Old Testament
1 Kings 19:20
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Elisha left the oxen and ran after Elijah. He said, "Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you." Elijah replied, "Go back again: for what have I done to you?"
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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?
What 1 Kings 19:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Elisha is faced with a life-changing decision. He leaves his work as a farmer, symbolized by the oxen, to pursue a new path as a prophet. His request to say goodbye to his parents shows his respect for family and the importance of closure. Elijah's response is intriguing; he essentially tells Elisha that he is free to choose his own path. This interaction highlights the tension between duty to family and the call to a greater purpose. Elisha's willingness to leave everything behind demonstrates his commitment to follow Elijah and embrace a new identity. This story encourages us to consider what we might need to leave behind to pursue our own calling. It reminds us that significant changes often require sacrifices, but they can lead to fulfilling our true potential. Elisha's journey begins with a simple yet profound act of leaving, which sets the stage for his future as a leader and prophet in Israel. His story invites us to reflect on our own journeys and the choices we make.
How to apply 1 Kings 19:20 to your life
Consider what you might need to leave behind to pursue your dreams or calling. Reflect on the importance of closure with loved ones when making significant life changes. Embrace the courage to step into new opportunities, even if it means letting go of the familiar. Trust that your journey can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. Take that first step today towards your own calling and purpose in life.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
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Illustrated scene from Elijah's story: Elijah Calls Elisha (1 Kings 19:19–21)
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Elijah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying 1 Kings 19:20
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 19:20 mean?
1 Kings 19:20 describes Elisha's decision to leave his farming life to follow Elijah as a prophet. It highlights the importance of making significant life choices and the tension between family obligations and pursuing one's calling.
What does Elijah's response to Elisha indicate?
Elijah's response, 'Go back again: for what have I done to you?' suggests that he respects Elisha's freedom to choose his own path. It indicates that the call to follow God is a personal decision that requires individual commitment.
What themes are present in 1 Kings 19:20?
The themes in 1 Kings 19:20 include commitment, family, calling, sacrifice, and identity. These themes illustrate the challenges and decisions involved in pursuing a greater purpose in life.
How does 1 Kings 19:20 relate to making life changes?
1 Kings 19:20 relates to making life changes by showing that significant decisions often require leaving behind the familiar. It encourages reflection on what sacrifices may be necessary to follow one's true calling.
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