2 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 36
And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָאֶ֖הָ
And he called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָאֶ֖הָ
And he called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וַיִּקְרָאֶ֖הָ
And he called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָאֶ֖הָ
And he called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
5 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
הַשֻּֽׁנַמִּ֣ית
this Shunammite
H7767
הַשֻּֽׁנַמִּ֣ית
this Shunammite
Strong's:
H7767
Word #:
7 of 14
a shunammitess, or female inhabitant of shunem
וַיִּקְרָאֶ֖הָ
And he called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָאֶ֖הָ
And he called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
9 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וַתָּבֹ֣א
her And when she was come in
H935
וַתָּבֹ֣א
her And when she was come in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
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 he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.
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.