1 Kings 19:20
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?
1 Kings 19:20 · King James Version
Meaning
When Elisha left his oxen to follow Elijah, he requested to first say goodbye to his father and mother. This request can be seen as a test of commitment and faith. By asking permission to bid farewell to his family, Elisha was demonstrating his sense of duty and respect for his parents. However, Elijah's response, "Go back again: for what have I done to thee?" can be interpreted as a challenge to Elisha's loyalty. Elijah was essentially asking Elisha to consider the gravity and importance of his decision to follow him. This interaction highlights the theme of sacrifice and dedication in the journey of discipleship. Elisha's willingness to leave everything behind, including his livelihood and family, to follow Elijah reflects a deep commitment to his new calling as a prophet. It symbolizes the radical transformation and surrender required to embark on a new spiritual path.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see the call of Elisha by the prophet Elijah. Elisha's response to this call is significant in its theological interpretation. By leaving his oxen and running after Elijah, Elisha shows his immediate obedience and commitment to following God's will. The act of leaving behind his livelihood indicates Elisha's willingness to let go of his past life and embrace a new calling from God. Additionally, Elisha's request to kiss his father and mother before following Elijah highlights the importance of honoring one's parents, even in the midst of answering God's call. Elijah's response of telling Elisha to go back shows the seriousness of the commitment Elisha is making and the need to fully leave behind his former life. This verse serves as a reflection of the sacrifices and obedience required in following God and the importance of prioritizing God's call above all else.
1 Kings 19:20 in other translations
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?
World English Bible
He left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, “Let me please kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” He said to him, “Go back again; for what have I done to you?”
Douay-Rheims
And he forthwith left the oxen, and run after Elias, and said: Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said to him: Go, and return back: for that which was my part, I have done to thee.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he left the oxen, and ran after Eliiah, and sayde, Let mee, I pray thee, kisse my father and my mother, and then I wil follow thee. Who answered him, Go, returne: for what haue I done to thee?