King James Version
2 Kings 4:17 in the King James Version says “And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.”
2 Kings 4:17 · King James Version
And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.
And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. season: Heb. set time
And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.
And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
“and bare”
H3205to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
“a son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
“at that season”
H4150properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
“unto her according to the time”
H6256time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
“of life”
H2416alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“had said”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
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.
2 Kings 4:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 2 Kings 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge