2 Kings 4 8

2 Kings 4:8 kjv

And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

2 Kings 4:8 nkjv

Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food.

2 Kings 4:8 niv

One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat.

2 Kings 4:8 esv

One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food.

2 Kings 4:8 nlt

One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she urged him to come to her home for a meal. After that, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for something to eat.

2 Kings 4 verses

2 Kings 4 8 Meaning

Elisha, the prophet of God, often traveled to Shunem. There lived a woman of significant social standing, influence, and likely wealth, who persistently urged him to eat at her home. This act of hospitality became a regular pattern; whenever Elisha passed through Shunem, he would turn aside to partake of meals in her household.

2 Kings 4 8 Context

This verse initiates the detailed account of Elisha's encounters and miracles with the Shunammite woman. Following several displays of Elisha's power, this narrative shifts focus to God's intervention in the lives of a more domestic setting, moving beyond royal or military affairs. It sets the scene for an ongoing relationship between the prophet and a specific household, laying the foundation for the miracle of conception and later, the raising of her son. Historically, prophets like Elisha were often itinerant, relying on the hospitality of believers. This account highlights the cultural expectation of welcoming guests, especially revered figures, and the practicalities of a prophet's life on the road in ancient Israel. The woman's social standing and means would have allowed her to extend such generosity.

2 Kings 4 8 Word analysis

• And it fell on a day (וַיְהִי הַיּוֹם - Vayhi hayyom): A common Hebrew narrative introductory phrase, signifying "it came to pass" or "now it happened one day." It marks the beginning of a specific incident or section in the narrative.
• Elisha (אֱלִישָׁע - Elisha'): The prophet, whose name means "My God is salvation" or "God saves." He was Elijah's successor, divinely chosen to continue the prophetic ministry of confronting idolatry and demonstrating God's power and provision in Israel. His life was characterized by many practical miracles, often ministering to common people.
• passed (עֹבֵר - 'over): Implies regular movement or passage through a place. It denotes his routine itinerary as a prophet traveling the land.
• to Shunem (שׁוּנֵם - Shunem): An ancient town in the territory of Issachar, located in the Jezreel Valley, at the northern foot of the Gilboa mountains. It was near Jezreel and Nazareth, making it a plausible stop on Elisha's journeys.
• where was a great woman (שָׁם אִשָּׁה גְדוֹלָה - sham ishshah gedolah):
  • great (גְדוֹלָה - gedolah): Derived from gadal, meaning large, prominent, important, or rich. In this context, it primarily indicates high social standing, wealth, and influence within her community. It does not necessarily denote spiritual greatness at this point but points to her prominence, which enables her substantial hospitality. Her character and discernment become evident later.
  • woman (אִשָּׁה - ishshah): A female person, here emphasizing her role as mistress of the household and a significant figure in her town.
• and she constrained him (וַתַּחֲזֶק בּוֹ - vattachazek bo): Literally, "she laid hold of him" or "she strongly held him." It signifies strong insistence, urgent persuasion, or compelling him. She didn't just invite him, but persistently urged him, suggesting she overcame any initial modesty or reluctance from Elisha to accept hospitality from a stranger.
• to eat bread (לֶאֱכָל לָחֶם - le'ekhol lakhem): A common idiom for sharing a meal. "Bread" (lakhem) frequently symbolizes sustenance or a full repast. This highlights a fundamental act of hospitality and meeting basic human needs.

Words-group Analysis:

• Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman: This phrase sets the geographical and social stage for the narrative. It immediately introduces a key individual, the "great woman," emphasizing her societal prominence before detailing her interaction with Elisha. This prominence is crucial as it signifies her capacity to provide sustained hospitality and her potential influence.
• she constrained him to eat bread: This describes the initial interaction, revealing the woman's proactive and persistent hospitality. Her "constraining" highlights her strong will and determination to serve the prophet, demonstrating a deeper conviction than mere social pleasantry. It also suggests that Elisha did not immediately seek out her hospitality but was drawn in by her initiative.
• as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread: This demonstrates the consistent and enduring nature of the relationship established by her initial act. What began as a single invitation evolved into a customary practice, signifying trust, routine, and a mutually recognized arrangement of ongoing provision and care for the prophet's needs during his travels.

2 Kings 4 8 Bonus section

• The Shunammite woman's actions anticipate the New Testament teaching about receiving a "prophet's reward" by welcoming God's servants (Matt 10:41). Her generosity was an investment into Elisha's ministry, and she received an exceptional return from God.
• Her "greatness" may also refer to her "spiritual greatness" or discernment. While primarily indicating status and wealth, the fact that she was the one who initiated this connection with a prophet, later discerning him as a "holy man of God," points to a depth beyond mere material standing.
• The ongoing nature of Elisha's visits signifies that he felt safe and welcomed in her home, implying a level of trust and comfort that likely evolved from her consistent, sincere hospitality.

2 Kings 4 8 Commentary

2 Kings 4:8 serves as the gentle yet pivotal opening to the Shunammite narrative, immediately spotlighting the extraordinary character of a woman distinguished not only by her worldly stature ("great woman") but, as later events confirm, by her profound piety and discerning spirit. Her spontaneous and persistent invitation to Elisha to share a meal was no mere social gesture but an earnest expression of selfless hospitality, indicative of a heart attuned to God's servant. This act established a pattern of sustained provision for Elisha's itinerant ministry. It implicitly highlights God's way of meeting His prophet's practical needs through the generosity and faithfulness of His people. This simple yet profound act of welcoming and ministering to God's messenger sets the stage for God's reciprocal and far more miraculous blessings upon her household, demonstrating how humble service can open the door to divine favor and powerful intervention.