 Kings 2:9
And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְעָבְרָ֗ם
And it came to pass when they were gone over
H5674
כְעָבְרָ֗ם
And it came to pass when they were gone over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
2 of 21
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
וְאֵ֨לִיָּ֜הוּ
that Elijah
H452
וְאֵ֨לִיָּ֜הוּ
that Elijah
Strong's:
H452
Word #:
3 of 21
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
שְׁאַל֙
Ask
H7592
שְׁאַל֙
Ask
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
7 of 21
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
מָ֣ה
H4100
מָ֣ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אֶֽעֱשֶׂה
what I shall do
H6213
אֶֽעֱשֶׂה
what I shall do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 21
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּטֶ֖רֶם
H2962
בְּטֶ֖רֶם
Strong's:
H2962
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
אֶלָּקַ֣ח
for thee before I be taken away
H3947
אֶלָּקַ֣ח
for thee before I be taken away
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
12 of 21
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מֵֽעִמָּ֑ךְ
H5973
מֵֽעִמָּ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
13 of 21
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וִֽיהִי
H1961
וִֽיהִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
16 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
נָ֛א
H4994
נָ֛א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
17 of 21
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
פִּֽי
portion
H6310
פִּֽי
portion
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
18 of 21
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Cross References
Numbers 11:17And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.Deuteronomy 21:17But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.Zechariah 12:8In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.John 16:7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.Numbers 11:25And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.
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 it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
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.