2 Kings 4 23

2 Kings 4:23 kjv

And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.

2 Kings 4:23 nkjv

So he said, "Why are you going to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath." And she said, "It is well."

2 Kings 4:23 niv

"Why go to him today?" he asked. "It's not the New Moon or the Sabbath." "That's all right," she said.

2 Kings 4:23 esv

And he said, "Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath." She said, "All is well."

2 Kings 4:23 nlt

"Why go today?" he asked. "It is neither a new moon festival nor a Sabbath." But she said, "It will be all right."

2 Kings 4 verses

2 Kings 4 23 Meaning

The verse captures a pivotal dialogue between the Shunammite woman and her husband. The husband questions his wife's uncharacteristic journey to the prophet Elisha, noting that it is neither a designated day for communal worship nor for seeking a prophet (specifically, the New Moon or the Sabbath). Her concise reply, "It is well," conveys profound faith and resolute purpose despite the overwhelming grief of her son's recent death. This short statement bypasses detailed explanation, signaling her urgent conviction that divine intervention is both necessary and achievable through Elisha, indicating her complete trust in God's power to restore.

2 Kings 4 23 Context

This verse is situated in 2 Kings chapter 4, a chapter rich with accounts of Elisha's miraculous ministry. The preceding narrative establishes the Shunammite woman as a prominent, wealthy, and devout woman who generously hosts Elisha. As a blessing for her hospitality, Elisha miraculously prophesies the birth of a son to her and her aged husband. Tragically, this son dies in his youth. Overcome with grief and yet holding firm to her faith, the woman immediately sets out to seek Elisha, the man of God, in Mount Carmel. Her journey, described in this verse, is an urgent response to an unimaginable tragedy. Historically, prophets like Elisha served as God's primary spokespersons in Israel, consulted for divine counsel and intervention, especially during times of crisis. The societal expectation was to visit spiritual leaders on specific religious days, like the New Moon and Sabbath, hence her husband's question, highlighting her unusual, unscheduled trip born out of profound spiritual necessity.

2 Kings 4 23 Word analysis

• And he said: Refers to the Shunammite woman's husband. His inquiry is rooted in societal norms and genuine curiosity regarding his wife's seemingly unusual, unscheduled journey.
• Why are you going: The Hebrew word for "why" (מַדּוּעַ - maddūaʿ) signifies perplexity and a search for reasoning. It shows the husband's awareness that this trip deviates from normal practice.
• to him today?: "Him" refers to Elisha. "Today" emphasizes the immediacy and timing outside of customary visits. It indicates the husband is caught off guard by the unexpected departure.
• It is neither new moon: Hebrew: רֹאשׁ־חֹ֣דֶשׁ (rōʾš ḥōdeš), literally "head of the month." This was the first day of each lunar month, observed with special sacrifices and often a time when people sought prophets for spiritual consultation or divine word (e.g., Num 10:10, 1 Sam 20:5, 18, Isa 1:13).
• nor Sabbath: Hebrew: וְלֹ֣א שַׁבָּֽת (wəlōʾ šabbāt). The seventh day of the week, consecrated for rest and worship. Like the New Moon, it was a designated time for spiritual activities, including gatherings for instruction and prayer. The absence of these recognized holy days makes her departure remarkable.
• And she said: Her reply is notably concise and deliberate, providing no detailed explanation to her husband at this point.
• It is well: Hebrew: שָׁלֹֽם (shālōm). This powerful single word conveys "peace," "well-being," "completeness," "nothing broken or lacking." In this context, it functions as an assurance, meaning "all is well," "don't worry," "everything will be alright," or more accurately, a declaration of faith that God will make it well. It is not a statement of present fact, but a profound expression of trust and anticipation of restoration, possibly also aiming to prevent alarm or delay the journey with prolonged explanation. This proactive declaration of faith in the midst of extreme adversity showcases remarkable spiritual strength.

2 Kings 4 23 Bonus section

The Shunammite woman's "It is well" provides a timeless lesson on responding to overwhelming adversity with profound trust in God. It teaches that true faith may not always explain the 'why' to human curiosity but is fully committed to the 'Who' can bring about change. Her refusal to dwell on the negative or allow despair to paralyze her, choosing instead immediate, faith-filled action, sets an inspiring example for believers facing trials. Her journey to Elisha outside conventional religious timings also underscores that seeking God's intervention is not limited to set days; pressing need and faith compel action whenever it is required. It suggests that her "shalom" was an active spiritual discipline, where peace was claimed and acted upon even when external circumstances seemed utterly broken.

2 Kings 4 23 Commentary

This concise verse encapsulates a moment of deep spiritual tension and unwavering faith. The husband's question, "Why are you going to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath," highlights the common practice of seeking God or His prophets during designated times of worship. His perplexity is natural, given that the most significant personal tragedy has just occurred, yet his wife gives no immediate explanation beyond stating her destination. The Shunammite woman's simple yet profound reply, "It is well" (Shalom), is a powerful testimony of faith. Despite the stark reality of her son's death, she declares not just a wish for well-being but an active trust in God's ability to intervene and make things right. It reveals her inner resolve and certainty in divine restoration, overriding normal explanations or lamentations. Her immediate pursuit of Elisha without delay, disregarding customary timings and personal grief, demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the power residing in God's anointed prophet, signifying that divine intervention transcends human schedule or circumstance. Her statement is less a description of current reality and more a confident declaration of the reality she believes God will bring forth.