And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.

2 KINGS 2:21KJV
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2 Kings 2:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 2:21 mean?

2 Kings 2:21 describes how Elisha went to the source of Jericho’s water, threw salt into it, and declared that God had healed the water so that it would no longer cause death or make the land unproductive. The verse shows God’s power to reverse harmful conditions through Elisha’s actions and words.

In this scene, Elisha is responding to the people of Jericho, who had told him their water was bad and the land was barren. Elisha’s act of throwing salt into the spring, followed by his announcement, is a symbolic gesture showing that the healing comes from the LORD (not the salt itself). The verse marks the beginning of Elisha’s ministry, showing God’s care for everyday needs and his authority to bring life where there was once harm.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 2:21

  • "Spring" (מּוֹצָא, motsa’): This word means the source or origin of the water. The focus on the spring emphasizes that the healing is thorough, affecting the water at its very beginning.
  • "Salt" (מֶלַח, melach): Salt was often used in ancient times as a symbol of purity or preservation. Here, it is not the salt that heals, but God’s command, showing the act is symbolic rather than practical.
  • "Healed" (רָפָא, rapha’): This word means to restore or make healthy. The use of this word highlights that the water’s harmful effects are completely reversed, not just improved.
  • "Death" (מָוֶת, mavet) and "Barren" (שָׁכֵל, shakel): These words show the seriousness of the problem—people and crops were suffering or dying because of the bad water, making the miracle clear and significant.

Why 2 Kings 2:21 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the healing of the water is a direct act of God, not a result of magic or the properties of salt, which helps prevent misunderstandings about miracles in the Bible.
  • It highlights Elisha’s role as a prophet who brings practical help and blessing, not just messages or warnings.
  • The story connects to the broader theme of God’s power to bring life and restoration, especially at the start of Elisha’s ministry, showing continuity with Elijah’s work and God’s ongoing care for his people.

Where else these words appear

“barren” Hebrew H7921 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 27:45 Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
  • 1 Samuel 15:33 And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.
  • Ezekiel 5:17 So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the LORD have spoken it.

“spring” Hebrew H4161 · used in 26 verses

  • Numbers 30:12 But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them; then whatsoever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband hath made them void; and the LORD shall forgive her.
  • Job 28:1 Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it.
  • Isaiah 41:18 I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

“salt” Hebrew H4417 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Joshua 3:16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
  • 2 Kings 14:7 He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.

“healed” Hebrew H7495 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.
  • Jeremiah 6:14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.