Translations
Modern
As 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.
Traditional
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
Literal
And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen,” and he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.
Latin
Eliseus autem videbat, et clamabat: Pater mi, pater mi, currus Israël, et auriga ejus. Et non vidit eum amplius: apprehenditque vestimenta sua, et scidit illa in duas partes.
Original
Hebrew
English
As 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.
Notes
Elijah was Elisha’s spiritual father and personal mentor. Compare the tribute given to him at his death in 2 Kings 13:14.
Elijah was taken up into heaven. At that moment, the role of prophet passed to Elisha, shown by the transfer of Elijah’s mantle (cloak).
Events
People
Elisha: A prophet who succeeded Elijah Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes
Glossary
Clothing Elijah Jordan River Kings, Books of First and Second Leather Miracle Sons of the Prophets
Topics
Ascension of Elijah Chariots: Prophets Elisha: Witnesses Elijah's Transporting, Receives a Double Portion of his Spirit Mourning for Calamities and Other Sorrows: Ripping the Garments Prophets: Schools of Rending: (Ripping, Tearing) of Garments, an Outward Sign of Affliction Translation of Elijah