Was Elijah Taken To Heaven?

Q

Help me understand how in 2 Kings 2:11 Elijah was taken up to Heaven when Heaven wasn’t opened until after the cross? Does the word for Heaven in this verse actually mean the bosom of Abraham or Paradise rather than the throne of God?

A

The word translated heaven in 2 Kings 2:11 is a dual form that literally means heavens. It’s general term that can mean everything from the sky or atmosphere to the visible universe. It’s not an indication of Elijah’s destination, but describes the fact that he was taken up into the sky until he disappeared from view.