2 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 12
And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.
Original Language Analysis
נַֽעֲר֔וֹ
his servant
H5288
נַֽעֲר֔וֹ
his servant
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
4 of 11
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
וַיִּקְרָא
And when he had called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָא
And when he had called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
5 of 11
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לַשּֽׁוּנַמִּ֣ית
this Shunammite
H7767
לַשּֽׁוּנַמִּ֣ית
this Shunammite
Strong's:
H7767
Word #:
6 of 11
a shunammitess, or female inhabitant of shunem
וַיִּקְרָא
And when he had called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָא
And when he had called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
8 of 11
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
1 Kings 18:43And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.Acts 13:5And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.1 Kings 19:3And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.2 Kings 3:11But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.
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 he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.
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.