King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:23 Mean?

2 Kings 4:23 in the King James Version says “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. ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 4:23 · KJV

Peace

Context

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

25

So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite:

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 12 words
וַתֹּ֖אמֶר1 of 12

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַ֠דּוּעַ2 of 12
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

אַ֣תְּי3 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הֹלֶ֤כֶתי4 of 12

“Wherefore wilt thou go”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֵלָיו֙5 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַיּ֔וֹם6 of 12

“to him to day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לֹא7 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

חֹ֖דֶשׁ8 of 12

“it is neither new moon”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וְלֹ֣א9 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שַׁבָּ֑ת10 of 12

“nor sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וַתֹּ֖אמֶר11 of 12

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁלֽוֹם׃12 of 12

“It shall be well”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

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 4:23 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 4:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 10:101 Chronicles 23:31Numbers 28:11Isaiah 1:13-15

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