2 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 5
So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
Original Language Analysis
וַתֵּ֙לֶךְ֙
H1980
וַתֵּ֙לֶךְ֙
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
מֵֽאִתּ֔וֹ
H853
מֵֽאִתּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַתִּסְגֹּ֣ר
from him and shut
H5462
וַתִּסְגֹּ֣ר
from him and shut
Strong's:
H5462
Word #:
3 of 12
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender
וּבְעַ֣ד
upon her and upon
H1157
וּבְעַ֣ד
upon her and upon
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
5 of 12
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
וּבְעַ֣ד
upon her and upon
H1157
וּבְעַ֣ד
upon her and upon
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
6 of 12
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
בָּנֶ֑יהָ
her sons
H1121
בָּנֶ֑יהָ
her sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מַגִּישִׁ֥ים
brought
H5066
מַגִּישִׁ֥ים
brought
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
9 of 12
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
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
So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
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.