Prophet · Old Testament
The Story of Elisha
Also: Elisha (Kiswahili)
Prophet who succeeded Elijah and performed many signs in Israel.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Elisha son of Shaphat left his ploughing to follow Elijah. When Elijah was taken up, Elisha asked for a double portion of his spirit and took up his cloak. 1 Kings 19:19–212 Kings 2:9–15
He provided oil for a widow, raised the Shunammite's son, saw Naaman healed of leprosy, and advised Israel's kings in war. 2 Kings 4:1–72 Kings 4:32–372 Kings 5:1–142 Kings 6:8–12
Life at a glance
- Father
- Shaphat 1 Kings 19:19
- Teacher
- Elijah 2 Kings 3:11
- Death
- Died of an illness and was buried 2 Kings 13:142 Kings 13:20
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Elisha
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Called from the plough
Elijah throws his cloak over Elisha, who slaughters his oxen and follows him.
More about this event
People: Elijah
A double portion
Elisha refuses to leave Elijah, asks for a double portion of his spirit, sees him taken up, and parts the Jordan with his cloak.
More about this event
People: Elijah
The widow's oil and the Shunammite's son
Elisha multiplies a widow's oil, promises a son to a Shunammite woman, and later raises the boy to life.
Naaman healed
Naaman, an Aramean commander, is told to wash seven times in the Jordan and is healed; Gehazi's greed brings leprosy on him.
Chariots of fire around Dothan
Surrounded by the Aramean army at Dothan, Elisha prays and his servant sees the hills full of horses and chariots of fire.
More about this event
Places named: Dothan
Last words and death
On his deathbed Elisha tells King Joash to strike the ground with arrows. After his death a dead man touches his bones and lives.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Elisha. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollections of these events
- Luke 4:27 recalls “Naaman healed”
Teaching or quotation mentioning them
- Luke 4:27 — Jesus recalls Naaman's healing in Elisha's time.
Family and relationships
- ElijahTeacher and predecessor2 Kings 2:15
- GehaziServant2 Kings 4:12
Books associated with Elisha
- 2 Kings Main narrative figure
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
Faith
- What does Elisha's servant see in 2 Kings 6:17?
Read offline
Save this story, then download the Bible books it uses in your version: 1 Kings, 2 Kings. The story uses the books already on your device; it never stores a second copy.