King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:3 Mean?

2 Kings 4:3 in the King James Version says “Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. borrow not: or...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. borrow not: or, scant not”

2 Kings 4:3 · KJV

Context

1

Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

2

And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.

3

Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. borrow not: or, scant not

4

And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

5

So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

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
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 14

“Then he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְכִ֨י2 of 14
H1980

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

שַֽׁאֲלִי3 of 14

“borrow”

H7592

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

לָ֤ךְ4 of 14
H0
כֵּלִ֥ים5 of 14

“thee vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

מִן6 of 14
H4480

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

הַח֔וּץ7 of 14

“abroad”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

מֵאֵ֖ת8 of 14
H853

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

כָּל9 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שְׁכֵנָ֑יִכְי10 of 14

“of all thy neighbours”

H7934

a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen

כֵּלִ֥ים11 of 14

“thee vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

רֵקִ֖ים12 of 14

“even empty”

H7386

empty; figuratively, worthless

אַל13 of 14
H408

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

תַּמְעִֽיטִי׃14 of 14

“borrow not a few”

H4591

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 2:7Psalms 81:10John 16:242 Kings 13:18-192 Kings 3:16

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