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What the Bible Says About Translation

Overview

The Bible addresses translation across 20 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in 2 Kings, Acts and Genesis. Closely related themes include Ascension, Students, Water and Second Coming of Christ, the. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Elijah, Elisha, Enoch and Jesus.

Key Bible verses about translation

Old Testament

2 Kings

2 Kings 2:1

And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

2 Kings 2:2

And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.

2 Kings 2:3

And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

2 Kings 2:4

And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.

2 Kings 2:5

And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

2 Kings 2:6

And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.

2 Kings 2:7

And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. to view: Heb. in sight, or, over against

2 Kings 2:8

And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

2 Kings 2:9

And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

2 Kings 2:10

And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. Thou hast: Heb. Thou hast done hard in asking

2 Kings 2:11

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

2 Kings 2:12

And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.

New Testament

People in the Bible and translation

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying translation for yourself

  • Begin with Genesis 5:24, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how 2 Kings, Acts and Genesis each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Elijah, Elisha and Enoch and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Ascension, Students, Water and Second Coming of Christ, the.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about translation?

The Bible addresses translation across 20 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in 2 Kings, Acts and Genesis. Closely related themes include Ascension, Students, Water and Second Coming of Christ, the. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Elijah, Elisha, Enoch and Jesus.

How many Bible verses are about translation?

The Bible references translation in 20 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention translation?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 5:24: “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”

Which people in the Bible are associated with translation?

Elijah, Elisha, Enoch and Jesus.

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