King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:39 Mean?

2 Kings 4:39 in the King James Version says “And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, a...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage: for they knew them not.”

2 Kings 4:39 · KJV

Context

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.

39

And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage: for they knew them not.

40

So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.

41

But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot. harm: Heb. evil thing

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage: for they knew them not.

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 · 23 words
וַיֵּצֵ֨א1 of 23

“went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶחָ֣ד2 of 23

“And one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אֶל3 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׂדֶ֖ה4 of 23

“a wild”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וַיְלַקֵּ֥ט5 of 23

“and gathered”

H3950

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

אֹרֹת֒6 of 23

“herbs”

H219

luminousness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity; also a plant (as being bright)

וַיִּמְצָא֙7 of 23

“and found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

גֶּ֣פֶן8 of 23

“vine”

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

שָׂדֶ֖ה9 of 23

“a wild”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וַיְלַקֵּ֥ט10 of 23

“and gathered”

H3950

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

מִמֶּ֛נּוּ11 of 23
H4480

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

פַּקֻּעֹ֥ת12 of 23

“gourds”

H6498

the wild cucumber (from splitting open to shed its seeds)

שָׂדֶ֖ה13 of 23

“a wild”

H7704

a field (as flat)

מְלֹ֣א14 of 23

“full”

H4393

fulness (literally or figuratively)

בִגְד֑וֹ15 of 23

“his lap”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וַיָּבֹ֗א16 of 23

“and came”

H935

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

וַיְפַלַּ֛ח17 of 23

“and shred”

H6398

to slice, i.e., break open or pierce

אֶל18 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

סִ֥יר19 of 23

“them into the pot”

H5518

a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook

הַנָּזִ֖יד20 of 23

“of pottage”

H5138

something boiled, i.e., soup

כִּי21 of 23
H3588

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

לֹ֥א22 of 23
H3808

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

יָדָֽעוּ׃23 of 23

“for they knew”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 4:39 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 4:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 12:15Isaiah 5:4Matthew 15:13Jeremiah 2:21

Test Your Knowledge

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

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