King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:6 Mean?

2 Kings 4:6 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

2 Kings 4:6 · KJV


Context

4

And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

5

So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.

6

And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

7

Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. debt: or, creditor

8

And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. it fell on a day: Heb. there was a day constrained him: Heb. laid hold on him


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 17 words
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 17
H1961

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

כִּמְלֹ֣את2 of 17

were full

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

כֶּ֑לִי3 of 17

And it came to pass when the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר4 of 17

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל5 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנָהּ֙6 of 17

unto her 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

הַגִּ֨ישָׁה7 of 17

Bring

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֵלַ֥י8 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עוֹד֙9 of 17
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

כֶּ֑לִי10 of 17

And it came to pass when the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר11 of 17

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֔יהָ12 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֥ין13 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

ע֖וֹד14 of 17
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

כֶּ֑לִי15 of 17

And it came to pass when the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וַֽיַּעֲמֹ֖ד16 of 17

stayed

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

הַשָּֽׁמֶן׃17 of 17

more And the oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness


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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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