Elisha Prophet, Successor of Elijah

Q: What does 'double portion' mean?

The firstborn son received a double portion of the inheritance. Elisha was asking to be Elijah's spiritual heir and primary successor. God granted this, and Elisha performed about twice as many recorded miracles as Elijah.

Old Testament

About Elisha

Elisha was a prophet in Israel who succeeded Elijah. He received a double portion of Elijah's spirit and performed twice as many miracles. He healed Naaman the Syrian of leprosy, multiplied oil for a widow, raised a boy from the dead, and fed a hundred men with twenty loaves. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Israel.

Elisha's Character Traits

Miracle WorkerSuccessorCompassionateProphet

Elisha's Life Timeline

View journey on map

Callc. 850 BC

Elijah throws his mantle on Elisha while he is plowing; Elisha follows him.

1KI 19:19-21

Successionc. 848 BC

Elisha receives a double portion of Elijah's spirit after Elijah is taken up to heaven.

2KI 2:9-14

Ministryc. 848-800 BC

Elisha performs numerous miracles: healing waters, multiplying oil, raising the Shunammite's son, healing Naaman.

2KI 2-8

Deathc. 800 BC

Elisha dies after a long ministry; even his bones raise a dead man.

2KI 13:14-21

Elisha's Key Relationships

ElijahMentor

Master - Elijah was Elisha's spiritual father and mentor. Elisha served him faithfully and received a double portion of his spirit.

Elisha's Key Locations

Jordan River

Where Elisha received Elijah's mantle and began his ministry.

Shunem

Home of the woman whose son Elisha raised from the dead.

Spiritual Lessons from Elisha

Faithful Succession

Elisha didn't try to be Elijah. He served faithfully, asked for a double portion, and God honored his request. Ministry succession requires both faithfulness to the predecessor's legacy and openness to God's unique calling.

Key Verses about Elisha

2 Kings 2:9-14 2 Kings 5:1-14 2 Kings 4:1-7

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'double portion' mean?+

Bible Bites

Twice the miracles of his mentor

When Elisha asked for a 'double portion' of Elijah's spirit, he received it literally. Scripture records approximately 14 miracles through Elijah but 28 through Elisha—exactly twice as many, fulfilling his request for the firstborn's double inheritance portion.

2 Kings 2:9