“For what have I done to thee?”
The full verse · 1 Kings 19:20 · KJV
And he the , and , and , Let me, I pray thee, my and my , and then I will thee. And he unto him, Go : for what have I to thee?
Asked by
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionElijah’s rhetorical question, somewhat enigmatic, responds to Elisha’s request to bid farewell to his parents, leaving the decision and its weight with Elisha while affirming the gravity of the prophetic call.
The Response
What Scripture recordsElisha returned, slaughtered his oxen, used the plowing equipment as fuel, fed the people, and then arose and followed Elijah, becoming his servant (1 Kings 19:21).
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyElijah’s rhetorical question is enigmatic but weighty. Responding to Elisha’s request to bid farewell to his parents, ‘what have I done to thee?’ leaves the decision and its significance with Elisha, pointing to the meaning of the mantle cast upon him. Elisha’s response is decisive: he burns his plow and slaughters his oxen, making a clean break. The scene anticipates the call of Christ’s disciples, who left all to follow Him.
Answering God’s call may require a decisive, costly break from one’s former life. Elisha did not look back but burned his plow and slaughtered his oxen, leaving no way to return. Elijah’s reply left the weight of the decision with him. When God calls, half-hearted following will not do; like Elisha, we are called to a clean and wholehearted break to follow.
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
“I have had enough, LORD. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors?”
“What doest thou here, Elijah?”
“Shout louder! Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened?”
“Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire—he is God?”