King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 4:8 Mean?

2 Kings 4:8 in the King James Version says “And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And s...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 4:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

Read 2 Kings 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 20 words
וַיְהִ֨י1 of 20
H1961

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

הַיּ֜וֹם2 of 20

“And it fell on a day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עָבְר֔וֹ3 of 20

“as he passed by”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֱלִישָׁ֣ע4 of 20

“that Elisha”

H477

elisha, the famous prophet

אֶל5 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שׁוּנֵ֗ם6 of 20

“to Shunem”

H7766

shunem, a place in pal

וְשָׁם֙7 of 20
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אִשָּׁ֣ה8 of 20

“woman”

H802

a woman

גְדוֹלָ֔ה9 of 20

“where was a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וַתַּֽחֲזֶק10 of 20

“and she constrained”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בּ֖וֹ11 of 20
H0
לֶֽאֱכָל12 of 20

“him to eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לָֽחֶם׃13 of 20

“bread”

H3899

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

וַֽיְהִי֙14 of 20
H1961

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

מִדֵּ֣י15 of 20

“And so it was that as oft”

H1767

enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases

עָבְר֔וֹ16 of 20

“as he passed by”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

יָסֻ֥ר17 of 20

“he turned”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֖מָּה18 of 20
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

לֶֽאֱכָל19 of 20

“him to eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לָֽחֶם׃20 of 20

“bread”

H3899

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

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 4:8 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 4:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:18Luke 24:29Job 1:3Genesis 19:31 Kings 1:32 Kings 4:11-12

Places in This Verse

ShunemSettlement · Modern: Sulam · 32.61°N, 35.33°E9 verses across 4 books
View all places in 2 Kings 4 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

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