And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.

2 KINGS 2:6KJV
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2 Kings 2:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 2:6 mean?

2 Kings 2:6 shows Elijah asking Elisha to stay behind while he goes on to the Jordan River, but Elisha insists on staying with Elijah no matter what. This verse highlights Elisha’s loyalty and determination to remain with his mentor until the very end.

Elijah, the prophet, is speaking to his disciple Elisha as they travel together. Elijah tells Elisha to wait (“tarry”) because God has sent him to the Jordan, but Elisha refuses to leave Elijah’s side, saying, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” The verse sets up the final moments of Elijah’s ministry and shows the strong bond between the two men.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 2:6

  • The word for “tarry” is יָשַׁב (yashav), which often means “to sit” or “to remain.” Here, it shows Elijah asking Elisha to stay put, not just pause briefly.
  • The phrase “the LORD” uses יְהוָה (YHWH, Yahweh), the personal name for Israel’s God, emphasizing the authority behind Elijah’s journey.
  • “Liveth” is חַי (chai), meaning “alive” or “living.” Elisha’s oath, “As the LORD lives,” is a strong, traditional way to swear truthfulness and loyalty.
  • “Soul” is נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh), which can mean “life,” “self,” or “being.” Elisha’s phrase “as your soul lives” expresses deep personal commitment to Elijah.

Why 2 Kings 2:6 matters

  • The verse clears up that Elisha’s loyalty was not passive; he actively chose to stay with Elijah, even when given a chance to turn back.
  • This moment emphasizes the seriousness of the transition between prophets, as Elisha’s persistence prepares readers for the passing of Elijah’s prophetic role.
  • The repeated testing of Elisha’s loyalty throughout the chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness and dedication in spiritual leadership.

Where else these words appear

“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 1:12 And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.