King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:40 Mean?

2 Kings 4:40 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 4:40 · KJV

Context

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

42

And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat. the husk: or, his scrip, or, garment

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 16 words
וַיִּֽצְק֥וּ1 of 16

“So they poured out”

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

אִ֣ישׁ2 of 16

“O thou 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)

לֶֽאֱכֹֽל׃3 of 16

“And it came to pass as they were eating”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַ֠יְהִי4 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לֶֽאֱכֹֽל׃5 of 16

“And it came to pass as they were eating”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מֵֽהַנָּזִ֜יד6 of 16

“of the pottage”

H5138

something boiled, i.e., soup

וְהֵ֣מָּה7 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

צָעָ֗קוּ8 of 16

“that they cried out”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙9 of 16

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מָ֤וֶת10 of 16

“there is death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

בַּסִּיר֙11 of 16

“in the pot”

H5518

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

אִ֣ישׁ12 of 16

“O thou 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים13 of 16

“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

וְלֹ֥א14 of 16
H3808

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

יָֽכְל֖וּ15 of 16

“And they could”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לֶֽאֱכֹֽל׃16 of 16

“And it came to pass as they were eating”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 4:40 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 4:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 16:18Exodus 15:23Exodus 10:17Deuteronomy 33:12 Kings 1:132 Kings 4:9

Test Your Knowledge

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

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