King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:42 Mean?

2 Kings 4:42 in the King James Version says “And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, an...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 4:42 · KJV

Context

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.

44

So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the LORD.

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there came a man from Baal-shalisha, 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.

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 · 18 words
לְאִ֨ישׁ1 of 18

“a 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)

וַיָּבֵא֩2 of 18

“And there came”

H935

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

מִבַּ֣עַל3 of 18
H0
שָׁלִ֗שָׁה4 of 18

“from Baalshalisha”

H1190

baal of shalishah, baal-shalishah, a place in palestine

וַיָּבֵא֩5 of 18

“And there came”

H935

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

לְאִ֨ישׁ6 of 18

“a 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים7 of 18

“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

לֶ֣חֶם8 of 18

“bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

בִּכּוּרִים֙9 of 18

“of the firstfruits”

H1061

the first-fruits of the crop

עֶשְׂרִֽים10 of 18

“twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

לֶ֣חֶם11 of 18

“bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

שְׂעֹרִ֔ים12 of 18

“of barley”

H8184

barley (as villose)

וְכַרְמֶ֖ל13 of 18

“and full ears of corn”

H3759

a planted field (garden, orchard, vineyard or park); by implication, garden produce

בְּצִקְלֹנ֑וֹ14 of 18

“in the husk”

H6861

a sack (as tied at the mouth)

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר15 of 18

“thereof And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תֵּ֥ן16 of 18

“Give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָעָ֖ם17 of 18

“unto the people”

H5971

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

וְיֹאכֵֽלוּ׃18 of 18

“that they may eat”

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 4:42 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 4:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 9:7John 6:13John 6:9Matthew 14:16-211 Samuel 9:42 Kings 7:1

Places in This Verse

Baal-shalishahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Sirisye · 32.11°N, 35.01°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 2 Kings 4 →

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