2 Kings 2:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As Elisha travels toward Bethel, children emerge from the city and mock him, taunting his baldness and challenging him to ascend as Elijah did.
The Context of 2 Kings 2:23
Elisha has departed Jericho and is traveling north toward Bethel. Young people from the city emerge and mock him, likely driven by cultural contempt for the prophetic office and for Elisha's appearance.
2 Kings 2:23 in the Original Language
'bald head' (Hebrew qearach) emphasizes the visibility and perhaps unusualness of his baldness. In ancient Near Eastern culture, baldness could signify mourning or disease. The children's mockery combines physical insult with spiritual challenge.
How to Apply 2 Kings 2:23 Today
To mock those set apart by God for His purpose is to invite serious consequences. More broadly, we are called to teach our children respect for those whom God ordains, and to cultivate in ourselves reverence for the prophetic voice, not contempt.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 2:23
What does 2 Kings 2:23 mean?
As Elisha travels toward Bethel, children emerge from the city and mock him, taunting his baldness and challenging him to ascend as Elijah did.
What is the context of 2 Kings 2:23?
Elisha has departed Jericho and is traveling north toward Bethel. Young people from the city emerge and mock him, likely driven by cultural contempt for the prophetic office and for Elisha's appearance.
How can I apply 2 Kings 2:23 today?
To mock those set apart by God for His purpose is to invite serious consequences. More broadly, we are called to teach our children respect for those whom God ordains, and to cultivate in ourselves reverence for the prophetic voice, not contempt.