King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:27 Mean?

2 Kings 4:27 in the King James Version says “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. An...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 4:27 · KJV

Context

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?

29

Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 26 words
וַתָּבֹ֞א1 of 26

“And when she came”

H935

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

אֶל2 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִ֨ישׁ3 of 26

“And 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֤ים4 of 26

“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

אֶל5 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָהָ֔ר6 of 26

“to the hill”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וַֽתַּחֲזֵ֖ק7 of 26

“she caught”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בְּרַגְלָ֑יו8 of 26

“him by the feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וַיִּגַּ֨שׁ9 of 26

“came near”

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

גֵּֽיחֲזִ֜י10 of 26

“but Gehazi”

H1522

gechazi, the servant of elisha

לְהָדְפָ֗הּ11 of 26

“to thrust her away”

H1920

to push away or down

וַיֹּאמֶר֩12 of 26

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אִ֨ישׁ13 of 26

“And 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֤ים14 of 26

“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

הַרְפֵּה15 of 26

“Let her alone”

H7503

to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)

לָהּ֙16 of 26
H0
כִּֽי17 of 26
H3588

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

נַפְשָׁ֣הּ18 of 26

“for her soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

מָֽרָה19 of 26

“is vexed”

H4843

to be (causatively, make) bitter (literally or figuratively)

לָ֔הּ20 of 26
H0
וַֽיהוָה֙21 of 26

“within her and the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הֶעְלִ֣ים22 of 26

“hath hid”

H5956

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֔נִּי23 of 26
H4480

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

וְלֹ֥א24 of 26
H3808

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

הִגִּ֖יד25 of 26

“it from me and hath not told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִֽי׃26 of 26
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 4:27 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 4:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 18:172 Samuel 7:32 Kings 6:12Job 10:1Proverbs 14:10Amos 3:7

Test Your Knowledge

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