2 Kings 6:3

KJV

And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one {H259} said {H559}, Be content {H2974}, I pray thee, and go {H3212} with thy servants {H5650}. And he answered {H559}, I will go {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But one of them said, "Please, won't you come with your servants?" He answered, "All right, I will";

Berean Standard Bible

Then one of them said, “Please come with your servants.” “I will come,” he replied.

American Standard Version

And one said, Be pleased, I pray thee, to go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 6:3 captures a pivotal exchange between one of the "sons of the prophets" and Elisha, where the disciple respectfully requests Elisha's presence during a communal building project, and the prophet readily assents. This brief dialogue underscores Elisha's humble, accessible leadership and his commitment to the practical needs and spiritual well-being of his disciples, setting the stage for the miraculous intervention that follows in the larger narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the short, self-contained narrative of the lost ax head, found in [2 Kings 6:1-7](/2_kings/6-1-7 "2 Kings 6:1-7 - The Floating Ax Head"). Immediately preceding this verse, the "sons of the prophets," a community of disciples under Elisha's guidance, express their need for a larger dwelling place, as their current one has become too small ([2 Kings 6:1](/2_kings/6-1 "2 Kings 6:1 - Sons of the Prophets Need More Space")). They propose a practical solution: going to the Jordan River to cut timber and build a new, more spacious residence. In [2 Kings 6:2](/2_kings/6-2 "2 Kings 6:2 - Request for Elisha's Presence"), one of them then specifically requests Elisha's accompaniment on this manual labor expedition. Verse 3 serves as Elisha's direct, affirmative response, signaling his immediate willingness to join them, which then leads directly into the miraculous event of the floating ax head.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "sons of the prophets" represent a distinct community or school of prophets that flourished in Israel during the time of Elisha and Elijah. These were not necessarily biological sons, but disciples or apprentices who lived communally, dedicating themselves to the study of God's law, prophecy, and spiritual training. Their request to build a larger dwelling reflects a practical need arising from growth, indicating a thriving prophetic movement under Elisha's leadership. The act of cutting timber was common labor, and the Jordan River valley was known for its abundant trees. Elisha's willingness to engage in such manual labor, rather than remaining aloof in a purely spiritual role, highlights a cultural expectation of leaders to be involved and accessible, not detached. This stands in contrast to hierarchical structures where leaders might be seen as above such tasks.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of the lost ax head, initiated by this exchange, contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings - History of Israel and Judah"). Firstly, it underscores the **power and provision of God through His prophet Elisha**, demonstrating divine care even in mundane circumstances. Secondly, it highlights **Elisha's character as a compassionate and accessible leader**, contrasting with some of the more aloof figures of power in the ancient Near East. His willingness to "go" exemplifies **servant leadership**, a principle later epitomized by Jesus (as seen in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Finally, the episode subtly reinforces the **importance of community and mentorship** within the prophetic tradition, showing the disciples' reliance on Elisha's presence and Elisha's commitment to their well-being and practical needs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root (H559) signifies "to say" with broad application, encompassing answering, appointing, commanding, declaring, and speaking. In this verse, it highlights the simple, direct nature of the communication between the disciple and Elisha. The use of "said" and "answered" emphasizes a clear, unadorned dialogue, reflecting the practical and unpretentious nature of the interaction.
* **Be content (Hebrew, _yâʼal'_):** Derived from H2974, this root primarily means "to yield," especially "assent," or "to undertake as an act of volition." The KJV translation "Be content, I pray thee" captures the polite and respectful entreaty of the disciple, not a demand. It suggests a humble request for Elisha's willingness and agreement to join them, acknowledging his authority while earnestly desiring his presence.
* **Go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This primitive root (H3212) means "to walk" or "to go," literally or figuratively. Elisha's simple, direct response, "I will go," uses this verb to convey immediate and unreserved assent. It demonstrates his readiness to physically accompany his disciples, embodying a willingness to engage in their practical endeavors and to be present with them without hesitation or pretense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants.":** This opening clause introduces the voice of one of Elisha's disciples, acting as a spokesperson for the group. The request, "Be content, I pray thee," is a respectful, almost deferential plea for Elisha's consent and willingness to accompany them. The phrase "go with thy servants" explicitly states the desired action and reinforces the hierarchical yet intimate relationship between Elisha, the master, and his disciples, the "servants." It highlights their desire not just for his permission, but for his actual physical presence and participation in their communal labor.
* **"And he answered, I will go.":** This concise response from Elisha is powerful in its simplicity and directness. It signifies immediate and unconditional assent. There is no hesitation, no questioning of the task's suitability for a prophet, nor any display of reluctance. Elisha's "I will go" demonstrates his humility, accessibility, and genuine concern for his disciples, indicating his readiness to share in their practical endeavors and to be present with them.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity and directness of the dialogue in [2 Kings 6:3](/2_kings/6-3 "2 Kings 6:3 - Elisha's Willingness to Go") serve as a powerful **literary device**, emphasizing the immediate rapport and mutual respect between Elisha and his disciples. The **dialogue** itself is succinct, highlighting the disciple's respectful request and Elisha's prompt, unhesitating affirmation. This **conciseness** amplifies the impact of Elisha's character, portraying him as approachable and deeply invested in the lives of those he leads. The narrative also employs **foreshadowing**, as Elisha's presence, secured by this simple exchange, proves crucial for the miraculous intervention that follows, where the lost ax head is recovered. This sets up the expectation that Elisha's involvement is not merely symbolic but essential for divine action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly minor exchange in 2 Kings 6:3 carries significant theological weight, illustrating the nature of godly leadership and the importance of divine presence in everyday life. Elisha's willingness to join his disciples in their manual labor transcends mere physical accompaniment; it embodies a profound commitment to mentorship, accessibility, and shared experience. It demonstrates that spiritual authority, when truly aligned with God's heart, does not elevate one above the practical needs or humble tasks of others, but rather draws one into deeper solidarity. This sets a precedent for leaders to be actively engaged and present, fostering trust and providing tangible support, rather than remaining detached.

* [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"): "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility"): "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
* [Proverbs 27:17](/proverbs/27-17 "Proverbs 27:17 - Iron Sharpens Iron"): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief interaction in 2 Kings 6:3 offers profound lessons for both leaders and those being led within any community, especially the church. For leaders, Elisha's immediate "I will go" serves as a powerful reminder that true influence often stems from humble presence and active participation in the lives and struggles of those under one's care. It challenges us to consider if we are accessible, willing to roll up our sleeves, and genuinely invested in the practical needs of our community, or if we maintain a distance that hinders genuine connection and mentorship. This verse encourages a leadership style characterized by empathy, availability, and a willingness to share in the "heavy lifting" of life. For followers, the disciples' respectful request highlights the value of inviting godly counsel and appreciating the presence of spiritual mentors. It reminds us that seeking guidance and desiring fellowship with those who walk closely with God is a wise and beneficial pursuit, fostering growth and strengthening communal bonds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can leaders today emulate Elisha's humble and accessible approach to leadership?**
* **How does Elisha's willingness to "go" challenge our perceptions of what spiritual leadership entails?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of presence and shared experience in mentorship and discipleship?**
* **How can we, as members of a community, better value and invite the guidance of our spiritual leaders, as the sons of the prophets did?**

### FAQ
**Why did the "sons of the prophets" specifically ask Elisha to go with them, rather than just seeking his blessing?**

Answer: The request for Elisha's physical presence ("go with thy servants") was likely multifaceted. Firstly, it demonstrated their deep respect and value for his leadership, not just his spiritual authority from a distance, but his personal presence. Secondly, it could have been for practical reasons, seeking his wisdom or guidance in the task, or perhaps for his protective presence, given the potential dangers of working in a wilderness area. Most importantly, as the subsequent events in [2 Kings 6:4-7](/2_kings/6-4-7 "2 Kings 6:4-7 - The Ax Head Floats") reveal, his presence was indeed crucial for the miraculous intervention that saved the day when the ax head was lost. They intuitively understood that God's power often worked through His chosen prophet, and having Elisha present ensured divine favor and assistance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elisha's humble and immediate "I will go" in 2 Kings 6:3 serves as a beautiful Old Testament shadow of the ultimate servant-leader, Jesus Christ. While Elisha joined his disciples in their practical labor, Jesus, the Son of God, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He did not remain in heavenly glory but willingly "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Just as the sons of the prophets desired Elisha's presence, humanity, lost in sin, desperately needed God's presence. Jesus' incarnation, His "I will go" to earth, was the ultimate act of solidarity, entering into our human condition, sharing in our struggles, and ultimately bearing our sin on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His willingness to be "with us" (Emmanuel) and to walk alongside us, even to the point of death, far surpasses Elisha's humble journey to the Jordan, offering not just practical help but eternal salvation and the promise of His abiding presence through the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Christ's Presence")).

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

Judges 19:6

And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry.

2 Kings 5:23

And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid [them] upon two of his servants; and they bare [them] before him.

Judges 4:8

And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, [then] I will not go.

Job 6:28

Now therefore be content, look upon me; for [it is] evident unto you if I lie.