2 Kings 2:12 net — While Elisha was watching, he was crying out,“My father, my father! The chariot and horsemen of Israel!” Then he could…

NET Bible

"While 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."

— 2 Kings 2:12, NET Bible

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2 Kings 2:12 in Other Translations

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2 Kings 2 — Context

9

When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha,“What can I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha answered,“May I receive a double portion of the prophetic spirit that energizes you.”

10

Elijah replied,“That’s a difficult request! If you see me taken from you, may it be so, but if you don’t, it will not happen.”

11

As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a fiery chariot pulled by fiery horses appeared. They went between Elijah and Elisha, and Elijah went up to heaven in a windstorm.

12

While 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.

13

He picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen off him, and went back and stood on the shore of the Jordan.

14

He took the cloak that had fallen off Elijah, hit the water with it, and said,“Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” When he hit the water, it divided and Elisha crossed over.

15

When the members of the prophetic guild in Jericho, who were standing at a distance, saw him do this, they said,“The spirit that energized Elijah rests upon Elisha.” They went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.

2 Kings 2:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Kings 2:12 say?
2 Kings 2:12 in the NET Bible reads: “While 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.”
Where is 2 Kings 2:12 in the Bible?
2 Kings 2:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Kings, chapter 2, verse 12.
Who wrote 2 Kings?
2 Kings is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Jeremiah). It was written c. 561–538 BC.
What is the book of 2 Kings about?
2 Kings carries the divided kingdom from Elijah and Elisha through the fall of both Israel and Judah. Despite the prophets' warnings, both kingdoms decline through idolatry — the north into Assyrian captivity, the south into Babylonian exile — fulfilling the covenant curses.
What are the major themes of 2 Kings?
2 Kings explores themes including Judgment, Exile, Prophets, Covenant Curses, Remnant. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Kings 2:12.
What translation should I read 2 Kings 2:12 in?
2 Kings 2:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Kings 2:12?
2 Kings 2:12 reads (NET): “While 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.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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