2 Kings 2:21
And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.
2 Kings 2:21 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, we see the prophet Elisha performing a miracle by healing the waters of a spring. By casting salt into the water and declaring the word of the Lord, Elisha demonstrates the power of God to bring about healing and restoration. The significance of this act goes beyond just the physical healing of the water. It symbolizes the power of God to transform that which is bitter and harmful into something pure and life-giving. The restoration of the waters by Elisha not only brings about physical healing but also signifies a spiritual renewal and the promise of abundant blessings from the Lord. This miracle serves as a reminder of God's ability to bring life where there was death and to bring fertility where there was barrenness. It is a testament to the faithfulness and power of God to work miracles in the lives of His people, bringing about transformation and renewal in even the most desolate of situations.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the verse where Elisha heals the waters by casting salt into a spring is that it showcases the power and authority of God. In this context, the polluted waters symbolize the consequences of sin and disobedience, which bring death and barrenness. By commanding the waters to be healed in the name of the Lord, Elisha demonstrates that God is the ultimate source of healing and restoration. The salt used in the miracle also holds significance, as salt was often seen as a symbol of preservation and purity in biblical times. By using salt to purify the waters, Elisha may be emphasizing the need for purification and restoration in the face of corruption and decay. Word studies on the term "death" and "barren land" further reveal the depth of meaning in this passage, highlighting the consequences of spiritual drought and infertility that can be overcome through God's intervention.
2 Kings 2:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast salt therein, and said, Thus saith Jehovah, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or miscarrying. [
World English Bible
He went out to the spring of the waters, and threw salt into it, and said, “Thus says Yahweh, ‘I have healed these waters. There shall not be from there any more death or miscarrying.’”
Douay-Rheims
He went out to the spring of the waters, and cast the salt into it, and said: Thus saith the Lord: I have healed these waters, and there shall be no more in them death or barrenness.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he went vnto the spring of the waters, and cast there the salt, and said, Thus saith the Lord, I haue healed this water: death shall no more come thereof, neither barennesse to the ground.