2 Kings 6:1

KJV

¶ And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of the prophets {H5030} said {H559} unto {H6440} Elisha {H477}, Behold now, the place {H4725} where we dwell {H3427} with thee is too strait {H6862} for us.

Complete Jewish Bible

The guild prophets said to Elisha, "As you can see, the place where we are living in order to be with you is too small for us.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please take note that the place where we meet with you is too small for us.

American Standard Version

And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell before thee is too strait for us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 6:1 introduces a practical challenge faced by the community of prophetic disciples gathered around Elisha: their current dwelling has become too small for their increasing numbers. This verse shifts the narrative focus from Elisha's individual miracles to the communal life of the "sons of the prophets," highlighting their growth and their reliance on Elisha's leadership to address their pressing need for more space.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse opens a new narrative segment, immediately following a series of powerful miracles performed by Elisha, which demonstrated God's active hand in Israel. Prior chapters detail Elisha's divine authority through acts such as the healing of Naaman the Syrian commander in [2 Kings 5](/2_kings/5 "2 Kings 5 - Naaman's Healing"), the raising of the Shunammite woman's son in [2 Kings 4:8-37](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8-37 - Elisha and the Shunammite Woman"), and the purification of poisoned stew and multiplication of loaves for the prophetic community in [2 Kings 4:38-44](/2_kings/4-38 "2 Kings 4:38-44 - Elisha Multiplies Food"). While these earlier accounts showcased Elisha's supernatural power, 2 Kings 6:1 transitions to a more mundane, yet equally significant, concern within the prophetic guild. It sets the stage for the subsequent miracle of the floating axe head, illustrating Elisha's ongoing care for his disciples and God's provision even in practical matters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "sons of the prophets" refer not to biological offspring but to a guild or community of prophetic disciples who lived, studied, and served together under the mentorship of a senior prophet. This tradition dates back to the time of Elijah, who also had such groups (e.g., [1 Kings 20:35](/1_kings/20-35 "1 Kings 20:35 - A Prophet's Disguise")). These communities provided a structured environment for spiritual formation, theological education, and practical training in prophetic ministry, often residing in specific locations like Gilgal, Bethel, or Jericho. Their communal living arrangement, as implied by "the place where we dwell with thee," suggests a close-knit, disciplined group dedicated to God's word and the prophetic calling. The need for more space indicates a period of spiritual revival and growth within these prophetic circles, reflecting a broader movement of God's Spirit in Israel during Elisha's ministry.
* **Key Themes:** The verse underscores several significant themes. Firstly, **Growth and Expansion** is evident; the phrase "too strait for us" directly signifies that the prophetic community has outgrown its current physical space, pointing to a period of spiritual vitality and increasing numbers of those committed to God's word and prophetic ministry. Secondly, **Community and Discipleship** is central; the "sons of the prophets" highlight the importance of communal living, shared learning, and mentorship in spiritual development, echoing the early Christian community's emphasis on fellowship and teaching found in [Acts 2:42-47](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42-47 - The Fellowship of the Believers"). Thirdly, the passage subtly emphasizes that **Practical Needs in Ministry** are vital; even in deeply spiritual endeavors, physical and logistical considerations are paramount, demonstrating that God's work often involves addressing tangible realities. Finally, **Elisha's Leadership** is highlighted as the disciples approach him, acknowledging his role as their spiritual father, guide, and the one through whom God's provision often came.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons of the prophets (Hebrew, _b'nei ha'nevi'im'_):** This phrase does not denote biological offspring but rather refers to members of a prophetic guild or school, disciples, or apprentices. These were individuals committed to studying the Torah, learning from a senior prophet, and serving in prophetic ministry. Their communal living and learning environment fostered spiritual growth and preserved the prophetic tradition in Israel.
* **Dwell (Hebrew, _yashav'_):** This verb signifies a settled or established residence, implying that the prophetic community had a fixed abode rather than being transient. The use of "with thee" (Elisha) further emphasizes their close association and communal life under his direct guidance and authority.
* **Strait (Hebrew, _tsar'_):** This adjective literally means "narrow," "confined," "distressed," or "cramped." When applied to space, it vividly conveys the idea of being inadequate or restricted due to lack of room. In this context, it highlights the practical problem of overcrowding caused by the increasing numbers of the prophetic disciples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha":** This opening clause immediately establishes the speaker and the recipient, highlighting Elisha's central role as the recognized leader and spiritual authority within the prophetic community. Their direct address signifies respect, trust, and their reliance on his wisdom and guidance to resolve their communal issue.
* **"Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us":** This is the core of their petition, articulating the specific problem. "Behold now" draws Elisha's immediate attention to their urgent concern. The phrase "where we dwell with thee" underscores their communal living and Elisha's integral presence among them, not just as a visiting mentor but as a resident leader. The crucial phrase "is too strait for us" clearly communicates the inadequacy of their current living quarters due to their growing numbers, setting the stage for Elisha's response and the subsequent narrative.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Dialogue**, directly quoting the "sons of the prophets" addressing Elisha. This direct speech immediately establishes the problem and the relationship between the disciples and their leader, adding immediacy and authenticity to the narrative. The structure of the passage also functions as a **Problem/Solution Narrative**, where this verse clearly articulates the problem—the inadequate dwelling—which will be addressed by Elisha's subsequent actions and God's miraculous provision in the verses that follow. The phrase "too strait" uses **Figurative Language** through a literal description of physical confinement, which also implicitly symbolizes the burgeoning spiritual movement that is outgrowing its current boundaries, hinting at the need for expansion and new horizons for God's work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates that God's work, even when profoundly spiritual, often has tangible, practical dimensions. The growth of the "sons of the prophets" is a testament to God's blessing and the vitality of the prophetic movement in Israel, indicating a hunger for God's word and guidance. This expansion, however, brings with it a practical challenge: inadequate space. The disciples' respectful appeal to Elisha models the importance of bringing practical needs before spiritual leadership, trusting in God's provision through His appointed servants. It also reminds us that spiritual communities are living organisms that require adaptation and foresight to accommodate growth, recognizing that God's kingdom often expands in ways that necessitate physical and logistical adjustments.

* [Acts 6:1-7](/acts/6-1 "Acts 6:1-7 - The Appointment of Deacons"): The early church faced similar practical challenges with its rapid growth, leading to the appointment of deacons to address the daily distribution of food.
* [Exodus 18:13-26](/exodus/18-13 "Exodus 18:13-26 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses"): Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, advised him to delegate judicial responsibilities due to the overwhelming number of people seeking his counsel, demonstrating how growth necessitates structural adjustments.
* [1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - Order in Worship"): Paul emphasizes the need for order and edification in communal worship, implying that even spiritual gatherings require practical consideration for effective functioning.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The humble request of the "sons of the prophets" in 2 Kings 6:1 offers profound lessons for contemporary spiritual communities and individual believers. It reminds us that genuine spiritual growth often manifests in practical ways, requiring us to adapt and expand our capacity for God's work. When a church or ministry experiences numerical or spiritual growth, it inevitably encounters logistical challenges, whether it's a need for more space, more leaders, or more resources. This passage encourages us to view such challenges not as obstacles, but as indicators of God's blessing and opportunities for further faith and innovation. Furthermore, the disciples' respectful approach to Elisha underscores the value of seeking wise counsel from spiritual leaders and addressing practical needs within a framework of community and mutual support. It calls us to be attentive to the physical and practical realities that can either facilitate or hinder spiritual flourishing, ensuring that our structures and resources adequately support the mission God has given us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the growth of the "sons of the prophets" challenge or encourage your understanding of spiritual community today?**
* **What practical needs in your own spiritual community or personal walk might be hindering further growth or effectiveness?**
* **In what ways can we, like the sons of the prophets, respectfully bring our needs and concerns to spiritual leaders or to God?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "sons of the prophets" and what was their purpose?**

Answer: The "sons of the prophets" were not biological children of prophets, but rather members of prophetic guilds or schools. They were disciples, students, and apprentices who dedicated themselves to studying God's law, learning from a senior prophet (like Elijah and then Elisha), and engaging in prophetic ministry. Their purpose was to preserve and propagate the prophetic tradition in Israel, serving as a spiritual counter-cultural movement to the prevalent idolatry and moral decline. They lived communally, often in specific locations, and were trained in discerning God's voice and delivering His messages to the people. Their existence highlights a structured approach to spiritual formation and discipleship in ancient Israel, emphasizing community, mentorship, and devotion to God's word.

**Why was their dwelling "too strait"?**

Answer: Their dwelling was "too strait" because the community of prophetic disciples had grown significantly in number. The Hebrew word `tsar` (צר), translated as "strait," means "narrow" or "confined," indicating that their current living quarters were overcrowded and no longer adequate for their expanding community. This growth suggests a period of spiritual vitality and increasing interest in prophetic ministry during Elisha's time, reflecting God's blessing upon their commitment to Him. The practical problem of space was a direct result of God's work expanding among them, necessitating a new solution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The growth of the "sons of the prophets" and their need for expanded dwelling space in 2 Kings 6:1 beautifully foreshadows the ultimate expansion of God's kingdom through Jesus Christ. Just as Elisha gathered disciples and fostered a community of learning and spiritual growth, Jesus Himself called and discipled a company of followers, preparing them to carry on His mission. The "strait" place of the Old Testament prophetic school finds its ultimate resolution in the boundless space of God's grace and the ever-expanding dwelling place of His Spirit in the hearts of believers. The Great Commission, given by Christ in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"), commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations," indicating a global expansion far beyond any physical dwelling. The early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit as promised in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness"), experienced explosive growth that quickly outgrew its initial confines, necessitating new forms of community and outreach. Ultimately, Christ is the true "place" where believers dwell, the Vine from whom all spiritual growth flows, as taught in [John 15:1-5](/john/15-1 "John 15:1-5 - The True Vine"). Through Him, believers are built together into a holy temple, a spiritual dwelling place for God, as described in [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints"), demonstrating that in Christ, there is always room for more, and His kingdom is ever-expanding.

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

2 Kings 2:3

And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace.

Isaiah 54:2

Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

Isaiah 54:3

For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

1 Samuel 19:20

And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing [as] appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.

Joshua 19:47

And the coast of the children of Dan went out [too little] for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.

1 Kings 20:35

And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.

Joshua 17:14

¶ And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I [am] a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?