King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 4:7 Mean?
“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”
Context
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
9
And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **Then she came.**—*And she went in.*
**He said.**—**LXX**., “Elisha said.”
**Thy debt**.—Right. Margin incorrect.
**And live thou and thy children.**—Heb., *and thou—thy sons—thou mayest live*. Clearly “and” has fallen out before the second word. Many MSS. and all the versions have it.
**Thou.**—’*Attî*, an archaism, perhaps retained in the dialect of northern Israel (1Kings 14:2).
**Of the rest.**—*On what is left over*—i.e., of the price of the oil.
(8–37) The Shunammitess and her son.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 4:7 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 4:7
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
→Psalms 37:21
→1 Kings 12:22
→Romans 12:17
→Philippians 4:8
→1 Thessalonians 2:9-10
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge