King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:22 Mean?

2 Kings 4:22 in the King James Version says “And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.

2 Kings 4:22 · KJV


Context

20

And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.

21

And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.

22

And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.

23

And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well. well: Heb. peace

24

Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee. slack: Heb. restrain not for me to ride


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 4: God's compassionate power through His prophet. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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 · 17 words
וַתִּקְרָא֮1 of 17

And she called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִ֥ישׁ3 of 17

to the man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וַתֹּ֗אמֶר4 of 17

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שִׁלְחָ֨ה5 of 17

Send

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

נָ֥א6 of 17
H4994

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

לִי֙7 of 17
H0
וְאַחַ֖ת8 of 17

and one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִן9 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַנְּעָרִ֔ים10 of 17

of the young men

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וְאַחַ֖ת11 of 17

and one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הָֽאֲתֹנ֑וֹת12 of 17

of the asses

H860

a female donkey (from its docility)

וְאָר֛וּצָה13 of 17

that I may run

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

עַד14 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אִ֥ישׁ15 of 17

to the man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים16 of 17

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְאָשֽׁוּבָה׃17 of 17

and come again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);


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 4:22 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 4:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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