New International VersionElisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.
New Living TranslationElisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress.
English Standard VersionAnd Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
Berean Standard BibleAs Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.
King James BibleAnd Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
New King James VersionAnd Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.
New American Standard BibleAnd Elisha was watching it and he was crying out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” And he did not see Elijah again. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
NASB 1995Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw Elijah no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
NASB 1977And Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Elisha was seeing this and he was crying out, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw Elijah no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
Amplified BibleElisha saw it and cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” And he no longer saw Elijah. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces [in grief].
Christian Standard BibleAs Elisha watched, he kept crying out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel! ” When he could see him no longer, he took hold of his own clothes, tore them in two,
Holman Christian Standard BibleAs Elisha watched, he kept crying out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” Then he never saw Elijah again. He took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.
American Standard VersionAnd Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof! And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
Contemporary English VersionElisha saw this and shouted, "Israel's cavalry and chariots have taken my master away!" After Elijah had gone, Elisha tore his clothes in sorrow.
English Revised VersionAnd Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof! And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen Elisha saw this, he cried out, "Master! Master! Israel's chariot and horses!" When he couldn't see Elijah anymore, he grabbed his own garment and tore it in two [to show his grief].
Good News TranslationElisha saw it and cried out to Elijah, "My father, my father! Mighty defender of Israel! You are gone!" And he never saw Elijah again. In grief Elisha tore his cloak in two.
International Standard VersionAs Elisha continued to watch, he cried out, "My father! My father! The chariots of Israel and its cavalry!" Then he did not see Elijah anymore. After this, Elisha gripped his clothes that he was wearing, tore them apart into two pieces,
NET BibleWhile Elisha was watching, he was crying out, "My father, my father! The chariot and horsemen of Israel!" Then he could no longer see him. He grabbed his clothes and tore them in two.
New Heart English BibleElisha saw it, and he cried, "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen." He saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and tore them in two pieces.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.
World English BibleElisha saw it, and he cried, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” He saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Elisha is seeing, and he is crying, “My father! My father! The chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” And he has not seen him again; and he takes hold on his garments and tears them into two pieces.
Young's Literal Translation And Elisha is seeing, and he is crying, 'My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and its horsemen;' and he hath not seen him again; and he taketh hold on his garments, and rendeth them into two pieces.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Elisha saw, and he crying, My father, my father! the chariot of Israel and his horsemen! and he saw him no more: and he will lay hold upon his garments and rend them into two rents. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Eliseus saw him, and cried: My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the driver thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own garments, and rent them in two pieces.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen Elisha saw it, and he cried out: “My father, my father! The chariot of Israel with its driver!” And he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own garments, and he tore them into two parts.
New American Bibleand Elisha saw it happen. He cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariot and steeds!” Then he saw him no longer. He gripped his own garment, tore it into two pieces,
New Revised Standard VersionElisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Elisha saw it and he cried, saying, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more; and he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Elisha saw, and behold, he cried out and said: “My father! My father! The chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” And he did not see him again. And he grasped on his clothes and he ripped them into two pieces. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Elisha saw it, and he cried: 'My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof!' And he saw him no more; and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Elisaie saw, and cried, Father, father, the chariot of Israel, and the horseman thereof! And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his garments, and rent them into two pieces.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Elijah Taken to Heaven… 11As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind. 12As Elishawatched,hecried out,“My father,my father,the chariotsand horsemenof Israel!”And he saw Elijahnomore.So taking holdof his own clothes,he tore themin two.13Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.…
Cross References 2 Kings 13:14When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!”
1 Kings 19:19-21So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.
Matthew 17:3Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.
Luke 9:30-31Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus. / They appeared in glory and spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Acts 1:9-11After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. / They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. / “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”
John 14:12Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Deuteronomy 34:5-6So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said. / And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab facing Beth-peor, and no one to this day knows the location of his grave.
Exodus 24:13So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant and went up on the mountain of God.
Mark 9:4And Elijah and Moses appeared before them, talking with Jesus.
Hebrews 11:5By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
1 Thessalonians 4:17After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.
Genesis 5:24Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God had taken him away.
Malachi 4:5Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.
Matthew 11:14And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
Luke 1:17And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Treasury of Scripture And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. saw it 2 Kings 2:10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing:nevertheless, if thou see mewhen I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not beso. My father 2 Kings 13:14 Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. Job 22:30 He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands. Proverbs 11:11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. he saw him Proverbs 30:4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? whatis his name, and whatis his son's name, if thou canst tell? Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. rent them Job 1:20,21 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, … Isaiah 57:1,2 The righteous perisheth, and no man layethit to heart: and merciful menare taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evilto come… Acts 8:2 And devout men carried Stephento his burial, and made great lamentation over him. Jump to Previous ApartChariotChariotsClothesCriedCryCryingElijahElishaEli'shaFullGriefHoldHorsemenIsraelLongerPiecesRentThereofToreJump to Next ApartChariotChariotsClothesCriedCryCryingElijahElishaEli'shaFullGriefHoldHorsemenIsraelLongerPiecesRentThereofTore2 Kings 2 1.Elijah, taking his leave of Elisha, with his mantle divides Jordan9.and, granting Elisha his request, is taken up by a fiery chariot into heaven12.Elisha, dividing Jordan with Elijah's mantle, is acknowledged his successor16.The young prophets, hardly obtaining leave to seek Elijah, cannot find him.19.Elisha with salt heals the unwholesome waters23.Bears destroy the children that mocked ElishaAs Elisha watchedElisha's role as a prophet is solidified in this moment. His witnessing of Elijah's departure signifies the transfer of prophetic authority. This act of watching is reminiscent of the disciples witnessing Jesus' ascension, highlighting the importance of being a witness to divine acts. he cried out, “My father, my father,
Elisha's cry reflects a deep personal and spiritual connection to Elijah, akin to a father-son relationship. This phrase indicates respect and acknowledgment of Elijah's role as a spiritual mentor. It parallels the relationship between Paul and Timothy in the New Testament, where spiritual mentorship is emphasized. the chariots and horsemen of Israel!”
This phrase symbolizes the spiritual power and protection that Elijah represented for Israel. Chariots and horsemen were symbols of military strength, suggesting that Elijah's presence was a greater defense for Israel than any army. This imagery is echoed in2 Kings 6:17, where Elisha's servant sees a heavenly army, indicating divine protection. And he saw Elijah no more.
The physical departure of Elijah marks the end of an era and the beginning of Elisha's ministry. This moment is similar to the transition from Moses to Joshua, where leadership is passed on to continue God's work. Elijah's departure in a whirlwind is also a type of Christ's ascension, where the physical presence is removed, but the spiritual mission continues. So taking hold of his own clothes,
The act of taking hold of his clothes signifies a moment of intense emotion and transition. In biblical times, clothing often represented one's status or role, and Elisha's action indicates a change in his own identity and responsibilities. he tore them in two.
Tearing one's clothes is a traditional expression of grief and mourning in ancient Israelite culture, seen inGenesis 37:34 when Jacob mourns for Joseph. This act signifies Elisha's sorrow over Elijah's departure but also marks the end of his role as a disciple and the beginning of his own prophetic ministry. It reflects the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' crucifixion, symbolizing a new covenant and access to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet and the successor of Elijah. He witnessed Elijah's ascension and took on his prophetic mantle. 2. ElijahA major prophet in Israel known for his miraculous deeds and his confrontation with the prophets of Baal. He was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. 3. Chariots and Horsemen of IsraelSymbolic representation of God's power and protection over Israel, often associated with divine intervention. 4. Jordan RiverThe location where Elijah was taken up to heaven, marking a significant transition in prophetic leadership. 5. Tearing of ClothesA traditional expression of grief and mourning in ancient Israel, signifying Elisha's sorrow at Elijah's departure. Teaching Points The Importance of Spiritual MentorshipElisha's relationship with Elijah underscores the value of mentorship in spiritual growth and leadership development. Recognizing God's SovereigntyThe imagery of chariots and horsemen reminds believers of God's ultimate power and protection over His people. Responding to Loss and TransitionElisha's tearing of his clothes illustrates a healthy expression of grief and the importance of acknowledging emotional transitions. Carrying Forward the MantleJust as Elisha continued Elijah's work, believers are called to carry forward the mission of Christ in their own lives. Seeing Beyond the PhysicalElisha's vision challenges believers to seek spiritual insight and recognize God's presence in their circumstances. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 2:12?
2.How does Elisha's cry in 2 Kings 2:12 reflect his relationship with Elijah?
3.What does "My father, my father" signify about spiritual mentorship in Christian life?
4.How can witnessing God's power, as Elisha did, strengthen our faith today?
5.In what ways can we seek God's guidance when facing loss, like Elisha?
6.How does 2 Kings 2:12 connect to Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit's power?
7.What does Elisha's cry in 2 Kings 2:12 reveal about his relationship with Elijah?
8.How does 2 Kings 2:12 illustrate the concept of spiritual inheritance?
9.Why is the chariot of fire significant in 2 Kings 2:12?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 2?
11.What events are described in 2 Kings?
12.What are the key events in Elisha's life?
13.What are the key events in 2 Kings?
14.What does Elijah's Chariot of Fire symbolize?What Does 2 Kings 2:12 Mean As Elisha watched• Elisha had kept his eyes fixed on Elijah, fulfilling the condition in2 Kings 2:10 that he must see his master taken up to receive a double portion. • His steady gaze shows obedience and faith, echoing Peter’s call to “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). • The prophetic office transfers in plain sight, much like Moses laying hands on Joshua before all Israel (Deuteronomy 34:9).
he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!”• “My father” speaks of deep filial affection and spiritual mentorship (cf.1 Corinthians 4:15;2 Kings 6:21). • “The chariots and horsemen of Israel” recognize Elijah himself as a primary instrument of God’s protection—more potent than military hardware (Psalm 20:7;Zechariah 4:6). • Elisha glimpses the fiery escort (2 Kings 2:11) and exclaims that the real defense of the nation is the presence of God and His prophets (Psalm 68:17). • Later, Elisha will be honored with the same title (2 Kings 13:14), confirming the mantle’s transfer.
And he saw Elijah no more.• Elijah’s bodily translation prefigures future rapture promises (1 Thessalonians 4:17) and recalls Enoch (Hebrews 11:5). • The finality stresses that the era of Elijah ends; Elisha must now act (John 14:12).
So taking hold of his own clothes• Clothes signify identity and office; Elisha’s immediate action shows conscious transition (Isaiah 61:10). • Grief and humility accompany responsibility—he will not presume on Elijah’s glory.
he tore them in two.• Tearing garments portrays intense sorrow (Genesis 37:34;Job 1:20) and repentance (Joel 2:13). • By ripping his robe, Elisha symbolizes laying aside the old mantle so he can don Elijah’s fallen cloak (2 Kings 2:13), just as believers “put off the old self” before receiving new power (Ephesians 4:22–24).
summaryElisha’s vigilant watching, heartfelt cry, and dramatic mourning mark the exact moment God transfers prophetic authority from Elijah to him. Elijah’s departure in heavenly chariots affirms God’s sovereignty and protective power, while Elisha’s torn robe signals both grief and readiness to step into a doubled anointing. (12) And Elisha . . . cried.--Literally, And Elisha was seeing, and he (emphatic) was shouting. (Comp. 2Kings 2:10, "If thou see me taken away.") My father, my father.--Expresses what Elijah was to Elisha. (See Note on2Kings 2:9.) The chariot (chariots--rekeb)of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.--Expressing what Elijah was to the nation. The Targum paraphrases, "My master, my master, who was better to Israel than chariots and horsemen by his prayers." The personal work and influence of a prophet like Elijah was the truest safeguard of Israel. The force of the expression will be seen, if it is remembered that chariots and horsemen constituted, in that age, the chief military arm, and were indispensable for the struggle against the Aramean states. (Comp.2Kings 7:6;2Kings 10:2;2Kings 13:14;1Kings 20:1;Psalm 20:7.) . . . Verse 12. - And Elisha saw it (comp. ver. 10). The condition was fulfilled which Elijah had laid down, and Elisha knew that his request for a "double portion" of his master's spirit was granted. And he cried, My father! my father! It was usual for servants thus to address their masters ( 2 Kings 5:13), and younger men would, out of respect, almost always thus address an aged prophet ( 2 Kings 6:21; 2 Kings 13:14, etc.). But Elisha probably meant something more than to show respect. He regarded himself as Elijah's specially adopted son, and hence had claimed the "double portion" of the firstborn. That his request was granted showed that the relationship was acknowledged. The chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof; i.e. the best earthly defense of Israel. "In losing thee," he means, "we lose our great protector - him that is more to us than chariots and horsemen - the strength of Israel, against both domestic and foreign foes." The sight of the fiery chariot and horses may have determined the imagery, but they are not spoken cf. Note the substitution of "horsemen" for "horses," and comp. 2 Kings 13:10, where the same expression is used in reference to Elisha. And he saw him no more. Elijah passed beyond Elisha's ken. So far as we can gather from the expressions employed, no cloud received him ( Acts 1:9), but he gradually vanished from sight. And he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces; an action marking extreme horror or extreme grief - here the latter (comp. Genesis 37:29; 2 Samuel 13:19; Job 1:20; Job 2:12, etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew As Elishaוֶאֱלִישָׁ֣ע(we·’ĕ·lî·šā‘)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 477:Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophetwatched,רֹאֶ֗ה(rō·’eh)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seeheוְה֤וּא(wə·hū)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, arecried out,מְצַעֵק֙(mə·ṣa·‘êq)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6817:To shriek, to proclaim“My father,אָבִ֣י ׀(’ā·ḇî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1:Fathermy father,אָבִ֗י(’ā·ḇî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1:Fatherthe chariotsרֶ֤כֶב(re·ḵeḇ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7393:A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstoneand horsemenוּפָ֣רָשָׁ֔יו(ū·p̄ā·rā·šāw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6571:A steed, a driver, cavalryof Israel!”יִשְׂרָאֵל֙(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descAnd he saw [Elijah]רָאָ֖הוּ(rā·’ā·hū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seenoוְלֹ֥א(wə·lō)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nomore.ע֑וֹד(‘ō·wḏ)Adverb
Strong's 5750:Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, moreSo taking holdוַֽיַּחֲזֵק֙(way·ya·ḥă·zêq)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2388:To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquerof his own clothes,בִּבְגָדָ֔יו(biḇ·ḡā·ḏāw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 899:A covering, clothing, treachery, pillagehe tore themוַיִּקְרָעֵ֖ם(way·yiq·rā·‘êm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7167:To rendin two.לִשְׁנַ֥יִם(liš·na·yim)Preposition-l | Number - md
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)
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OT History: 2 Kings 2:12 Elisha saw it and he cried My (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
