King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:26 Mean?

2 Kings 4:26 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 4:26 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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

28

Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 14 words
עַתָּה֮1 of 14
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

רֽוּץ2 of 14

“Run”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

נָ֣א3 of 14
H4994

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

לִקְרָאתָהּ֒4 of 14

“now I pray thee to meet”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

וַתֹּ֖אמֶר5 of 14

“And she answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֗הּ6 of 14
H0
שָׁלֽוֹם׃7 of 14

“It is well”

H7965

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

לָ֛ךְ8 of 14
H0
שָׁלֽוֹם׃9 of 14

“It is well”

H7965

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

לְאִישֵׁ֖ךְ10 of 14

“with thy husband”

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)

שָׁלֽוֹם׃11 of 14

“It is well”

H7965

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

לַיָּ֑לֶד12 of 14

“with the child”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

וַתֹּ֖אמֶר13 of 14

“And she answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁלֽוֹם׃14 of 14

“It is 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 4:26 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 4:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 15:362 Kings 4:231 Samuel 17:18Genesis 37:141 Samuel 3:18Job 1:21-22

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