The Floating Axe Head
Elisha cast a stick into the Jordan and made an iron axe head float to the surface.
A young prophet cutting wood by the Jordan lost his borrowed axe head in the water. He cried out to Elisha. The prophet cut a stick, cast it into the water, and the iron swam to the surface.
Elisha (by the hand of God)
The Jordan River
What Happened
- 1The sons of the prophets were felling wood by the Jordan
- 2An axe head flew off and sank
- 3The young man cried out because it was borrowed
- 4Elisha cast a stick into the water at the spot
- 5The iron rose and floated; he reached out and took it
Key KJV Scriptures
"And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim."
Spiritual Significance
God cares about small losses and small obligations. Even a borrowed tool was worth a miracle in His eyes.
Lesson for Today
No concern is too small to bring before God. He honors honesty in things both great and small.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was losing the axe head so serious?
It was borrowed, and the young man was poor. To return what is borrowed in good condition is a matter of integrity (Psalm 37:21).
Is this a literal miracle?
Yes. The text describes a real event — iron floating against its nature — to display God's power and care.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of The Floating Axe Head?
The miracle of The Floating Axe Head is recorded in 2 Kings 6:6 (KJV).
Who performed the miracle of The Floating Axe Head?
Scripture records that Elisha (by the hand of God) carried out this miracle at The Jordan River. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
Related Bible Miracles
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Beelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreWhat Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people — but they are subject to Christ.
Read moreSatan, the Adversary
Satan is a created, fallen angel who accuses, tempts, and deceives — already defeated by Christ at the cross.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
Free KJV quizzes on Jesus' miracles and the supernatural acts of God in Scripture.
- Medium · 10 Qs
Elisha's Miracles Bible Quiz
The prophet who received a double portion — axes, Naaman, and the Shunammite's son.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
Elisha Bible Quiz
The prophet of double portion — miracles, mercy, and unwavering faithfulness to God's word.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
Miracles Quiz
Signs and wonders across the Bible.
Start quiz
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Floating Axe Head
Elisha cast a stick into the Jordan and made an iron axe head float to the surfa
Elisha's Miracles Bible Quiz
The prophet who received a double portion — axes, Naaman, and the Shunammite's s
Elisha in the Bible
The Prophet of Miracles
The Poisoned Stew Healed
Elisha casts meal into a pot of poisoned pottage and the food becomes safe to ea
Elijah Taken to Heaven
2 Kings 2:1-14 • Prophets
The Healing of Naaman
2 Kings 5:1-19 • Prophets