2 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 21
And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.
Original Language Analysis
וַתַּ֙עַל֙
And she went up
H5927
וַתַּ֙עַל֙
And she went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
1 of 9
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וַתַּשְׁכִּבֵ֔הוּ
and laid
H7901
וַתַּשְׁכִּבֵ֔הוּ
and laid
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
2 of 9
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִטַּ֖ת
him on the bed
H4296
מִטַּ֖ת
him on the bed
Strong's:
H4296
Word #:
4 of 9
a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier
אִ֣ישׁ
of the man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
of the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 9
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)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 9
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
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 she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.
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.