2 Kings 4 15

2 Kings 4:15 kjv

And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.

2 Kings 4:15 nkjv

So he said, "Call her." When he had called her, she stood in the doorway.

2 Kings 4:15 niv

Then Elisha said, "Call her." So he called her, and she stood in the doorway.

2 Kings 4:15 esv

He said, "Call her." And when he had called her, she stood in the doorway.

2 Kings 4:15 nlt

"Call her back again," Elisha told him. When the woman returned, Elisha said to her as she stood in the doorway,

2 Kings 4 verses

2 Kings 4 15 Meaning

Second Kings 4:15 describes Elisha the prophet's command through his servant Gehazi to call the Shunammite woman. She promptly obeys this instruction, coming to stand respectfully in the entrance of the room where Elisha was. This action sets the immediate scene for Elisha's subsequent revelation of God's promise concerning a son for her, preparing the atmosphere for the reception of a miraculous divine word.

2 Kings 4 15 Context

The book of 2 Kings details the history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, with a particular focus on the prophets Elisha and Elijah who served as God's messengers during this period of apostasy and divine judgment. Chapter 4 recounts several miracles performed by Elisha, demonstrating God's power and provision through His servant. Prior to verse 15, the narrative establishes the generous hospitality of the Shunammite woman and her wealthy husband towards Elisha. In response to their kindness, Elisha inquires what favor he can bestow upon them. His servant Gehazi identifies their lack of a child and the advanced age of the woman's husband as a potential need. Verse 15 then immediately sets the stage for Elisha to deliver a life-changing prophecy to the woman herself. Historically, barrenness was a significant social and personal distress in ancient Israel, often seen as a form of divine displeasure. The woman's respectful posture "in the doorway" reflects cultural norms for interaction between an unmarried man (the prophet) and a married woman, emphasizing decorum, modesty, and the appropriate distance, while still being present to receive instruction.

2 Kings 4 15 Word analysis

• He said (וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ - vayyōmer): This is Elisha, the "man of God" (אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים - ’îš hā’ĕlōhîm, mentioned in 2 Kgs 4:9), speaking. His words carry divine authority as a representative of the Lord, initiating a pivotal moment in the narrative.
• "Call her." (קְרָא־לָהּ - qᵉrā-lāh): A direct imperative from Elisha to Gehazi, meaning "call to her." This implies bringing her to a place where Elisha can directly address her, not necessarily into the private chamber but to a respectful distance within earshot. The immediate and singular focus indicates urgency and significance for what is to follow.
• When he had called her, (וַיִּקְרָא־לָהּ - vayyiqrā-lāh): This phrase highlights Gehazi's prompt obedience to Elisha's command, demonstrating the effective relay of instruction. The narrative efficiency moves the plot forward without delay.
• she stood (וַתַּֽעֲמֹ֖ד - vattaʿămōd): The Hebrew verb emphasizes her immediate action and steady posture. It implies readiness, attentiveness, and a posture of respect and listening before an important figure or message. Her standing underscores her availability to receive the communication.
• in the doorway. (בַּפֶּֽתַח - bappaṯaḥ): This literally means "in the opening" or "in the entrance." This detail is profoundly significant culturally and contextually.
  • Propriety and Modesty: For a woman to enter the private dwelling of a man not her husband was improper. Standing in the doorway maintained a respectful distance, ensuring decorum and protecting her reputation and the prophet's.
  • Humility and Submission: It conveyed her humility and recognition of Elisha's prophetic authority, signifying that she was available and ready to receive what he had to say without presuming too much.
  • Accessibility: She was close enough to hear and respond, yet maintained appropriate social boundaries.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "He said, 'Call her.'": This short exchange signifies Elisha taking proactive steps after discerning God's will regarding the woman's unspoken desire for a child. It marks the shift from Gehazi's general inquiry about a need to a specific divine initiative for the woman's life. The direct command emphasizes Elisha's authority as God's instrument.
• "When he had called her, she stood in the doorway.": This rapid sequence of actions highlights the immediacy of obedience and readiness among all parties involved in God's unfolding plan. Gehazi's swift calling and the Shunammite woman's immediate and decorous appearance demonstrate an environment of attentiveness to the prophet's instructions, crucial for the reception of a miraculous word. Her standing in the doorway is a finely tuned act of cultural respect and personal modesty, indicating a willingness to listen while maintaining proper boundaries in a male-dominated religious interaction.

2 Kings 4 15 Bonus section

The seemingly simple command to "call her" reveals Elisha's deliberate process in dispensing divine wisdom. He doesn't directly call the woman himself, but instructs Gehazi, emphasizing a certain formal protocol often seen in interactions involving revered spiritual leaders. This brief verse thus also illustrates the chain of command and the functioning of a prophetic ministry with its administrative elements. Furthermore, the meticulous detail about "the doorway" implicitly suggests the weight and personal nature of the impending prophecy. Elisha had just offered generic repayment; this summons indicates something profoundly personal and specific is about to be revealed, which ultimately pertains to the intimate sphere of her marriage and desire for offspring.

2 Kings 4 15 Commentary

Second Kings 4:15, though brief, serves as a crucial staging point for one of Elisha's most profound miracles, the prophecy of the Shunammite woman's son. The prompt execution of Elisha's command by Gehazi, followed by the Shunammite woman's immediate appearance, showcases a culture of readiness to obey God's appointed messenger. The specific detail of her standing "in the doorway" is a poignant portrayal of ancient Near Eastern social and religious etiquette. It speaks volumes of her humility, reverence for Elisha as a "man of God," and strict adherence to proper decorum, maintaining a modest and respectful distance while remaining fully attentive. This posture sets a theological precedent, suggesting that receiving God's incredible blessings often requires an attitude of humility and attentive submission to His word, conveyed through His chosen vessels. It highlights that God often operates within the framework of human customs, elevating them to vehicles for His divine purposes, transforming ordinary interactions into moments of extraordinary revelation.