2 Kings 4:11 kjv
And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.
2 Kings 4:11 nkjv
And it happened one day that he came there, and he turned in to the upper room and lay down there.
2 Kings 4:11 niv
One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there.
2 Kings 4:11 esv
One day he came there, and he turned into the chamber and rested there.
2 Kings 4:11 nlt
One day Elisha returned to Shunem, and he went up to this upper room to rest.
2 Kings 4 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 18:1-8 | The LORD appeared to Abraham... they entertained Him. | Hospitality leading to divine visitation and promise. |
| Josh 2:4-6 | Rahab hid the two men... but sent them off. | Sheltering God's servants results in salvation. |
| 1 Ki 17:8-16 | Elijah and the widow of Zarephath... provision. | Hospitality to a prophet brings supernatural provision. |
| Ps 23:2 | He makes me lie down in green pastures. | The Lord provides rest for His servants. |
| Mt 10:40-41 | Whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet… | Receiving God's messenger brings a prophet's reward. |
| Mk 1:35 | Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up… | Jesus seeking solitude and rest before ministry. |
| Lk 5:16 | But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. | Jesus seeking private space for communion with God. |
| Lk 6:38 | Give, and it will be given to you… | Principle of divine reciprocity for generous giving. |
| Rom 12:13 | Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. | Encouragement for showing practical hospitality. |
| Gal 6:6 | One who is taught the word must share all good things… | Supporting those who minister God's word. |
| Heb 13:2 | Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers… | Showing hospitality, potentially to angels unaware. |
| 3 Jn 1:8 | Therefore we ought to support such people… | Supporting those who go out for the sake of the Name. |
| Acts 1:13 | They went up to the upper room where they were staying. | Upper room as a place for fellowship and prayer for disciples. |
| Acts 20:7-8 | On the first day of the week, we met to break bread… | Upper room as a place of gathering for believers. |
| Isa 32:18 | My people will abide in a peaceful habitation… | God's people living in secure places of rest. |
| Prov 19:17 | Whoever lends to the poor lends to the Lord… | God rewards kindness shown to others, particularly the needy. |
| Mt 25:35 | For I was hungry and you gave me food, thirsty… | Christ identifies with those receiving acts of service. |
| Philem 1:7 | For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love. | Provision bringing refreshment to those who minister. |
| 2 Tim 4:13 | When you come, bring the cloak that I left… | Paul also valued practical provisions for his ministry. |
| Phil 4:18 | I have received from Epaphroditus what you sent… | Acknowledgment of financial and material support for ministry. |
| Job 22:7 | You gave no water to the weary to drink… | Opposite example, withholding provisions for the weary. |
| 1 Ti 5:17-18 | Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor. | Supporting spiritual leaders who labor. |
2 Kings 4 verses
2 Kings 4 11 Meaning
2 Kings 4:11 describes the initial use of the room thoughtfully prepared by the Shunammite woman for the prophet Elisha. It signifies Elisha's acceptance and utilization of this specific provision, settling into the dedicated space made for his rest and privacy. This seemingly simple act establishes Elisha's routine in Shunem and lays the groundwork for the extraordinary divine actions that follow, flowing from the woman's faithful hospitality.
2 Kings 4 11 Context
2 Kings chapter 4 focuses on various miracles performed by Elisha, demonstrating God's power and provision through His prophet. Verses 8-10 establish the Shunammite woman as a wealthy, discerning, and generous individual who recognized Elisha as "a holy man of God." Her thoughtful provision of a permanent, private lodging for Elisha whenever he passed through Shunem (a significant act of hospitality) sets the immediate stage. Verse 11 details Elisha's first specific utilization of this custom-built "upper room," which indicates the consistency and comfort this arrangement afforded him, leading directly into the divine promise of a son to her barren family in the following verses. The historical context reflects a time when prophets traveled and relied on the hospitality of believers.
2 Kings 4 11 Word analysis
- One day (וַיְהִי הַיּוֹם - vayhi hayyom): This common Hebrew narrative opener signifies a specific, unspecified point in time, introducing a new, significant event or turn in the story. It directs attention to a particular occasion of Elisha's return and first use of the room.
- he came there (וַיָּבֹא שָׁמָּה - vayyavo shammah): Refers to Elisha, implying his regular visits to Shunem. It highlights that the woman's hospitality was not a one-time offer but sustained, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to caring for the prophet.
- and went up (וַיַּעַל - vayya'al): Indicates physical ascent. This confirms the room's location, likely on the roof or an upper floor (an aliyyah). Such a room provided privacy, coolness, and quiet, fitting for a man of God.
- to the room (הָעֲלִיָּה - ha'aliyyah): "The upper room" or "chamber." This specific term signifies a well-defined space set apart. Its mention underscores the Shunammite woman's specific and intentional provision as detailed in verse 10, including essentials for a prophet's stay: a bed, table, chair, and lampstand. This room was designed as a sanctuary.
- and lay down there (וַיִּשְׁכַּב־שָׁם - vayyishkav-sham): "And he rested/slept there." This simple action signifies Elisha's acceptance and utilization of the provision. It shows trust and allows him a place of physical and spiritual repose, essential for his ministry. This ordinary act precedes an extraordinary display of God's power.
2 Kings 4 11 Bonus section
The aliyyah, or upper room, in biblical culture often served as a significant location beyond mere sleeping quarters. It was a space elevated both physically and often in its spiritual connotation—a place of quiet retreat, prayer, meditation, or important gatherings. Its privacy would have allowed Elisha an undistracted environment, suitable for receiving divine revelations or ministering. This intentional separation highlights the woman's deep respect for Elisha's prophetic office and his need for consecrated space. The details in verse 10 (bed, table, chair, lampstand) show it was fully equipped for extended stays and conducive to spiritual exercises.
2 Kings 4 11 Commentary
2 Kings 4:11 describes a prophet's simple act of settling into a space provided by faithful hospitality. It underscores the vital support prophets received from believing individuals like the Shunammite woman. Elisha's presence in this dedicated, private room created an environment not merely for rest but for divine interaction and revelation, setting the immediate stage for the remarkable miracle of a promised son in the following verses. This verse exemplifies the principle that genuine care for God's servants can open doors for God's extraordinary blessings, showing that seemingly ordinary acts of service become conduits for God's redemptive work. It illustrates that spiritual ministry thrives on both divine power and practical human provision, culminating in God's grace to bless beyond human expectation.