2 Kings 4 12

2 Kings 4:12 kjv

And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.

2 Kings 4:12 nkjv

Then he said to Gehazi his servant, "Call this Shunammite woman." When he had called her, she stood before him.

2 Kings 4:12 niv

He said to his servant Gehazi, "Call the Shunammite." So he called her, and she stood before him.

2 Kings 4:12 esv

And he said to Gehazi his servant, "Call this Shunammite." When he had called her, she stood before him.

2 Kings 4:12 nlt

He said to his servant Gehazi, "Tell the woman from Shunem I want to speak to her." When she appeared,

2 Kings 4 verses

2 Kings 4 12 Meaning

This verse records the prophet Elisha instructing his servant Gehazi to summon the Shunammite woman who had shown them great hospitality. It sets in motion the next phase of their interaction, where Elisha intends to repay her kindness. This act highlights Elisha's attentiveness and divine wisdom, as he discerns a desire or need in her life despite her not explicitly asking for anything. The call signifies a moment of potential blessing or revelation initiated by the prophet, acting on God's behalf.

2 Kings 4 12 Context

Chapter 4 of 2 Kings initiates with Elisha's miraculous interventions, primarily focused on the needs of various individuals. Before this verse, the Shunammite woman and her wealthy husband are introduced, noted for their deep hospitality towards Elisha. They build a small upper room (a prophet's chamber) for him, demonstrating unusual generosity. Elisha, recognizing this kindness, desires to reciprocate. This verse marks the beginning of his deliberate action to reward her, leading to the miraculous promise and birth of her son in the subsequent verses (2 Ki 4:13-17). The immediate context shows Elisha pondering how to repay their hospitality, setting the stage for his divine inquiry and the subsequent life-giving miracle. Historically, prophets often operated with the support of faithful individuals, and divine intervention frequently followed acts of genuine faith and service.

2 Kings 4 12 Word analysis

• He (וַיֹּ֣אמֶר - wa yōʾmer): Refers to Elisha. This marks his active role as the instigator of the interaction. The immediate action word shows Elisha's proactive discernment and intent to bless, rather than waiting for her to approach him.
• said (וַיֹּ֣אמֶר - wa yōʾmer): The common Hebrew verb for "said" or "spoke." It indicates communication, command, or declaration. In a prophetic context, it can convey authority and intentionality.
• to Gehazi (לְגֵיחֲזִ֖י - lĕgêḥăzî): Gehazi is Elisha's personal servant or assistant. His presence here signifies his trusted position as Elisha's confidant and agent in prophetic duties, though his character later proves to be flawed (cf. 2 Ki 5). His role is to mediate Elisha's communication or action.
• his servant (נַעֲרֽוֹ - naʿărô): The Hebrew word naʿar (נַ֫עַר) can mean a "young man," "lad," "servant," or "attendant." Here, it denotes Gehazi's status as a personal aide or disciple, suggesting a close relationship but also subordination. The prophet-servant dynamic is crucial to ancient Near Eastern prophetic ministry.
• Call (קְרָא - qĕrāʾ): An imperative verb meaning "to call," "summon," "proclaim," or "read." In this context, it's a direct command to bring someone closer. It implies bringing her into the prophet's presence for a direct and personal conversation, indicating an important exchange is about to occur.
• this Shunammite woman (אֶת־הַשֻּׁנַמִּ֥ית - ʾeṯ haššunammît): Identifies her specifically. The definite article "the" or "this" indicates she is known to them and distinct. "Shunammite" denotes her origin from Shunem, linking her to her hospitality. It underscores that Elisha knows exactly who she is and that she is the recipient of the intended blessing, acknowledging her earlier actions.

Words-group analysis:

• He said to Gehazi his servant: This phrase establishes Elisha's authority and reliance on Gehazi. It indicates a delegation of duty within the prophet's immediate sphere, setting the stage for the next action to be carried out through a direct command. It highlights the structured operation of Elisha's household/ministry.
• Call this Shunammite woman: A concise and direct command demonstrating Elisha's specific intention to address this particular individual. It shows intentionality in responding to her prior hospitality and hints at an important interaction that cannot be delegated entirely to Gehazi; Elisha needs to speak with her directly.

2 Kings 4 12 Bonus section

Elisha's actions in this verse also subtly prefigure the principle that genuine giving, especially in service to God's kingdom, is never truly unrewarded, though the reward may not come in the expected form or timing. The Shumanmite woman's self-sufficient statement in 2 Kings 4:13 ("I dwell among my own people") suggests contentment and lack of expressed desire, making Elisha's discernment even more remarkable and a testament to God's understanding of our deepest, unvoiced needs. This interaction foreshadows divine acts of providence where God blesses beyond what is asked or even conceived (Eph 3:20).

2 Kings 4 12 Commentary

2 Kings 4:12 serves as a pivotal transition within the narrative of the Shunammite woman. Elisha's act of "calling" her signifies more than a simple summons; it demonstrates his divine insight and the prophet's initiative in extending blessing. Her previous kindness, which she gave without expectation of return (cf. 2 Ki 4:13), moved the prophet, prompting him to discern her unstated desire or need through God's guidance. This interaction underlines the biblical principle of generosity receiving divine reciprocation (Luke 6:38) and God's attentiveness to those who honor His servants (Matt 10:41). Elisha's use of Gehazi also highlights the established order of prophetic ministry, where assistants play a crucial role, though their actions remain under the prophet's spiritual authority. The directness of Elisha's command, "Call this Shunammite woman," implies a deliberate intention to address her personal situation, leading to a miraculous outcome that speaks to God's power over barrenness and the fulfillment of unspoken longings.