2 Kings 4:8
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֨י
H1961
וַיְהִ֨י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַיּ֜וֹם
And it fell on a day
H3117
הַיּ֜וֹם
And it fell on a day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
עָבְר֔וֹ
as he passed by
H5674
עָבְר֔וֹ
as he passed by
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
3 of 20
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
וְשָׁם֙
H8033
גְדוֹלָ֔ה
where was a great
H1419
גְדוֹלָ֔ה
where was a great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
9 of 20
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וַתַּֽחֲזֶק
and she constrained
H2388
וַתַּֽחֲזֶק
and she constrained
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
10 of 20
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
לָֽחֶם׃
bread
H3899
לָֽחֶם׃
bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
13 of 20
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
14 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מִדֵּ֣י
And so it was that as oft
H1767
מִדֵּ֣י
And so it was that as oft
Strong's:
H1767
Word #:
15 of 20
enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
עָבְר֔וֹ
as he passed by
H5674
עָבְר֔וֹ
as he passed by
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
16 of 20
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
שָׁ֖מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֖מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
18 of 20
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
Cross References
Joshua 19:18And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,Job 1:3His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.Job 32:9Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.Genesis 19:3And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.Luke 24:29But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.1 Kings 1:3So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.2 Samuel 19:32Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.Judges 19:20And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street.Acts 16:15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.Proverbs 7:21With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
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 it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.
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.