2 Kings 4:38
And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁ֤ב
came again
H7725
שָׁ֤ב
came again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
2 of 18
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
הַגִּלְגָּ֙לָה֙
to Gilgal
H1537
הַגִּלְגָּ֙לָה֙
to Gilgal
Strong's:
H1537
Word #:
3 of 18
gilgal, the name of three places in palestine
לִבְנֵ֥י
and the sons
H1121
לִבְנֵ֥י
and the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַנְּבִיאִֽים׃
of the prophets
H5030
הַנְּבִיאִֽים׃
of the prophets
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
7 of 18
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
יֹֽשְׁבִ֖ים
were sitting
H3427
יֹֽשְׁבִ֖ים
were sitting
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לְפָנָ֑יו
before
H6440
לְפָנָ֑יו
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לְנַֽעֲר֗וֹ
unto his servant
H5288
לְנַֽעֲר֗וֹ
unto his servant
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
11 of 18
(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
שְׁפֹת֙
Set
H8239
שְׁפֹת֙
Set
Strong's:
H8239
Word #:
12 of 18
to locate, i.e., (generally) hang on or (figuratively) establish, reduce
הַסִּ֣יר
pot
H5518
הַסִּ֣יר
pot
Strong's:
H5518
Word #:
13 of 18
a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook
הַגְּדוֹלָ֔ה
on the great
H1419
הַגְּדוֹלָ֔ה
on the great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
14 of 18
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וּבַשֵּׁ֥ל
and seethe
H1310
וּבַשֵּׁ֥ל
and seethe
Strong's:
H1310
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen
Cross References
2 Kings 2:1And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.2 Kings 2:3And the sons of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.2 Kings 8:1Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.Acts 22:3I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.Luke 10:39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.Leviticus 26:26And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.
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.