2 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 20
And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּ֨שָּׂאֵ֔הוּ
And when he had taken
H5375
וַיִּ֨שָּׂאֵ֔הוּ
And when he had taken
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 10
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
וַיְבִיאֵ֖הוּ
him and brought
H935
וַיְבִיאֵ֖הוּ
him and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 10
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אִמּ֑וֹ
him to his mother
H517
אִמּ֑וֹ
him to his mother
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
4 of 10
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב
he sat
H3427
וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב
he sat
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 10
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
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 when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.
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.