King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:2 Mean?

2 Kings 4:2 in the King James Version says “And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid h...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.”

2 Kings 4:2 · KJV

Salvation

Context

1

Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

2

And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.

3

Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. borrow not: or, scant not

4

And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 4: God's compassionate power through His prophet. 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.

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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 · 21 words
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 21

“And she said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֤יהָ2 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלִישָׁע֙3 of 21

“And Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

מָ֣ה4 of 21
H4100

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

אֶֽעֱשֶׂה5 of 21

“unto her What shall I do”

H6213

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

לָּ֔ךְ6 of 21
H0
הַגִּ֣ידִי7 of 21

“for thee tell”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִ֔י8 of 21
H0
מַה9 of 21
H4100

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

יֶּשׁ10 of 21

“me what hast”

H3426

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

לָ֖כְי11 of 21
H0
בַּבַּ֔יִת12 of 21

“hath not any thing in the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וַתֹּ֗אמֶר13 of 21

“And she said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵ֣ין14 of 21
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לְשִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֥15 of 21

“Thine handmaid”

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

כֹל֙16 of 21
H3605

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

בַּבַּ֔יִת17 of 21

“hath not any thing in the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

כִּ֖י18 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם19 of 21
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אָס֥וּךְ20 of 21

“save a pot”

H610

anointed, i.e., an oil-flask

שָֽׁמֶן׃21 of 21

“of oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

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 4:2 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 4:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 17:12James 2:5John 6:5-72 Kings 2:9Matthew 15:342 Kings 6:26-27

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 4 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes