2 Kings 4 9

2 Kings 4:9 kjv

And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

2 Kings 4:9 nkjv

And she said to her husband, "Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly.

2 Kings 4:9 niv

She said to her husband, "I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God.

2 Kings 4:9 esv

And she said to her husband, "Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way.

2 Kings 4:9 nlt

She said to her husband, "I am sure this man who stops in from time to time is a holy man of God.

2 Kings 4 verses

2 Kings 4 9 Meaning

The Shunammite woman observes Elisha's consistent presence and discerns through spiritual insight that he is not merely a traveler but a devoted and distinctively chosen messenger of God. She articulates this conviction to her husband, recognizing Elisha's unique spiritual stature and purpose. Her perception marks the beginning of their respectful engagement and profound interaction with the prophet, born out of a keen spiritual understanding.

2 Kings 4 9 Context

This verse is part of 2 Kings Chapter 4, which records several of Elisha's miracles, showcasing his ministry as the successor to Elijah. Following the account of the widow's oil, the narrative shifts to Shunem, a town in northern Israel. Elisha often traveled through Shunem, where a wealthy and prominent woman and her husband regularly showed him hospitality. Verse 9 represents the woman's insightful realization about Elisha's true identity, which leads to their initiative to build a dedicated room for him. This act of thoughtful hospitality becomes the foundation for subsequent divine blessings and miraculous interventions concerning her and her family. Historically, prophets were vital spiritual figures in ancient Israel, often traveling and relying on the hospitality of believers. They served as God's direct voice, calling Israel back to covenant obedience and performing signs to validate their message.

2 Kings 4 9 Word analysis

• And she said: This highlights the Shunammite woman's initiative. Unlike many biblical women of her time who might be passive, she is observant, perceptive, and proactive, articulating her spiritual insight to her husband. This immediately establishes her as a woman of spiritual discernment.
• unto her husband: This suggests her wisdom and respect for the marital relationship, consulting and inviting her husband into her observation and subsequent plan of action. It could also imply a societal custom where joint decisions were favored for household matters, especially those involving significant hospitality.
• Behold now: This is an interjection emphasizing a newly acquired or intensely felt perception. It translates to an earnest appeal to pay close attention to what she has discovered or strongly believes. It communicates urgency and conviction.
• I perceive: The Hebrew word is yada (יָדַע), meaning "to know," "to understand," or "to discern." It signifies not merely a casual observation but a deep, experiential knowledge or recognition. Here, it implies spiritual insight – she "knew" in her heart or spirit, not just with her eyes, that Elisha was no ordinary person. This spiritual discernment allows her to see beyond his outward appearance.
• that this is: A definitive statement of conviction. She is certain of her perception.
• a holy man: The Hebrew is qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ), meaning "set apart," "consecrated," or "sacred." It denotes someone separated for God's exclusive service and possessing an intrinsic quality of purity and devotion that distinguishes them from the common. It's an affirmation of Elisha's sacred calling and divine appointment. This word carried significant theological weight in Israel, differentiating true servants of Yahweh from those serving pagan deities who were considered defiling.
• of God: The Hebrew elohim (אֱלֹהִים), meaning God. Combined with "man," it creates the compound phrase 'ish ha'elohim (אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים), a formal title for a prophet (e.g., Moses, Samuel, Elijah). It signifies someone specifically chosen, commissioned, and empowered by Yahweh, the God of Israel. It directly counteracts any potential polytheistic beliefs by affirming the exclusive nature of God's servant.
• which passeth by us: This refers to Elisha's routine travels through Shunem, indicating a consistent, observable pattern. His predictable presence allowed for the woman's extended observation and confirmed her spiritual assessment over time.
• continually: The Hebrew is tamid (תָּמִיד), meaning "regularly," "habitually," or "always." This emphasizes the repeated nature of Elisha's visits. It was not a single chance encounter, but ongoing interaction that solidified her conviction regarding his identity and purpose. It speaks to Elisha's faithfulness in his itinerancy and the woman's consistent observation.

2 Kings 4 9 Bonus section

• The title "man of God" (אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים) was highly esteemed in ancient Israel and uniquely reserved for true prophets. This distinguished them from pagan diviners or ordinary wise men, stressing their direct conduit to Yahweh. The Shunammite woman’s accurate use of this term underscored her theological understanding and recognition of divine authority.
• The woman’s discerning heart, even prior to witnessing a miracle, allowed her to act in faith and obedience to a higher call of hospitality, unlike many who only believe after seeing signs. This pure motivation became foundational to her subsequent blessing.
• The consistent passing of Elisha highlights the opportunity that often presents itself in routine and mundane circumstances for discerning and acting upon spiritual realities. God's messengers may appear unassuming, and it requires a discerning eye to recognize His hand at work.

2 Kings 4 9 Commentary

2 Kings 4:9 is a pivotal verse, revealing the remarkable spiritual insight of the Shunammite woman. She observes Elisha not as a mere traveler needing sustenance, but with a perceptive eye that recognized the profound spiritual reality of his being a "holy man of God." Her perception was not superficial; it was a deep knowing (yada) that acknowledged his sacred dedication and divine commission. This insight speaks volumes about her own spiritual sensitivity and readiness to acknowledge God's presence at work through His chosen instruments.

This recognition leads to a proactive and generous response: she consults her husband, and together they determine to build a special dwelling for Elisha. This hospitality stems from discernment, embodying the principle that those who receive a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward (Matt 10:41). Her unprompted kindness, born out of reverence for God's messenger, set the stage for the dramatic miraculous interventions in her life—first, the gift of a son, and later, his resurrection. The verse implicitly champions spiritual discernment as essential for honoring God and participating in His work.