2 Kings 4:38 kjv
And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.
2 Kings 4:38 nkjv
And Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. Now the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, "Put on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets."
2 Kings 4:38 niv
Elisha returned to Gilgal and there was a famine in that region. While the company of the prophets was meeting with him, he said to his servant, "Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these prophets."
2 Kings 4:38 esv
And Elisha came again to Gilgal when there was a famine in the land. And as the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, "Set on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets."
2 Kings 4:38 nlt
Elisha now returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. One day as the group of prophets was seated before him, he said to his servant, "Put a large pot on the fire, and make some stew for the rest of the group."
2 Kings 4 38 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 16:4 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you…" | God provides manna during wilderness journey. |
| Deut 8:3 | "He humbled you… and fed you with manna… that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone..." | God's miraculous sustenance teaches reliance on Him. |
| Josh 5:9 | "Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” And so the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day." | Gilgal as a place of covenant and new beginnings. |
| 1 Sam 7:16 | Samuel went on a circuit year by year to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah…" | Gilgal as a significant center for prophets/judges. |
| 1 Sam 10:5 | After that you shall come to the hill of God where there is a garrison of the Philistines. And there… you will meet a company of prophets… with lyres, tambourines… prophesying. | Existence of "companies/sons of prophets." |
| 1 Kgs 17:1 | Now Elijah the Tishbite… said to Ahab, “As the LORD… lives, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” | Elijah prophesying famine, highlighting God's control. |
| 1 Kgs 17:8-16 | Then the word of the LORD came to him, “Arise, go to Zarephath… Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you…” | God provides food through Elijah and the widow during famine. |
| 1 Kgs 20:35 | And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor at the word of the LORD, “Strike me, please.” | Involvement of "sons of the prophets" in divine commands. |
| 2 Kgs 2:1-7 | …when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. | Elisha's previous association with Gilgal. |
| 2 Kgs 4:1-7 | Now a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha…" | Elisha's previous miracle of oil for a prophet's widow. |
| 2 Kgs 4:42-44 | A man came from Baal-shalisha, bringing the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give to the people, that they may eat.” | Elisha feeds a hundred men with twenty loaves, another provision miracle. |
| Ps 37:25 | I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. | God's faithfulness to provide for His righteous people. |
| Ps 145:15 | The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. | God as the ultimate provider for all living things. |
| Isa 55:1-2 | "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." | Invitation to spiritual nourishment from God. |
| Joel 1:17 | The seed shrivels under the clods; the storehouses are desolate; the granaries are broken down, for the grain has dried up. | Depiction of severe famine. |
| Amos 8:11 | “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." | Spiritual famine as a judgment, contrasting with physical famine. |
| Matt 6:31-33 | Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’… For your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. | God's promise to provide for those who seek Him first. |
| Matt 14:15-21 | When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send the crowds away…”. But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” | Jesus feeding the five thousand, mirroring divine provision. |
| Matt 15:32-38 | Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat…” | Jesus feeding the four thousand, showing compassion and miraculous provision. |
| Acts 2:44-45 | And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing them to all, as any had need. | Early church community sharing resources to meet needs. |
| Phil 4:19 | And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. | Assurance of God's complete provision. |
| Heb 13:5 | Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” | Encouragement against materialism, trust in God's presence and provision. |
2 Kings 4 verses
2 Kings 4 38 Meaning
The verse describes Elisha's return to Gilgal, a significant place, during a widespread famine in the land. It finds him amidst the "sons of the prophets," his disciples, and out of a perceived need, he instructs his servant to prepare a large pot of pottage (a kind of stew) for them, initiating a communal meal to sustain his community during the hardship. This act highlights Elisha's pastoral care and God's provision even in times of scarcity.
2 Kings 4 38 Context
2 Kings chapter 4 records several miraculous deeds of Elisha, all demonstrating God's power to intervene in the daily lives of His people and provide for their needs. These include the multiplication of the widow's oil (vv. 1-7), the raising of the Shunammite's son (vv. 8-37), and, immediately following the current verse, the purification of the poisoned pot (vv. 39-41) and the feeding of a hundred men with twenty loaves (vv. 42-44). The recurring theme is God's compassion and provision through His prophet. Historically, Israel (the Northern Kingdom) often faced famines, which could be natural occurrences or divine judgments, highlighting their vulnerability and reliance on God. The presence of the "sons of the prophets" indicates a community committed to Yahweh in a land often riddled with idolatry, particularly Baal worship, whose adherents claimed Baal brought rain and fertility. Elisha's act of provision directly counters these false claims, showcasing Yahweh as the true source of life and sustenance.
2 Kings 4 38 Word analysis
- And Elisha: The immediate successor to Elijah, operating under God's power. His name, אֱלִישָׁע (Elisha), means "God is salvation." This verse initiates another miraculous act performed through him, signifying God's continued presence and power among His people.
- came again: Implies Elisha's frequent movement throughout Israel, likely visiting the prophetic communities. It suggests a familiar presence and routine, indicative of his active prophetic ministry.
- to Gilgal: A significant ancient Israelite site. Historically, it was where Joshua circumcised the Israelites, observed the first Passover in Canaan, and renewed the covenant after crossing the Jordan (Josh 5). It served as a base for judges and prophets like Samuel and Elijah, often linked to spiritual renewal and covenant observance. Elisha's repeated presence there underlines its continued importance as a spiritual hub.
- and there was a dearth in the land: רָעָב (ra'av) - a severe famine, hunger. This highlights the desperate circumstances. Famines were common in the ancient Near East and were sometimes interpreted as divine judgment (Lev 26:19-20; Deut 28:23-24) or simply severe natural adversities requiring divine intervention. The term underscores the crisis that necessitates God's miraculous provision.
- and the sons of the prophets: בְּנֵי הַנְּבִיאִים (benei hanevi'im) - lit. "children of the prophets." These were not necessarily literal offspring but a community or guild of disciples, students, or associates of the prophets. They lived communally, learned from a master prophet, and were dedicated to the worship of Yahweh and prophetic activity. Their presence indicates an established spiritual community under Elisha's leadership, depending on him for guidance and provision.
- were sitting before him: Signifies a posture of learning, listening, and respect towards Elisha, their master or spiritual father. It denotes their submission to his authority and their readiness to receive instruction or help.
- and he said unto his servant: Elisha, as the leader, gives a direct command. The "servant" is likely Gehazi, who often assists Elisha in practical matters. This shows Elisha’s leadership, initiative, and reliance on practical means while expecting divine blessing.
- Set on the great pot: Literally "Put on the great pot" (שִׂים הַסִּיר הַגְּדוֹלָה - sim hassir haggedolah). This indicates a large communal cooking vessel, suggesting that many people needed to be fed. It's a practical preparation for a communal meal.
- and seethe pottage: בָּשַׁל נָזִיד (bashal nazid) - "boil stew." נָזִיד (nazid) typically refers to a thick stew made from vegetables or legumes. This was a common staple food. The instruction to cook implies immediate need and Elisha's intent to provide a nourishing, warm meal for the company.
- Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land": Establishes the setting – a recognized spiritual center and a desperate crisis of famine. It immediately sets the stage for a demonstration of divine power amidst human hardship.
- "and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant": Identifies the beneficiaries – a spiritual community dependent on Elisha – and reveals Elisha’s immediate response and method of command. It highlights the prophet's compassionate leadership.
- "Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets": Describes the specific action for provision – a practical preparation for a substantial communal meal. This instruction, given the context of "dearth," points towards an anticipated miraculous or exceptionally efficient provision to come.
2 Kings 4 38 Bonus section
This verse subtly introduces the context for the next miracle in Elisha's ministry, where the pottage becomes inadvertently poisoned (2 Kgs 4:39-40), necessitating Elisha's miraculous purification of it. This chain of events highlights Elisha's active role as God's agent, not only providing sustenance but also intervening in matters of life and death, reinforcing the theme of God's life-giving power through His prophet. The famine served not only as a backdrop for need but as an opportunity for Yahweh to manifest His power and care. The detail of the "great pot" signifies the scale of the need and Elisha's readiness to address it communally, fostering solidarity and dependence on God within the prophetic community. This setting emphasizes that prophetic life, while spiritual, was deeply embedded in the realities of daily living and physical need, demonstrating the Lord's holistic care.
2 Kings 4 38 Commentary
2 Kings 4:38 illustrates the compassionate heart of Elisha, divinely enabled to provide for God's servants during a severe famine. Returning to Gilgal, a historically significant location linked to covenant and spiritual heritage, Elisha finds his disciples, the "sons of the prophets," suffering from the widespread lack. His immediate command to "set on the great pot and seethe pottage" for them underscores his practical concern and direct response to their hunger. This action demonstrates God's faithful provision for His community even in dire circumstances, often through His chosen instruments. It stands as a testament to Yahweh's active care for His people, particularly His devoted followers, distinguishing Him from lifeless idols unable to provide. It is a precursor to the immediate crisis (the poisoned pottage) that follows, further accentuating Elisha's role in purifying and making life-sustaining what would otherwise bring death.