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 19:20KJV
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1 Kings 19:20 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“kiss” Hebrew H5401 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:26 And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
  • Exodus 4:27 And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

“Elijah” Hebrew H452 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
  • 1 Kings 18:30 And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.
  • 2 Kings 1:13 And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.

“ran” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • 2 Samuel 18:22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
  • Job 9:25 Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.