1 Kings 19:20

KJV

And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and [then] I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he left {H5800} the oxen {H1241}, and ran {H7323} after {H310} Elijah {H452}, and said {H559}, Let me, I pray thee, kiss {H5401} my father {H1} and my mother {H517}, and then I will follow {H3212}{H310} thee. And he said {H559} unto him, Go back {H3212} again {H7725}: for what have I done {H6213} to thee?

Complete Jewish Bible

He left the oxen, ran after Eliyahu and said, "Please let me kiss my father and mother good-bye; then I will follow you." He answered, "Go; but return, because of what I did to you."

Berean Standard Bible

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?”

American Standard Version

And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again; for what have I done to thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 19:20 records the pivotal moment of Elisha's initial response to Elijah's prophetic call. Having received Elijah's mantle, a symbolic gesture of succession, Elisha immediately leaves his prosperous farming life. He requests a brief farewell to his parents before committing fully to follow Elijah. Elijah's enigmatic reply, "Go back again: for what have I done to thee?", challenges Elisha to fully grasp the profound, divine nature of the call, emphasizing that his decision must be one of personal conviction and absolute devotion, not mere human prompting.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Elijah's dramatic encounter with God at Mount Horeb in [1 Kings 19](/1-kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah's Encounter with God at Horeb and the Call of Elisha"). After experiencing the "still small voice" and receiving new divine instructions, Elijah is commanded to anoint Hazael as king over Syria, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as his own prophetic successor ([1 Kings 19:15-16](/1-kings/19-15 "1 Kings 19:15-16 - Divine Instructions to Elijah")). The narrative then swiftly transitions to Elijah finding Elisha plowing in the field, where he casts his mantle upon him, a clear non-verbal summons to prophetic ministry ([1 Kings 19:19](/1-kings/19-19 "1 Kings 19:19 - Elijah Casts His Mantle Upon Elisha")). Elisha's response in verse 20 thus marks the beginning of his transition from a wealthy farmer to a prophet, setting the stage for his apprenticeship under Elijah and eventual succession.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Elisha's occupation as a farmer "with twelve yoke of oxen before him" indicates a man of considerable wealth and standing in ancient Israelite society. Plowing with multiple teams of oxen was a significant agricultural undertaking, suggesting a large estate and a settled, prosperous life. The act of "kissing one's father and mother" was a common and culturally expected gesture of respect and farewell, particularly when undertaking a long journey or a significant life change. Elijah's call comes during a period of intense spiritual apostasy in Israel under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, where the worship of Baal was prevalent. Prophets like Elijah stood as counter-cultural figures, often living austere lives and challenging the established religious and political order. Elisha's immediate abandonment of his livelihood highlights the radical nature of a divine call in a society deeply rooted in land, family, and tradition.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1-kings "1 Kings - The History of the Kings of Israel and Judah") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty of God in calling individuals** to His service, often in unexpected ways and from diverse backgrounds. Elisha's immediate, decisive response exemplifies the theme of **radical obedience and the cost of discipleship**, echoing later New Testament teachings about leaving all to follow Christ ([Matthew 19:27](/matthew/19-27 "Matthew 19:27 - Peter's Question About Following Jesus")). Secondly, Elijah's cryptic question, "for what have I done to thee?", introduces the theme of **personal responsibility in responding to a divine call**. It implies that while the call originates from God, the individual must fully internalize and own their commitment, understanding its profound implications. This exchange foreshadows the challenges and sacrifices inherent in prophetic ministry and in following God's will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"oxen" (Hebrew, _bāqār'_):** Refers to cattle, specifically oxen used for plowing. Elisha's immediate departure from his twelve yoke of oxen signifies a complete and decisive break from his former life and source of livelihood. This was a substantial sacrifice, indicating his wealth and the depth of his commitment.
* **"kiss" (Hebrew, _nāšaq'_):** A common gesture of affection, respect, and farewell in the ancient Near East. Elisha's request to kiss his parents is a natural human desire for closure and respect before embarking on a new, potentially arduous journey. It highlights the tension between familial ties and the demands of a divine calling.
* **"what have I done to thee?" (Hebrew, מַה־עָשִׂיתִי לָךְ, _mah-asíti lāḵ_):** This is a crucial rhetorical question. It is not an expression of regret or a withdrawal of the call. Instead, it serves as a challenge or an invitation for Elisha to reflect deeply on the nature of the call. It implies: "I have merely acted as God's instrument; the mantle is a divine summons, not a personal one from me. Consider the weight of this divine act and what it truly means for you." It forces Elisha to recognize that the decision to follow is entirely his own, with profound spiritual implications, and not merely a response to Elijah's personal initiative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah":** This phrase highlights Elisha's immediate and decisive response to Elijah's symbolic call. The act of "leaving the oxen" signifies a complete abandonment of his previous life and livelihood, demonstrating a radical readiness to embrace the prophetic path. "Ran after Elijah" indicates eagerness, initiative, and a proactive pursuit of the divine summons.
* **"and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and [then] I will follow thee":** Elisha's request reveals a natural human desire for familial respect and farewell. It is a reasonable and culturally appropriate plea, showing his respect for his parents while simultaneously affirming his intention to follow Elijah. The "then I will follow thee" confirms his commitment, contingent only on this brief, final act of familial devotion.
* **"And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?":** Elijah's response is enigmatic and challenging. "Go back again" is not a dismissal of the call but an invitation for Elisha to return to his former life *momentarily* to fully consider the implications. The rhetorical question "for what have I done to thee?" emphasizes that the call is from God, not from Elijah personally. It prompts Elisha to reflect on the divine weight of the mantle and the absolute commitment required, ensuring his decision is born of conviction rather than simple human deference to Elijah.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with Elijah's mantle serving as a powerful symbol of prophetic authority and the transfer of spiritual legacy. Elisha's "twelve yoke of oxen" symbolize his established, prosperous life, which he is called to abandon. The dialogue itself is characterized by **conciseness** and **rhetorical questioning**. Elijah's "what have I done to thee?" is a prime example of a **rhetorical question**, designed not to elicit information but to provoke deep thought and self-reflection in Elisha regarding the divine nature and demanding cost of the call. The swift actions—Elisha leaving the oxen and running—create a sense of **immediacy** and **urgency**, highlighting the decisive nature of his response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the nature of a divine call and the expected human response. It emphasizes that God's summons often requires radical reorientation, a willingness to leave behind comfort, security, and even cherished relationships for a higher purpose. Elijah's challenging response to Elisha's request highlights that while human considerations are understandable, the divine call demands an unreserved, personal commitment, free from lingering attachments that might hinder full devotion. It underscores that the call is from God Himself, not merely from a human agent, and therefore requires a response rooted in conviction and faith, not just compliance.

* [Luke 9:62](/luke/9-62 "Luke 9:62 - No One Who Puts His Hand to the Plow and Looks Back Is Fit for the Kingdom of God")
* [Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Jesus' Demands for Discipleship")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation of All for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 19:20 presents a timeless challenge to all who sense a call from God, whether to full-time ministry, a specific act of service, or a fundamental shift in life priorities. Elisha's immediate abandonment of his livelihood teaches us about the importance of decisive obedience and the willingness to sacrifice what is comfortable or familiar for the sake of God's kingdom. Elijah's cryptic response compels us to examine the depth of our own commitment: Is our obedience a mere reaction to an external prompt, or does it stem from a profound, personal conviction about the divine origin and ultimate worth of the call? True discipleship often demands leaving behind "oxen" – whether they be career ambitions, financial security, personal comforts, or even family expectations – to fully grasp the plow of God's purpose without looking back. This passage invites us to consider what potential hindrances we might need to "leave" to fully embrace God's unique call on our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "oxen" or comforts in your life might God be asking you to leave behind to follow Him more fully?**
* **How do you discern if a call or prompting is truly from God, demanding radical obedience, or merely a personal desire?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to "look back" after committing to a new path with God, and how can you guard against this?**
* **How can you honor family and responsibilities while still prioritizing and responding decisively to a divine call?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Elijah casting his mantle on Elisha?**

Answer: The act of Elijah casting his mantle (a distinctive outer garment, symbolizing his prophetic authority and office) upon Elisha in [1 Kings 19:19](/1-kings/19-19 "1 Kings 19:19 - Elijah Casts His Mantle Upon Elisha") was a symbolic, non-verbal summons to prophetic ministry and a clear indication of Elisha's designation as Elijah's successor. It was a visible sign of the transfer of spiritual authority and a divine call to service, much like a king bestowing a royal robe upon an heir. Elisha's immediate response demonstrates his understanding and acceptance of this profound symbolic gesture.

**Why did Elijah tell Elisha, "Go back again: for what have I done to thee?"**

Answer: Elijah's statement is a rhetorical challenge, not a literal command to abandon the call. It serves to test Elisha's resolve and to clarify the source of the call. By saying "what have I done to thee?", Elijah is essentially saying, "I have merely been God's instrument; the call is from God, not from me personally. Therefore, your decision to follow must be your own, a response to God's initiative, and not merely a reaction to my action or presence." It forces Elisha to internalize the divine weight of the summons and to make a fully conscious, unreserved commitment, understanding the radical implications of abandoning his former life for God's service. This echoes the high cost of discipleship often taught by Jesus, such as in [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - The Cost of Discipleship").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 19:20, while an Old Testament narrative, powerfully foreshadows the radical nature of discipleship as taught by Jesus Christ. Elisha's immediate abandonment of his prosperous life and his willingness to leave family for the prophetic call directly prefigures Jesus' call to His disciples to "leave everything and follow him" ([Luke 5:11](/luke/5-11 "Luke 5:11 - Disciples Leave Everything to Follow Jesus")). Elijah's challenging rhetorical question, "for what have I done to thee?", resonates with Jesus' own demanding statements about the cost of following Him, such as the one in [Luke 9:62](/luke/9-62 "Luke 9:62 - No One Who Puts His Hand to the Plow and Looks Back Is Fit for the Kingdom of God"): "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Elisha's choice to prioritize God's call over familial comfort and worldly security exemplifies the ultimate devotion required of those who would follow the Lamb of God. In Christ, the call is no longer merely to prophetic succession but to a new life in Him, where our old selves are "crucified with Christ" ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")) and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life of radical obedience and surrender, finding our true identity and purpose in Him alone ([Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation of All for Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:21

And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Matthew 8:22

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Luke 9:61

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

Luke 9:62

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Acts 20:37

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

Matthew 9:9

¶ And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Matthew 19:27

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?