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1 Kings 19:20

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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?

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?

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."

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?”

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

Context

This verse immediately follows Elijah casting his mantle upon Elisha, signifying Elisha's prophetic succession. Elijah, having fled from Jezebel and encountered God at Mount Horeb, is now instructed to anoint Elisha as his successor. Elisha is found plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, indicating his established life and prosperity. His immediate response to Elijah's symbolic call is to leave his work and run after the prophet, demonstrating a decisive willingness to follow.

Key Themes

  • Immediate and Decisive Response: Elisha's swift action in leaving his oxen underscores a profound readiness to answer a divine call. He doesn't hesitate but actively pursues Elijah, showing eagerness to embrace his new path.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: Elisha's request to bid farewell to his family—"Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother"—is a natural human desire, yet Elijah's cryptic response, "Go back again: for what have I done to thee?" serves as a powerful challenge. This exchange highlights the radical commitment often required when called by God, echoing later New Testament teachings about not looking back once one has put their hand to the plow.
  • Divine Initiative: Elijah's question, "what have I done to thee?", is not a withdrawal of the call but a rhetorical statement. It implies, "I have merely presented God's call; the decision and the consequences are yours." This emphasizes that the call is from God, not merely from Elijah, and Elisha must fully own his response to this divine invitation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "what have I done to thee?" (Hebrew: מַה־עָשִׂיתִי לָךְ, mah-asíti lach) is a nuanced rhetorical question. It's not a literal query about an action Elijah performed, but rather an invitation for Elisha to consider the profound implications of the prophetic mantle. It can be interpreted as: "I have done nothing to compel you; the call is from God, and your response must be entirely your own," or "What I have done (casting the mantle) is a divine act, not a personal one, so reflect on the weight of God's choosing." It underscores the personal responsibility in accepting such a significant calling.

Practical Application

This verse provides significant insights for believers today regarding the nature of God's call and our response to it. When God calls us to a new path, whether in ministry, service, or a change in life direction, He often expects a prompt and wholehearted commitment. While honoring family and responsibilities is important, Elisha's story, particularly in light of Elijah's response, challenges us to prioritize the divine call above all else. It reminds us that following God may require leaving behind comfort zones, familiar routines, or even deeply cherished relationships, understanding that the call is ultimately from God Himself and demands our full devotion.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 8:21 (5 votes)

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

  • Matthew 8:22 (5 votes)

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

  • Luke 9:61 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Matthew 9:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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