2 Kings 2:9

Translations

Modern

After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” “Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

Traditional

And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

Literal

And so it was at their passing over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I may do for you before I am taken away from you.” And Elisha said, “Let be, please, a double portion of your spirit upon me.”

Latin

Cumque transissent, Elias dixit ad Eliseum: Postula quod vis ut faciam tibi, antequam tollar a te. Dixitque Eliseus: Obsecro ut fiat in me duplex spiritus tuus.

Original

Hebrew

English

After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” “Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

Notes

2 Kings 2:9–10

The firstborn son was the main heir. So, he received twice as much of his father's estate (Deuteronomy 21:17). Elisha asked for Elijah's spiritual gifts and privileges from God to continue through him.

2 Kings 2:1–18

Elijah was taken up into heaven. At that moment, the role of prophet passed to Elisha, shown by the transfer of Elijah’s mantle (cloak).

Theme notes and profiles

Elijah Elisha

Events

Related verses

Numbers 11:17
And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
Deuteronomy 21:17
Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.
John 16:7
But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
Acts 20:25–36
Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again.
Acts 8:17
Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Numbers 11:25
Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again.
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Zechariah 12:8
On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem, so that the weakest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD going before them.
Zechariah 9:12
Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; even today I declare that I will restore to you double.
1 Timothy 5:17
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
1 Kings 3:9
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
2 Chronicles 1:9–10
Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to my father David be fulfilled. For You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.

People

Elijah: A prophet during the reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah Elisha: A prophet who succeeded Elijah

Glossary

Clothing Elijah Elisha Jordan River Kings, Books of First and Second Leather Sons of the Prophets Whirlwind

Topics

Ascension of Elijah Elisha: Witnesses Elijah's Transporting, Receives a Double Portion of his Spirit Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Transporting of Elijah to the Heavens Prophets: Inspiration of Prophets: Schools of Translation of Elijah

2 Kings 2:9

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?