2 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 9
And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֥ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 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)
נָ֣א
H4994
נָ֣א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
5 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
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
Behold now I perceive
H3045
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
Behold now I perceive
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
6 of 14
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִ֥ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 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)
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
קָד֣וֹשׁ
that this is an holy
H6918
קָד֣וֹשׁ
that this is an holy
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
10 of 14
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
ה֑וּא
H1931
ה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
11 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עֹבֵ֥ר
which passeth
H5674
עֹבֵ֥ר
which passeth
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
12 of 14
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Cross References
1 Kings 17:24And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.2 Kings 4:7Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.1 Thessalonians 2:10Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:Titus 1:8But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
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 she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 4: God's compassionate power through His prophet. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.