2 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 11
And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַיּ֖וֹם
And it fell on a day
H3117
הַיּ֖וֹם
And it fell on a day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וַיָּ֣בֹא
that he came
H935
וַיָּ֣בֹא
that he came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 9
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
שָׁ֑מָּה
H8033
וַיָּ֥סַר
thither and he turned
H5493
וַיָּ֥סַר
thither and he turned
Strong's:
H5493
Word #:
5 of 9
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
הָֽעֲלִיָּ֖ה
into the chamber
H5944
הָֽעֲלִיָּ֖ה
into the chamber
Strong's:
H5944
Word #:
7 of 9
something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 4 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's Miracles of Provision and Life) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 4 regarding god's compassionate power through his prophet?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 4: God's compassionate power through His prophet. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.