King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:41 Mean?

2 Kings 4:41 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 4:41 · KJV

Context

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

43

And his servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred men? He said again, Give the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the LORD, They shall eat, and shall leave thereof.

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 15 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 15

“But he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וּקְחוּ2 of 15

“Then bring”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

קֶ֔מַח3 of 15

“meal”

H7058

flour

וַיַּשְׁלֵ֖ךְ4 of 15

“And he cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

אֶל5 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בַּסִּֽיר׃6 of 15

“in the pot”

H5518

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

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר7 of 15

“But he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

צַ֤ק8 of 15

“Pour 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

לָעָם֙9 of 15

“for the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְיֹאכֵ֔לוּ10 of 15

“that they may eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְלֹ֥א11 of 15
H3808

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

הָיָ֛ה12 of 15
H1961

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

דָּבָ֥ר13 of 15

“And there was no harm”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

רָ֖ע14 of 15
H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בַּסִּֽיר׃15 of 15

“in the pot”

H5518

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

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 4:41 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 4:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 15:252 Kings 2:211 Corinthians 1:25John 9:62 Kings 5:10Acts 28:5

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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