And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?
1 KINGS 19:20KJVWhat does 1 Kings 19:20 mean?
1 Kings 19:20 describes how Elisha, after being called by Elijah, leaves his oxen and runs after Elijah, asking for permission to say goodbye to his parents before following him. Elijah responds by telling Elisha to go back, saying, “for what have I done to thee?”—meaning Elijah has not forced him, and the choice is Elisha’s to make.
In this scene, Elijah has just thrown his cloak over Elisha, symbolizing the call to become his successor as prophet. Elisha is plowing a field with oxen when this happens. Elisha’s request to kiss his father and mother shows respect for his family and signals a significant life change. Elijah’s answer highlights that the decision to follow is voluntary, not compelled.
The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 19:20
- "left" (עָזַב, ‘azav): This word means to leave or abandon. Elisha’s action of leaving the oxen shows a decisive break from his old life.
- "ran" (רָץ, rats): The word for “ran” emphasizes Elisha’s eagerness and urgency in responding to Elijah’s call.
- "kiss" (נָשַׁק, nashaq): In Hebrew culture, kissing parents was a sign of affection and respect, especially when leaving home for a new commitment.
- "follow" (הָלַךְ, halakh; אַחַר, achar): The combination here means to go after or accompany, showing Elisha’s intent to become Elijah’s disciple.
Why 1 Kings 19:20 matters
- This verse clarifies that Elisha’s response to God’s call is willing and thoughtful, not impulsive or forced by Elijah.
- The mention of saying goodbye to his parents highlights the cost and seriousness of Elisha’s decision to follow Elijah, leaving behind his family and livelihood.
- The exchange sets the tone for the mentor-disciple relationship between Elijah and Elisha, showing that spiritual calling involves personal choice and sacrifice.