2 Kings 2:11
New International Version
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

New Living Translation
As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven.

English Standard Version
And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Berean Standard Bible
As 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.

King James Bible
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

New King James Version
Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

New American Standard Bible
And as they were walking along and talking, behold, a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and they separated the two of them. Then Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven.

NASB 1995
As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven.

NASB 1977
Then it came about as they were going along and talking, that behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven.

Legacy Standard Bible
As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire, and it separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven.

Amplified Bible
As they continued along and talked, behold, a chariot of fire with horses of fire [appeared suddenly and] separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

Christian Standard Bible
As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire with horses of fire suddenly appeared and separated the two of them. Then Elijah went up into heaven in the whirlwind.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire with horses of fire suddenly appeared and separated the two of them. Then Elijah went up into heaven in the whirlwind.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Contemporary English Version
Elijah and Elisha were walking along and talking, when suddenly there appeared between them a flaming chariot pulled by fiery horses. At once, a strong wind took Elijah up into heaven.

English Revised Version
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As they continued walking and talking, a fiery chariot with fiery horses separated the two of them, and Elijah went to heaven in a windstorm.

Good News Translation
They kept talking as they walked on; then suddenly a chariot of fire pulled by horses of fire came between them, and Elijah was taken up to heaven by a whirlwind.

International Standard Version
As they continued on, talking as they went, suddenly chariots blazing with fire and pulled by fiery horses appeared, separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a wind storm to heaven!

Majority Standard Bible
As 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.

NET Bible
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.

New Heart English Bible
It happened, as they still went on, and talked, that look, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

World English Bible
As they continued on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, they are going, going on and speaking, and behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire [appear], and they separate between them both, and Elijah goes up to the heavens in a whirlwind.

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, they are going, going on and speaking, and lo, a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and they separate between them both, and Elijah goeth up in a whirlwind, to the heavens.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be they went, going speaking, and behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire, and they will separate between them two; and Elijah will up in a tempest to the heavens.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And as they went on, walking and talking together, behold a fiery chariot, and fiery horses parted them both asunder: and Elias went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And as they continued on, they were conversing while walking. And behold, a fiery chariot with fiery horses divided the two. And Elijah ascended by a whirlwind into heaven.

New American Bible
As they walked on still conversing, a fiery chariot and fiery horses came between the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind,

New Revised Standard Version
As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass, as they still went on and talked, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire, and separated the two; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was that when they were speaking and walking, also, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire, and they parted between both of them, and Elyah went up in a whirlwind to Heaven.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both assunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass as they were going, they went on talking; and, behold, a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and it separated between them both; and Eliu was taken up in a whirlwind as it were into heaven.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elijah Taken to Heaven
10“You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. “Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so.” 11 As 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 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.…

Cross References
Genesis 5:24
Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God had taken him away.

Hebrews 11:5
By 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 4:17
After 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.

Matthew 17:1-3
After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. / There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. / Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.

Luke 9:28-31
About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray. / And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white. / Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus. ...

Revelation 11:12
And the witnesses heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched them.

Acts 1:9-11
After 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 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— / in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

Philippians 3:20-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, / who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

1 Kings 19:11-12
Then the LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD. Behold, the LORD is about to pass by.” And a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. / After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice.

Exodus 19:18
Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently.

Psalm 104:3
laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind.

Ezekiel 1:4
I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a gleam like amber,

Daniel 7:13
In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence.


Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Psalm 68:17
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.

Psalm 104:3,4
Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: …

by a whirlwind

2 Kings 2:1
And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

into heaven

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.

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Apart Appeared Asunder Carriages Chariot Elijah Eli'jah Fire Great Heaven Heavens Horses Parted Separated Separating Talked Talking Together Walking Way Whirlwind Wind
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Apart Appeared Asunder Carriages Chariot Elijah Eli'jah Fire Great Heaven Heavens Horses Parted Separated Separating Talked Talking Together Walking Way Whirlwind Wind
2 Kings 2
1. Elijah, taking his leave of Elisha, with his mantle divides Jordan
9. and, granting Elisha his request, is taken up by a fiery chariot into heaven
12. Elisha, dividing Jordan with Elijah's mantle, is acknowledged his successor
16. The young prophets, hardly obtaining leave to seek Elijah, cannot find him.
19. Elisha with salt heals the unwholesome waters
23. Bears destroy the children that mocked Elisha














As they were walking along and talking together
This phrase sets the scene of a close relationship between Elijah and Elisha, his devoted disciple. The Hebrew root for "walking" (הָלַךְ, halak) often implies a journey or a way of life, suggesting that their relationship was not just physical but spiritual. The act of "talking" (דָּבַר, dabar) indicates a deep communication, possibly about the prophetic ministry or the things of God. This moment reflects the importance of mentorship and fellowship in the faith journey, emphasizing that spiritual growth often occurs in the context of community and shared experiences.

suddenly
The suddenness of the event underscores the divine intervention and the unexpected nature of God's actions. The Hebrew word "פִּתְאֹם" (pithom) conveys an element of surprise, reminding believers that God's plans and timing are often beyond human understanding. This serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and prepared for God's work in our lives, as His ways are higher than ours.

a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared
The imagery of "a chariot of fire with horses of fire" is rich with symbolism. In the ancient Near Eastern context, chariots were symbols of power and warfare. The "fire" (אֵשׁ, esh) represents God's presence, purity, and judgment. This divine chariot signifies God's power and approval of Elijah's ministry. It also prefigures the spiritual warfare that believers are engaged in, reminding us of the heavenly resources available to us through faith.

and separated the two of them
The act of separation here is significant. The Hebrew verb "פָּרַד" (parad) implies a division or distinction. This moment marks the end of Elijah's earthly ministry and the beginning of Elisha's. It highlights the transition of leadership and the continuation of God's work through different vessels. For believers, it is a reminder that while human leaders may change, God's mission continues, and He raises new leaders to carry on His work.

and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind
Elijah's ascension "to heaven in a whirlwind" is a unique event in Scripture, paralleled only by Enoch's translation. The "whirlwind" (סְעָרָה, se'arah) is often associated with God's powerful presence and judgment, as seen in Job and the Psalms. Elijah's departure in this manner signifies God's approval and the fulfillment of his prophetic mission. It serves as a foreshadowing of Christ's ascension and the promise of eternal life for believers. This event inspires hope and assurance of God's ultimate victory and the believer's future glorification.

(11) And it came to pass . . . talked.--Literally, And it came to pass, they (emphatic) were walking a walking and talking, i.e., were going on farther and farther, talking as they went. Whither they went is not told; probably some height of the mountains of Gilead, Elijah's native country, was the scene of his departure. (Comp. Deuteronomy 34:5; Numbers 20:28.)

That, behold, there appeared . . . fire.--Literally, and, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire. Rekeb is generally collective; so the Targum here. (Comp. 2Kings 6:17 : "Horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.")

Parted them both asunder.--Or, made parting between them twain, i.e., the appearance of fiery chariots and horses came between Elijah and Elisha, surrounding the former as with a flaming war-host. (Comp. 2Kings 6:17.)

Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.--Rather, Elijah went up in the storm heavenward, or, perhaps, into the air. S?'?r?h, properly storm-blast; and so storm, thunderstorm. (Comp. Ezekiel 1:4, seq., where Jehovah appears in a "whirlwind," which is described as a great fiery cloud; and Job 38:1, where He answers Job "out of the whirlwind;" and Nehemiah 1:3 : "The Lord hath His path in whirlwind and in storm (s?'?r?h), and the clouds are the dust of His feet.") The Hebrew mind recognised the presence and working of Jehovah in the terrific phenomena of nature; the thunder-cloud or storm-wind was His chariot, the thunder His voice, the lightning His arrow. (Comp. Psalm 18:6-15; Psalm 104:3.) We must therefore be cautious of taking the words before us in too literal a sense. The essential meaning of the passage is this, that God suddenly took Elijah to Himself, amid a grand display of His power in and through the forces of nature. The popular conception, which we see embodied in such pictures as William Blake's Translation of Elijah, that the prophet ascended to heaven in a fiery car drawn by horses of fire, is plainly read into, rather than gathered from, the sacred text. . . .

Verse 11. - And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked (comp. Luke 24:50, 51,). The antitype answers to the type in little details as well as in the general outline. That behold, there appeared a chariot of firs, and horses of fire. God's "angels are spirits, and his ministers a flaming fire" (Psalm 104:4). When the eyes of Elisha's servant were opened, and he saw the angelic host that protected his master, it appeared to him that "the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha" (2 Kings 6:17). Material fire is, of course, not to be thought cf. But the glory and brightness of celestial beings, when made visible to man, has some analogy with fire, or at any rate brings the conception of fire before the mind. The historian doubtless reports the account which Elisha gave of what he saw on this memorable occasion. And parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven; literally, and Elijah went up in a storm into the heavens. There is no mention of a "whirlwind;" and "the heavens" are primarily the visible firmament or sky which overhangs the earth. Elijah, like our Lord, rose bodily from the earth into the upper region of the air, and was there lost to sight. Three only of the seed of Adam - Enoch, Elijah, Jesus - have passed from earth to heaven without dying.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As they
הֵ֣מָּה (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

were walking along
הֹלְכִ֤ים (hō·lə·ḵîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and talking together,
וְדַבֵּ֔ר (wə·ḏab·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

suddenly
וְהִנֵּ֤ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

a chariot
רֶֽכֶב־ (re·ḵeḇ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

of fire
אֵשׁ֙ (’êš)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

with horses
וְס֣וּסֵי (wə·sū·sê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird)

of fire
אֵ֔שׁ (’êš)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

appeared and separated
וַיַּפְרִ֖דוּ (way·yap̄·ri·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6504: To break through, spread, separate

the two of them,
שְׁנֵיהֶ֑ם (šə·nê·hem)
Number - mdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

and Elijah
אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ (’ê·lî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 452: Elijah -- 'Yah is God', a well-known prophet of Israel, also three other Israelites

went up
וַיַּ֙עַל֙ (way·ya·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

into heaven
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ (haš·šā·mā·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

in a whirlwind.
בַּֽסְעָרָ֖ה (bas·sə·‘ā·rāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5591: A hurricane


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OT History: 2 Kings 2:11 It happened as they still went (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 2:10
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