King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:36 Mean?

2 Kings 4:36 in the King James Version says “And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.”

2 Kings 4:36 · KJV

Context

34

And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.

35

Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro ; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. to and fro: Heb. once hither and once thither

36

And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.

37

Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.

38

And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.

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
וַיִּקְרָאֶ֖הָ1 of 14

“And he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גֵּֽיחֲזִ֗י3 of 14

“Gehazi”

H1522

gechazi, the servant of elisha

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר4 of 14

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיִּקְרָאֶ֖הָ5 of 14

“And he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל6 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשֻּֽׁנַמִּ֣ית7 of 14

“this Shunammite”

H7767

a shunammitess, or female inhabitant of shunem

הַזֹּ֔את8 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וַיִּקְרָאֶ֖הָ9 of 14

“And he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וַתָּבֹ֣א10 of 14

“her And when she was come in”

H935

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

אֵלָ֑יו11 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר12 of 14

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׂאִ֥י13 of 14

“Take up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

בְנֵֽךְ׃14 of 14

“thy 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

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 4:36 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 4:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:35Luke 7:151 Kings 17:23

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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