2 Kings 2:5

Verse

Then the sons of the prophets at Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”

American Standard Version (1901)

And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came near to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that Jehovah will take away thy master from thy head to-day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

Bible in Basic English

And at Jericho the sons of the prophets came up to Elisha and said to him, Has it been made clear to you that the Lord is going to take away your master from over you today? And he said in answer, Yes, I have knowledge of it: say no more.

Douay-Rheims 1899

The sons of the prophets that were at Jericho, came to Eliseus, and said to him: Dost thou know that this day the Lord will take away thy master from thee? And he said: I also know it: hold your peace.

Free Bible Version

The sons of the prophets who lived in Jericho came to Elisha and told him, “You do know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today, don't you?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Don't talk about it.”

Geneva Bible 1599

And the children of the Prophets that were at Iericho, came to Elisha, and saide vnto him, Knowest thou, that the Lord will take thy master from thine head this day? And he sayde, Yea, I knowe it: holde ye your peace.

King James (Authorized) Version

And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

Translation for Translators

As they neared Jericho, a group of prophets who were from there came to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that Yahweh is going to take your master/boss Elijah away from you today?” He answered again, “Certainly I know that, but don’t talk about it!” [IDM]

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that Yahweh will take away your master from you today?” Elisha answered, “Yes, I know it, but do not talk about it.”

Noah Webster Bible

And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said to him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to-day? And he answered, Yes, I know it ; hold ye your peace.

World English Bible

The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that Yahweh will take away your master from over you today?” He answered, “Yes, I know it. Hold your peace.”

Young's Literal Translation

And sons of the prophets who [are] in Jericho come nigh unto Elisha, and say unto him, 'Hast thou known that to-day Jehovah is taking thy lord from thy head?' and he saith, 'I also have known — keep silent.'

Context

Elijah Taken Up to Heaven

⁴And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. ⁵Then the sons of the prophets at Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”

Summary

In this verse, the prophet Elijah is preparing to depart from Elisha, his successor. Despite knowing that Elijah will be taken away by the Lord, Elisha remains steadfast in his commitment to follow him. This passage highlights the loyalty and dedication of Elisha as he continues to accompany Elijah on his journey, demonstrating a deep desire to receive a double portion of his spirit. It also showcases the importance of mentorship and the passing on of spiritual authority from one generation to the next, setting the stage for the miraculous events that will follow in the lives of these two prophets.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho,.... For though this place was lately rebuilt under a curse to the builder, yet was blessed with a school of the prophets: whose disciples came to Elisha, and said unto him; as in Kg2 2:3 and to whom he made the same reply. and to whom he made the same reply. 2 Kings 2:6 kg2 2:6 kg2 2:6 kg2 2:6And Elijah said unto him, tarry, I pray thee, here,.... At Jericho, seemingly very desirous to get rid of him, that he might not see his assumption: for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan: where passing that he was to be taken up: and he said, &c; Elisha swore, as before, he would not leave him: and they two went on; to Jordan, which was six miles from Jericho (k). (k) Travels, &c. p. 205.