2 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 22
And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּקְרָא֮
And she called
H7121
וַתִּקְרָא֮
And she called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 17
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אִ֥ישׁ
to the man
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
to the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 17
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)
שִׁלְחָ֨ה
Send
H7971
שִׁלְחָ֨ה
Send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
5 of 17
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
נָ֥א
H4994
נָ֥א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
6 of 17
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
וְאַחַ֖ת
and one
H259
וְאַחַ֖ת
and one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַנְּעָרִ֔ים
of the young men
H5288
הַנְּעָרִ֔ים
of the young men
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
10 of 17
(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
וְאַחַ֖ת
and one
H259
וְאַחַ֖ת
and one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
וְאָר֛וּצָה
that I may run
H7323
וְאָר֛וּצָה
that I may run
Strong's:
H7323
Word #:
13 of 17
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
14 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אִ֥ישׁ
to the man
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
to the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
15 of 17
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)
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 called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.
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.