Translation commentary on 2 Kings 2:6

This verse is yet another repetition of the same form as found in verses 2 and 4 (see the comments there). In this case, however, the place name is Jordan rather than “Bethel” or “Jericho.” Translators will recall that while the original readers of this story knew very well what the Jordan referred to, it may be necessary in other languages to specify “the Jordan River,” as in 1 Kgs 2.8 and elsewhere. The Jordan was about five kilometers (three miles) east of Jericho.

The two of them went on: The verb at the end of the verse indicates that the two prophets went on or “continued walking” (Nueva Versión Internacional). This is yet a different verb from the ones found in verses 2 and 4. New Jerusalem Bible says “they went on together” (similarly New American Bible).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 2 Kings 2:6

2:6a And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here,

Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here,

-or-

Elijah said ⌊again⌋ , “You (sing.) should stop here ⌊in Bethel⌋ .

-or-

Then Elijah asked Elisha to remain behind in Bethel

2:6b for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.”

because Yahweh has sent me on to the Jordan ⌊River⌋ .”

-or-

Yahweh has told me to go further, to the Jordan ⌊River⌋ .”

-or-

while he himself went on to the ⌊river⌋ Jordan, as Yahweh had told him to do.

2:6a-b (reordered)

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Yahweh has told me to continue on to the Jordan ⌊River⌋ . I would like you (sing.) to stay here in Bethel.”

2:6c But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live,

And Elisha replied, “As it is certain/true that Yahweh lives and that you (sing.) live,

-or-

And Elisha answered, “As you can be certain/sure that Yahweh lives and that you (sing.) live,

-or-

But ⌊Elisha refused.⌋ He promised/swore by Yahweh’s life and by Elijah’s life that

2:6d I will not leave you.”

I will not leave you ⌊alone⌋ .”

-or-

so you can be certain/sure that I will go/continue with you (sing.).”

-or-

he would not part/separate from Elijah.

2:6e So the two of them went on.

So they both went/walked on further.

-or-

So Elijah and Elisha continued their journey together.

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