King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:3 Mean?

2 Kings 8:3 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went fo...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.”

2 Kings 8:3 · KJV

Context

1

Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

2

And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.

3

And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.

4

And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done.

5

And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.

Read 2 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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 8 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's International Influence) 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 8 regarding prophetic word shapes national events?
  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 · 16 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 16
H1961

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

מִקְצֵה֙2 of 16

“end”

H7097

an extremity

שֶׁ֣בַע3 of 16

“And it came to pass at the seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שָׁנִ֔ים4 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַתָּ֥שָׁב5 of 16

“returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה6 of 16

“that the woman”

H802

a woman

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ7 of 16

“out of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים8 of 16

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַתֵּצֵא֙9 of 16

“and she went forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לִצְעֹ֣ק10 of 16

“to cry”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

אֶל11 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ12 of 16

“unto the king”

H4428

a king

אֶל13 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּיתָ֖הּ14 of 16

“for her house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְאֶל15 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׂדָֽהּ׃16 of 16

“and for her land”

H7704

a field (as flat)

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 8:3 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 8:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 14:42 Kings 6:26Luke 18:3-52 Kings 4:132 Kings 8:6Jeremiah 22:16

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 8 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes