2 Kings 6:1
New International Version
The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us.

New Living Translation
One day the group of prophets came to Elisha and told him, “As you can see, this place where we meet with you is too small.

English Standard Version
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us.

Berean Standard Bible
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please take note that the place where we meet with you is too small for us.

King James Bible
And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.

New King James Version
And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us.

New American Standard Bible
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Behold now, the place before you where we are living is too cramped for us.

NASB 1995
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Behold now, the place before you where we are living is too limited for us.

NASB 1977
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Behold now, the place before you where we are living is too limited for us.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Behold now, the place before you where we are living is too limited for us.

Amplified Bible
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look now, the place where we live near you is too small for us.

Christian Standard Bible
The sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please notice that the place where we live under your supervision is too small for us.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please notice that the place where we live under your supervision is too small for us.

American Standard Version
And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell before thee is too strait for us.

Contemporary English Version
One day the prophets said to Elisha, "The place where we meet with you is too small.

English Revised Version
And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell before thee is too strait for us.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The disciples of the prophets said to Elisha, "The place where we're staying is too small for us.

Good News Translation
One day the group of prophets that Elisha was in charge of complained to him, "The place where we live is too small!

International Standard Version
One day the Guild of Prophets told Elisha, "Notice how the place where we are living is too small for us.

Majority Standard Bible
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please take note that the place where we meet with you is too small for us.

NET Bible
Some of the prophets said to Elisha, "Look, the place where we meet with you is too cramped for us.

New Heart English Bible
The sons of the prophets said to Elisha, "See now, the place where we dwell before you is too small for us.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too narrow for us.

World English Bible
The sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we live and meet with you is too small for us.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And sons of the prophet say to Elisha, “Now behold, the place where we are dwelling before you is too narrow for us;

Young's Literal Translation
And sons of the prophet say unto Elisha, 'Lo, we pray thee, the place where we are dwelling before thee is too strait for us;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of the prophets will say to Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell there before thee is narrow for us.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the sons of the prophets said to Eliseus: Behold the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha: “Behold, the place in which we live before you is too narrow for us.

New American Bible
The guild prophets once said to Elisha: “This place where we live with you is too cramped for us.

New Revised Standard Version
Now the company of prophets said to Elisha, “As you see, the place where we live under your charge is too small for us.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
AND the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, Behold now, this place wherein we dwell with you is too small for us.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sons of the Prophets said to Elisha: “This place where we are dwelling before you is confined for us.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha: 'Behold now, the place where we dwell before thee is too strait for us.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sons of the prophets said to Elisaie, Behold now, the place wherein we dwell before thee is too narrow for us.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Axhead Floats
1Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please take note that the place where we meet with you is too small for us. 2Please let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a log so we can build ourselves a place to live there.” “Go,” said Elisha.…

Cross References
Acts 6:1-7
In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ...

1 Kings 4:33
He spoke of trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing in the wall, and he taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish.

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.

1 Samuel 10:5
After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying.

1 Kings 19:19-21
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. / 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.

2 Kings 2:3-5
Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.” / And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. / Then the sons of the prophets at Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”

1 Corinthians 3:6-9
I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. / He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. ...

2 Kings 4:38-44
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, he said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets.” / One of them went out to the field to gather herbs, and he found a wild vine from which he gathered as many wild gourds as his garment could hold. Then he came back and cut them up into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were. / And they poured it out for the men to eat, but when they tasted the stew they cried out, “There is death in the pot, O man of God!” And they could not eat it. ...

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

2 Kings 2:15
When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.

Luke 10:1-2
After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. / And He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.

1 Kings 20:35
Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD, one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, “Strike me, please!” But the man refused to strike him.

2 Kings 9:1
Now Elisha the prophet summoned one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Tuck your cloak under your belt, take this flask of oil, and go to Ramoth-gilead.

Mark 6:7
Then Jesus called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits.

2 Kings 5:22
“Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘Look, two young men from the sons of the prophets have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’”


Treasury of Scripture

And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with you is too strait for us.

the sons

2 Kings 2:3
And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

1 Kings 20:35
And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.

the place

2 Kings 4:38
And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

1 Samuel 19:20
And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.

too strait for us

Joshua 17:14
And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

Joshua 19:47
And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.

Job 36:16
Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.

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2 Kings 6
1. Elisha, allowing the young prophets to enlarge dwellings, floats an axhead
8. He discloses the king of Syria's counsel
13. The army which was sent to Dothan to apprehend Elisha, is blinded
19. Being brought into Samaria, they are dismissed in peace
24. The famine in Samaria causes women to eat their own children
30. The king sends to slay Elisha














The company of the prophets
This phrase refers to a group of prophets who were likely disciples or followers of Elisha, the successor of Elijah. In Hebrew, the term used is "בְּנֵי הַנְּבִיאִים" (bene ha-nevi'im), which translates to "sons of the prophets." This indicates a communal or guild-like structure where prophets lived and learned together, suggesting a formalized prophetic tradition in ancient Israel. Historically, these groups were centers of spiritual and prophetic activity, often associated with significant figures like Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha. They played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual and moral fabric of Israel during tumultuous times.

said to Elisha
Elisha, whose name means "God is salvation," was a prominent prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He was known for his miracles and his role as a spiritual leader. The prophets addressing Elisha indicates his position of authority and respect among them. This interaction highlights the relational and communal aspect of prophetic ministry, where guidance and leadership were sought from those with greater experience and divine insight.

Look, the place where we meet with you
The phrase suggests a designated location where the prophets regularly gathered with Elisha. This could have been a school or a communal living area, emphasizing the organized nature of prophetic ministry. The Hebrew word for "place" is "מָקוֹם" (makom), which can refer to a physical location or a more abstract space of gathering. This setting underscores the importance of community and fellowship in spiritual growth and learning.

is too small for us
This statement reflects the growth and expansion of the prophetic community. The need for a larger space indicates that the number of prophets was increasing, which could be seen as a sign of spiritual revival or renewal in Israel. It also suggests a thriving and dynamic community that required more resources to accommodate its members. This growth can be interpreted as a positive development, showing that the message and influence of the prophets were spreading.

VI.

THE HISTORY OF ELISHA'S MIGHTY WORKS CONTINUED.

(1-7) The prophet causes an iron ax-head to float ?n the Jordan.

(1) And the sons of the prophets said.--The form of the verb implies connection with the preceding narrative; but as the section refers to Elisha's activity among the sons of the prophets, it was probably connected originally with 2Kings 4:44. The compiler may have transferred it to its present position in order, as Thenius suggests, to indicate the lapse of some time between the events described here and there; and further, to separate the account of the renewed warfare between Syria and Israel (2Kings 6:8, seq.) from that of Elisha's good deed to Naaman the Syrian.

The place where we dwell with thee.--Rather, the place where we sit before thee: scil., habitually, for instruction. The phrase occurred in 2Kings 4:38. The common hall is meant; whether that at Gilgal or at Jericho is uncertain. Jericho was close to the Jordan (2Kings 6:2), but that does not prove that it is meant here. The prophet's disciples did not live in a single building, like a community of monks. Their settlement is called "dwellings" (n?yoth) in the plural (1Samuel 19:18); and they could be married (2Kings 4:1). . . .

Verse 1. - 2 Kings 7:20. - FURTHER MIRACLES WROUGHT BY ELISHA. The historian relates first a (comparatively) private miracle wrought by Elisha in the vicinity of Jericho, for the benefit of one of the "sons of the prophets" (vers. 1-8). He then tells us briVerse 1.
- And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee - literally, before thee - is too strait for us. The scene of this miracle is probably the vicinity of Jericho, since both Gilgal and Bethel were remote from the Jordan. The "school of the prophets" at Jericho, whereof we heard in 2 Kings 2:5, 19, had increased so much, that the buildings which hitherto had accommodated it were no longer sufficient. A larger dwelling, or set of dwelling, was thought to be necessary; but the scholars would make no change without the sanction of their master. When he comes on one of his circuits, they make appeal to him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now the sons
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of the prophets
הַנְּבִיאִ֖ים (han·nə·ḇî·’îm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

said
וַיֹּאמְר֥וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Elisha,
אֱלִישָׁ֑ע (’ĕ·lî·šā‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 477: Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet

“Please
נָ֣א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

take note
הִנֵּֽה־ (hin·nêh-)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

that the place
הַמָּק֗וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

where
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

we
אֲנַ֜חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū)
Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587: We

meet
יֹשְׁבִ֥ים (yō·šə·ḇîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

with you
לְפָנֶ֖יךָ (lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

is too small
צַ֥ר (ṣar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6862: Narrow, a tight place, a pebble, an opponent

for us.
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of


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OT History: 2 Kings 6:1 The sons of the prophets said (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 5:27
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