King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:25 Mean?

2 Kings 4:25 in the King James Version says “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, tha... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

2 Kings 4:25 · KJV


Context

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.

27

And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told me. him: Heb. by his feet vexed: Heb. bitter


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 · 21 words
וַתֵּ֗לֶךְ1 of 21
H1980

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

וַתָּבֹ֛א2 of 21

and came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִישׁ4 of 21

And it came to pass when 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֤ים5 of 21

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

אֶל6 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַ֣ר7 of 21

to mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

הַכַּרְמֶ֑ל8 of 21

Carmel

H3760

karmel, the name of a hill and of a town in palestine

וַ֠יְהִי9 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּרְא֨וֹת10 of 21

saw her afar off

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אִישׁ11 of 21

And it came to pass when 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֤ים12 of 21

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

אֹתָהּ֙13 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִנֶּ֔גֶד14 of 21
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙15 of 21

he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל16 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גֵּֽיחֲזִ֣י17 of 21

to Gehazi

H1522

gechazi, the servant of elisha

נַֽעֲר֔וֹ18 of 21

his 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

הִנֵּ֖ה19 of 21
H2009

lo!

הַשּֽׁוּנַמִּ֥ית20 of 21

Behold yonder is that Shunammite

H7767

a shunammitess, or female inhabitant of shunem

הַלָּֽז׃21 of 21

that

H1975

this or that


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 4:25 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 4:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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