2 Kings 4 13

2 Kings 4:13 kjv

And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

2 Kings 4:13 nkjv

And he said to him, "Say now to her, 'Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?' " She answered, "I dwell among my own people."

2 Kings 4:13 niv

Elisha said to him, "Tell her, 'You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?'?" She replied, "I have a home among my own people."

2 Kings 4:13 esv

And he said to him, "Say now to her, 'See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?'" She answered, "I dwell among my own people."

2 Kings 4:13 nlt

Elisha said to Gehazi, "Tell her, 'We appreciate the kind concern you have shown us. What can we do for you? Can we put in a good word for you to the king or to the commander of the army?'" "No," she replied, "my family takes good care of me."

2 Kings 4 verses

2 Kings 4 13 Meaning

This verse recounts the prophet Elisha's offer to the Shunammite woman, who had shown him profound hospitality. Through his servant Gehazi, Elisha inquires what favor she desires as a return for her diligent care, suggesting intercession on her behalf with the king or the commander of the army—the highest secular authorities. Her response, "I dwell among my own people," signifies her contentment and secure belonging within her community, implying she lacks nothing and sees no need for external, high-level intervention.

2 Kings 4 13 Context

The Shunammite woman had consistently provided gracious hospitality to Elisha, preparing a designated upper room in her home for him to lodge whenever he passed by (2 Kings 4:8-10). She recognized him as a "holy man of God" (2 Kings 4:9) and took thoughtful initiative to care for his needs. Elisha, touched by her selfless devotion and keen insight, desired to reciprocate her kindness. This verse represents Elisha's initial attempt to bless her in a way that she might value, showcasing his concern for her well-being before the miraculous birth of her son in the subsequent verses. Her reply also establishes her character, which is further highlighted by her reaction to her son's death and Elisha's eventual resurrection of the boy later in the chapter, demonstrating her profound faith and inner strength beyond superficial needs or desires.

2 Kings 4 13 Word analysis

• And he said: Simple introduction to Elisha's direct communication to Gehazi, setting up the dialogue.
• to her: Referring to Gehazi. Elisha often communicated instructions through his servant, who acted as an intermediary.
• Now say to her: Elisha instructs Gehazi to relay the message directly to the Shunammite woman. This creates a more formal and respectful address, distinct from direct conversation.
• See (הִנֵּה, hinneh): An interjection drawing attention or indicating discovery. Here, it highlights Elisha's acknowledgement of her past actions, emphasizing his appreciative observation of her character.
• you have been careful for us (כִּי הֶחֱרַדְתְּנוּ, ki hechĕradtənu): From the root חרד (charad). In the Hiphil form, it means "to show earnest concern," "to be diligent," or "to go to trouble for." This emphasizes the profound effort, forethought, and eager readiness she invested in her hospitality, indicating it was more than mere obligation.
• with all this care (בְּכָל הַחֲרָדָה הַזֹּאת, b'khol hachăradah hazoht): חֲרָדָה (charadah) is a noun from the same root, meaning "concern," "diligence," "solicitude," or "trouble." The repetition of the root (חרד verb and חרדה noun) powerfully stresses the extraordinary extent, thoroughness, and self-sacrificial nature of her service and the genuine concern she manifested. It highlights the completeness of her devotion.
• what is to be done for you?: A genuine question from Elisha, signaling his desire to respond proportionately to her generous and diligent actions, offering to fulfill a need she might have.
• Would you like to be spoken for (לְדַבֶּר־לָךְ, l'dabbēr-lakh): Literally "to speak for you." This implies intercession, advocacy, or making a plea on her behalf. Elisha is offering to use his spiritual influence to secure her worldly advantage.
• to the king: Represents the highest secular political authority of Israel, wielding immense power and influence. An appeal to the king could address legal, financial, or land issues.
• or to the commander of the army?: Represents the highest military authority, second only to the king. An appeal here could provide security, protection, or resolution of conflicts. Together, these two figures symbolize the peak of human authority and worldly power.
• And she answered: Indicates her direct, concise, and definitive response to Elisha's offer.
• "I dwell among my own people.":
  • I dwell (יוֹשֶׁבֶת, yoshèvèt): Implies a settled, stable, and peaceful existence.
  • among my own people (בְּתוֹךְ עַמִּי, b'tokh 'ammî): This phrase conveys a profound sense of security, belonging, sufficiency, and contentment. It suggests she is integrated into a supportive community where her needs are met, she feels safe, and she lacks nothing that human authority outside her immediate sphere could provide. It implies that her current social and economic standing is entirely satisfactory, and she does not aspire for external fame, power, or special privileges, preferring the stability of her familial and local relationships.

Words-group analysis

• "you have been careful for us with all this care": This phrase underscores Elisha's perception of her selfless service. It points to a generosity born out of a genuine, earnest concern, not merely duty or expectation of reward. The double use of the root for "care/diligence" emphasizes her extraordinary dedication.
• "what is to be done for you? Would you like to be spoken for to the king or to the commander of the army?": This shows Elisha's profound appreciation and his access to the highest echelons of society. It offers a solution to any potential problem a wealthy and influential woman might have, revealing his readiness to leverage his connections for her benefit. This offer tests her desires: does she value earthly prestige and influence or something deeper?
• "I dwell among my own people.": This profound statement reveals the woman's deep spiritual and practical contentment. It suggests her satisfaction with her communal ties and God's provision within her current life. She did not perceive any need that earthly authorities could fulfill beyond what she already possessed or received through her secure position and the community's support. It indicates a woman whose value is placed on relational security and simple belonging rather than ambition or acquisition. This humility and trust set her apart from typical desires for advancement.

2 Kings 4 13 Bonus section

The Shunammite woman's response carries a subtle but powerful message against common human tendencies:

1. Anti-Ambition: In a society where gaining access to royal courts or military leaders meant significant elevation, her refusal indicates a rejection of worldly ambition and status-seeking. She values a quiet, secure life over public prominence.
2. Trust in God vs. Man: Her statement implicitly contrasts the transient nature and often corrupting influence of human power (king, army commander) with the secure, consistent provision she finds in her community, ultimately flowing from God. It's a testament to self-sufficiency that finds its source in God's prior blessings, without the need for additional human mediation at a political level.
3. The "Holy Man" Dynamic: She understood Elisha as a prophet of God, recognizing his spiritual authority. Yet, she did not view his divine connection as a means for personal gain or material advancement beyond what she already had. Her faith focused on receiving from God rather than using God's servant for worldly aims.

2 Kings 4 13 Commentary

Elisha's proposition to the Shunammite woman highlights the principle of divine recognition and reciprocity for genuine hospitality and service to God's messenger. The woman's initial generous acts were not predicated on expectation of reward, yet Elisha, guided by divine leading, sought to bless her. Her reply, "I dwell among my own people," is a remarkable expression of humility, contentment, and deep trust in God's providence, mediated through her stable community. She models a spirit of true sufficiency that doesn't covet worldly status or seek leverage from earthly powers. Her security was rooted in her identity and belonging within her established community, underscoring that genuine well-being often stems from contentment with what God has provided through relationships, rather than pursuing external validation or temporal advantages. Her response also sets the stage for a supernatural blessing from God, demonstrating that true needs are often beyond the scope of human influence and met through divine intervention.