King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:28 Mean?

2 Kings 4:28 in the King James Version says “Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 4:28 · KJV

Context

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.

30

And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.

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 · 10 words
אָמַ֔רְתִּי1 of 10

“Then she said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲשָׁאַ֥לְתִּי2 of 10

“Did I desire”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

בֵ֖ן3 of 10

“a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֵאֵ֣ת4 of 10
H853

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

אֲדֹנִ֑י5 of 10

“of my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הֲלֹ֣א6 of 10
H3808

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

אָמַ֔רְתִּי7 of 10

“Then she said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֥א8 of 10
H3808

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

תַשְׁלֶ֖ה9 of 10

“Do not deceive”

H7952

to mislead

אֹתִֽי׃10 of 10
H853

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

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 4:28 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 4:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 30:12 Kings 4:16

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