2 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 17
And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
Original Language Analysis
וַתַּ֥הַר
conceived
H2029
וַתַּ֥הַר
conceived
Strong's:
H2029
Word #:
1 of 12
to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)
וַתֵּ֣לֶד
and bare
H3205
וַתֵּ֣לֶד
and bare
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
3 of 12
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
בֵּ֑ן
a son
H1121
בֵּ֑ן
a son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לַמּוֹעֵ֤ד
at that season
H4150
לַמּוֹעֵ֤ד
at that season
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
5 of 12
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
unto her according to the time
H6256
כָּעֵ֣ת
unto her according to the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
7 of 12
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
חַיָּ֔ה
of life
H2416
חַיָּ֔ה
of life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
8 of 12
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Psalms 113:9He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.Genesis 21:1And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.Luke 1:36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.Hebrews 11:11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
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 the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
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.