2 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 16
And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.
Original Language Analysis
לַמּוֹעֵ֤ד
About this season
H4150
לַמּוֹעֵ֤ד
About this season
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
כָּעֵ֣ת
according to the time
H6256
כָּעֵ֣ת
according to the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
4 of 16
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
חַיָּ֔ה
of life
H2416
חַיָּ֔ה
of life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
5 of 16
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
בֵּ֑ן
a son
H1121
בֵּ֑ן
a son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
10 of 16
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
אִ֣ישׁ
thou man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
thou man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
12 of 16
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
13 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
14 of 16
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Genesis 18:10And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.Luke 1:13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.2 Kings 4:28Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?Genesis 17:21But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.Psalms 116:11I said in my haste, All men are liars.2 Kings 2:19And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.1 Kings 17:18And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?1 Kings 18:9And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?
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, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 4: God's compassionate power through His prophet. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.