2 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 26
Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well.
Original Language Analysis
עַתָּה֮
H6258
נָ֣א
H4994
נָ֣א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
3 of 14
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
לִקְרָאתָהּ֒
now I pray thee to meet
H7125
לִקְרָאתָהּ֒
now I pray thee to meet
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
4 of 14
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
It is well
H7965
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
It is well
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
7 of 14
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
It is well
H7965
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
It is well
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
9 of 14
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
לְאִישֵׁ֖ךְ
with thy husband
H376
לְאִישֵׁ֖ךְ
with thy husband
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
10 of 14
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)
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
It is well
H7965
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
It is well
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
11 of 14
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
Cross References
Acts 15:36And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.1 Samuel 17:18And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
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
Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well.
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.