King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:24 Mean?

2 Kings 4:24 in the King James Version says “Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee....” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 4:24 · KJV

Context

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:

26

Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well.

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.

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 · 15 words
וַֽתַּחֲבֹשׁ֙1 of 15

“Then she saddled”

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

הָֽאָת֔וֹן2 of 15

“an ass”

H860

a female donkey (from its docility)

אָמַ֥רְתִּי3 of 15

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶֽל4 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נַעֲרָ֖הּ5 of 15

“to her servant”

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

נְהַ֣ג6 of 15

“Drive”

H5090

to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh

וָלֵ֑ךְ7 of 15
H1980

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

אַל8 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּעֲצָר9 of 15

“slack”

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

לִ֣י10 of 15
H0
לִרְכֹּ֔ב11 of 15

“not thy riding”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

כִּ֖י12 of 15
H3588

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

אִם13 of 15
H518

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

אָמַ֥רְתִּי14 of 15

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָֽךְ׃15 of 15
H0

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 4:24 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 4:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 13:131 Kings 13:23Exodus 4:201 Samuel 25:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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