King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:13 Mean?

2 Kings 4:13 in the King James Version says “And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

2 Kings 4:13 · KJV


Context

11

And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.

12

And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.

13

And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

14

And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.

15

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 4: God's compassionate power through His prophet. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 4 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's Miracles of Provision and Life) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 4 regarding god's compassionate power through his prophet?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וַתֹּ֕אמֶר1 of 29

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ2 of 29
H0
וַתֹּ֕אמֶר3 of 29

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נָ֣א4 of 29
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֵלֶיהָ֮5 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הִנֵּ֣ה6 of 29
H2009

lo!

חָרַ֣דְתְּ׀7 of 29

now unto her Behold thou hast been careful

H2729

to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

אֵלֵינוּ֮8 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶת9 of 29
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

כָּל10 of 29
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַֽחֲרָדָ֣ה11 of 29

for us with all this care

H2731

fear, anxiety

הַזֹּאת֒12 of 29
H2063

this (often used adverb)

מֶ֚ה13 of 29
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת14 of 29

what is to be done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָ֔ךְ15 of 29
H0
הֲיֵ֤שׁ16 of 29

for thee wouldest

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

לְדַבֶּר17 of 29

thou be spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

לָךְ֙18 of 29
H0
אֶל19 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ20 of 29

for to the king

H4428

a king

א֖וֹ21 of 29
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

אֶל22 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שַׂ֣ר23 of 29

or to the captain

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַצָּבָ֑א24 of 29

of the host

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

וַתֹּ֕אמֶר25 of 29

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בְּת֥וֹךְ26 of 29

among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

עַמִּ֖י27 of 29

mine own people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אָֽנֹכִ֥י28 of 29
H595

i

יֹשָֽׁבֶת׃29 of 29

I dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 4:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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