· Translation: KJV

2 Kings 2:21He went out to the spring of the waters, and threw salt into it, and said, "Thus says Yahweh, 'I have healed these waters. There shall not be from there any more death or miscarrying.'"

The setting

Jericho's main water spring, Israel, ~850 BC. Elisha throws salt into the contaminated spring and declares God's permanent healing. The water that brought death now brings life...

The emotion here: awe-filled authority as God's power flows through him to heal an entire community

The original word

rapi (רָפָא) — to heal completely, make whole, restore to original function

Why it matters

This spring, now called Ain es-Sultan, still flows today and is considered the most reliable water source in the Jordan Valley

Read with care

What most readers miss in 2 Kings 2:21

He said 'no MORE death' - this was a permanent fix, not temporary relief

Common misconceptionPeople focus on Elisha's power, but he clearly says 'Thus says Yahweh' - this was God's miracle through His prophet, not the prophet's own ability.

Bible Genome reading

2 Kings 2:21 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerElisha
EraDivided Kingdom
Primary emotionworship
Literary typenarrative
MarkPromise of God
MarkProphecy

Emotional genome

Comfort power70%
Quotability60%
Memorability70%
Crisis relevance70%
Standalone50%
Themes:divine healingGod's powerprophetic ministry

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open 2 Kings 2

2 Kings 2:21 comes from the book of 2 Kings, written during the Divided Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Elisha. The dominant emotion in this verse is worship, with a comfort power of 70% and a tone that is prophetic. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include divine healing, God's power, prophetic ministry. Notable phrases: Thus says Yahweh; I have healed these waters. This verse contains a promise of God. This verse contains prophecy.

Your reflection

What does 2 Kings 2:21 mean to you, today?

A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.

Speak your heart →

Get 3 verses for "worship"

Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.