Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!’” So Elijah went. New Living Translation Now, therefore, this is what the LORD says: You will never leave the bed you are lying on; you will surely die.’” So Elijah went to deliver the message. English Standard Version Now therefore thus says the LORD, You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” So Elijah went. Berean Standard Bible Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” So Elijah departed. Berean Literal Bible And now thus says YHWH, ‘The bed to which you have gone up, you shall not come down from it. For You will surely die.’” And Elijah departed. King James Bible Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed. New King James Version Now therefore, thus says the LORD: ‘You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’ ” So Elijah departed. New American Standard Bible Now therefore, this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get down from the bed upon which you have lain, but you shall certainly die.’” Then Elijah departed. NASB 1995 “Now therefore thus says the LORD, ‘You shall not come down from the bed where you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” Then Elijah departed. NASB 1977 “Now therefore thus says the LORD, ‘You shall not come down from the bed where you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” Then Elijah departed. Legacy Standard Bible Now therefore thus says Yahweh, ‘You shall not come down from the bed where you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” Then Elijah departed. Amplified Bible Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You [Ahaziah] will not leave the bed on which you lie, but you will certainly die.’” So Elijah departed. Berean Annotated Bible Therefore this is what the LORD {YHWH} says: ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die. So Elijah (my God is YHWH) departed. Christian Standard Bible Therefore, this is what the LORD says: You will not get up from your sickbed; you will certainly die.’ ” Then Elijah left. Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore, this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get up from your sickbed—you will certainly die.’” Then Elijah left. American Standard Version Now therefore thus saith Jehovah, Thou shalt not come down from the bed whither thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed. Contemporary English Version Tell him that because he has done this, he's on his deathbed!" And Elijah did what he was told. English Revised Version Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from the bed whither thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed. GOD'S WORD® Translation This is what the LORD says: You will not get up from the bed you are lying on. Instead, you will die there.' " Then Elijah left. Good News Translation Tell the king that the LORD says, 'You will not recover from your injuries; you will die!'" Elijah did as the LORD commanded, International Standard Version Now therefore this is what the LORD says: "You won't be getting up from that bed of yours on which you're lying. You will most certainly die!"'" So Elijah got up and went. NET Bible Therefore this is what the LORD says, "You will not leave the bed you lie on, for you will certainly die!"'" So Elijah went on his way. New Heart English Bible Now therefore thus says the LORD, "You shall not come down from the bed where you have gone up, but shall surely die."'" Elijah departed. Webster's Bible Translation Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTherefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” So Elijah departed. World English Bible Now therefore Yahweh says, “You will not come down from the bed where you have gone up, but you will surely die.”’” Then Elijah departed. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd therefore, thus said YHWH: The bed to where you have gone up, you do not come down from it, for you certainly die”; and Elijah goes on. Berean Literal Bible And now thus says YHWH, ‘The bed to which you have gone up, you shall not come down from it. For You will surely die.’” And Elijah departed. Young's Literal Translation and therefore, thus said Jehovah, The bed whither thou hast gone up, thou dost not come down from it, for thou dost certainly die;' and Elijah goeth on. Smith's Literal Translation And for this, thus said Jehovah, The bed where thou wentest up there, thou shalt not come down from it, but dying, thou shalt die, and Elijah will go. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWherefore thus saith the Lord: From the bed, on which thou art gone up, thou shalt not come down, but thou shalt surely die. And Elias went away. Catholic Public Domain Version For this reason, thus says the Lord: From the bed to which you have ascended, you shall not descend. Instead, dying you shall die.’ ” And Elijah went away. New American Bible For this, the LORD says: You shall not leave the bed upon which you lie; instead, you shall die. And Elijah departed. New Revised Standard Version Now therefore thus says the LORD, ‘You shall not leave the bed to which you have gone, but you shall surely die.’” So Elijah went. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow therefore thus says the LORD: You shall not come down from the bed on which you are lying, but you shall surely die. And Elijah departed. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because of this, thus says LORD JEHOVAH: the bed upon which you went up, you shall not go down from it, but you shall surely die!” And Elyah went on. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now therefore thus saith the LORD: Thou shalt not come down from the bed whither thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.' And Elijah departed. Brenton Septuagint Translation For thus saith the Lord, The bed on which thou art gone up, thou shalt not come down from it, for thou shalt surely die. And Eliu went, and said so to them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Elijah Denounces Ahaziah…3But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’ 4Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” So Elijah departed. 5When the messengers returned to the king, he asked them, “Why have you returned?”… Cross References Therefore this is what the LORD says: 2 Kings 19:6 who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Isaiah 37:6 who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. 1 Kings 14:7 Go, tell Jeroboam that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I raised you up from among the people and appointed you ruler over My people Israel. ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. Psalm 41:8 “A vile disease has been poured into him; he will never get up from where he lies!” 2 Kings 20:1 In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” Isaiah 38:1 In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” You will surely die.’” Genesis 2:17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die.” Ezekiel 3:18 If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. Ezekiel 33:8 If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. So Elijah departed. 1 Kings 19:19 So 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. 1 Kings 18:2 So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. The famine was severe in Samaria, 1 Kings 17:5 So Elijah did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan. 2 Kings 1:6 They replied, “A man came up to meet us and said, ‘Go back to the king who sent you and tell him that this is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending these men to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” 2 Kings 1:16 And Elijah said to King Ahaziah, “This is what the LORD says: Is there really no God in Israel for you to inquire of His word? Is that why you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.” 1 Kings 22:28 But Micaiah replied, “If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Take heed, all you people!” 2 Kings 7:1-2 Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the LORD says: ‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel.’” / But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.” Treasury of Scripture Now therefore thus said the LORD, You shall not come down from that bed on which you are gone up, but shall surely die. And Elijah departed. Thou shalt, etc. but shalt Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: Numbers 26:65 For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. Jump to Previous Bed Death Departed Die Ear Elijah Eli'jah Leave Surely Whither WordsJump to Next Bed Death Departed Die Ear Elijah Eli'jah Leave Surely Whither Words2 Kings 1 1. Moab rebels2. Ahaziah, sending to Baal-Zebub, has his judgement by Elijah 5. Elijah twice brings fire from heaven on those Ahaziah sent to apprehend him. 13. He pities the third captain, 15. and, encouraged by an angel, tells the king of his death 17. Jehoram succeeds Ahaziah Therefore this is what the LORD says: This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, emphasizing the authority and certainty of God's word. In the biblical context, prophets often served as God's mouthpieces, delivering messages directly from Him. This underscores the seriousness of the message and the role of Elijah as a true prophet. The phrase "the LORD says" is a common prophetic formula found throughout the Old Testament, indicating that the message is not of human origin but divinely inspired. ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying: You will surely die.’” So Elijah departed. Persons / Places / Events 1. AhaziahThe king of Israel who fell through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and was seriously injured. He sent messengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, instead of seeking the LORD. 2. Elijah The prophet of God who delivered the message of judgment to Ahaziah. Elijah is a central figure in this account, representing God's voice and authority. 3. Samaria The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Ahaziah ruled. It is significant as the setting of Ahaziah's fall and subsequent events. 4. Baal-Zebub The false god of Ekron, whom Ahaziah sought for guidance. This act of idolatry provoked God's judgment. 5. The LORD (Yahweh) The God of Israel, who pronounces judgment on Ahaziah through Elijah for his idolatry and lack of faith. Teaching Points The Consequences of IdolatryAhaziah's decision to seek Baal-Zebub instead of the LORD demonstrates the severe consequences of idolatry. Believers are reminded to seek God first in all circumstances. The Certainty of God's Word God's pronouncement through Elijah was fulfilled exactly as stated. This underscores the reliability and authority of God's Word. The Role of Prophets Elijah's role as a prophet highlights the importance of listening to God's messengers. Today, believers are encouraged to heed the teachings of Scripture and those who faithfully proclaim it. God's Sovereignty Over Life and Death The declaration that Ahaziah would not recover emphasizes God's control over life and death. Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty in all aspects of life. Repentance and Turning to God Ahaziah's account serves as a warning to turn away from false gods and seek the LORD. It is a call to repentance and faithfulness to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 1:4?2. How does 2 Kings 1:4 demonstrate God's sovereignty over life and death? 3. What can we learn about God's judgment from 2 Kings 1:4? 4. How does 2 Kings 1:4 connect to the theme of divine retribution? 5. How should 2 Kings 1:4 influence our understanding of seeking guidance from God? 6. What actions can we take to align with God's will as shown here? 7. Why did God send Elijah to deliver a death prophecy to Ahaziah in 2 Kings 1:4? 8. How does 2 Kings 1:4 reflect God's judgment on idolatry? 9. What does Ahaziah's fate in 2 Kings 1:4 teach about seeking guidance from false gods? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 1? 11. In 2 Kings 1:4, what historical proof exists, if any, to validate Elijah’s prophecy regarding Ahaziah’s death and the timing of his fall? 12. Was John the Baptist Elijah who was to come? Yes (Matthew II: 14, 17:10-13) No (John 1:19-21) 13. Was John the Baptist Elijah? (Matthew 11:14 vs. John 1:21) 14. If Elijah is supposed to return (Malachi 4:5), why does the New Testament imply John the Baptist's role was that of Elijah, yet he denies being Elijah in John 1:21? What Does 2 Kings 1:4 Mean Therefore this is what the LORD says• Elijah speaks only what God has given him, underscoring divine authority (Deuteronomy 18:18; Jeremiah 1:7). • The phrase signals that the message carries the full weight of God’s character—holy, sovereign, and unchanging (Isaiah 46:10; Psalm 33:11). • Context: King Ahaziah had turned to Baal-zebub for answers (2 Kings 1:2), so God responds personally, confronting idolatry and asserting His exclusivity (Exodus 20:3). You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying • A clear, literal declaration: Ahaziah’s sickness is terminal; he will not recover (2 Kings 1:16 repeats it verbatim). • The bed becomes a symbol of both physical helplessness and the consequences of sin (Psalm 38:3-4). • God’s word precisely defines the boundary of Ahaziah’s remaining life—he will go no farther than that mattress (Job 14:5). You will surely die • The double assurance removes all doubt; God’s judgment is fixed (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 9:27). • Death here is both a personal consequence and a public statement against idolatry (Romans 6:23; Genesis 2:17). • Bullet points of significance: – Confirms God’s holiness—He will not share glory with false gods (Isaiah 42:8). – Demonstrates the seriousness of disobedience by a covenant king (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). – Underscores the reliability of prophetic warning; what God says, He does (1 Kings 13:32). So Elijah departed • Immediate obedience: Elijah delivers the message and leaves, trusting God to fulfill it (1 Kings 17:5; 19:15-18). • His departure highlights that the prophet’s job is proclamation, not persuasion; results belong to God (Ezekiel 2:7). • The scene contrasts a faithful messenger with a faithless king, inviting readers to choose allegiance (Joshua 24:15). summary God’s verdict on Ahaziah is unmistakable: because the king sought a false god, the LORD Himself announces an irreversible death sentence. The episode showcases divine authority, the certainty of God’s word, the lethal seriousness of idolatry, and the model obedience of Elijah. The lesson is plain—trust the LORD alone, heed His warnings promptly, and walk in faithful submission to His revealed truth. (4) Now therefore.--For this act of faithlessness, and to prove by the event that there is a God in Israel, whose oracle is unerring. (Comp. 1Kings 18:24, seq.)Thus saith.--Or, hath said. After these words the prophetic announcement comes in rather abruptly. Perhaps the verse has been abridged by the compiler, and in the original account from which he drew, the words of 2Kings 1:6 may have followed here, "Go, return to the king . . . Ekron." And Eijah departed.--On the Lord's errand. The LXX. adds, "and said unto them," or "told them," which is perhaps due to a copyist's eye having wandered to the words "unto him," or "unto them," in next verse (Thenius). Verse 4. - Now therefore. The word translated, "therefore" (לָכֵן) is emphatic, and means "for this reason," "on this account." Because Ahaziah had apostatized from Cod, God sentenced him to die from the effects of his fall, and not to recover. It is implied that he might have recovered if he had acted otherwise. And Elijah departed; i.e. quitted the messengers, showing that his errand was accomplished - he had said all that he was commissioned to say.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Therefore,וְלָכֵן֙ (wə·lā·ḵên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus this is what כֹּֽה־ (kōh-) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel says: אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘You will not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no get up תֵרֵ֥ד (ṯê·rêḏ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend from מִמֶּ֖נָּה (mim·men·nāh) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the bed הַמִּטָּ֞ה (ham·miṭ·ṭāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4296: A bed, for, sleeping, eating, a sofa, litter, bier on which אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you are lying. עָלִ֥יתָ (‘ā·lî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively You will surely die.’” מ֣וֹת (mō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 4191: To die, to kill So Elijah אֵלִיָּֽה׃ (’ê·lî·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 452: Elijah -- 'Yah is God', a well-known prophet of Israel, also three other Israelites departed. וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk Links 2 Kings 1:4 NIV2 Kings 1:4 NLT 2 Kings 1:4 ESV 2 Kings 1:4 NASB 2 Kings 1:4 KJV 2 Kings 1:4 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 1:4 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 1:4 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 1:4 French Bible 2 Kings 1:4 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 1:4 Now therefore thus says Yahweh You shall (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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