2 Kings 4:14
2 Kings 4:14 in Multiple Translations
So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” “Well, she has no son,” Gehazi replied, “and her husband is old.”
And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.
And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no son, and her husband is old.
So he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi made answer, Still there is this, she has no son and her husband is old.
After she had left, Elisha asked, “What can we do for her?” “She doesn't have a son, and her husband is old,” Gehazi replied.
Againe he sayde, What is then to be done for her? Then Gehazi answered, In deede she hath no sonne, and her husband is olde.
And he saith, 'And what — to do for her?' and Gehazi saith, 'Verily she hath no son, and her husband [is] aged.'
He said, “What then is to be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Most certainly she has no son, and her husband is old.”
And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.
And he said: What will she then that I do for her? And Giezi said: Do not ask, for she hath no son, and her husband is old.
Later, Elisha asked Gehazi, “What do you think that we can do for that woman?” He replied, “She does not have a son, and her husband is an old man. So maybe we should ask Yahweh to enable her to have a son.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 4:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
וּ/מֶ֖ה
לַ/עֲשׂ֣וֹת
לָ֑/הּ
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
גֵּיחֲזִ֗י
אֲבָ֛ל
בֵּ֥ן
אֵֽין
לָ֖/הּ
וְ/אִישָׁ֥/הּ
זָקֵֽן
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וּ/מֶ֖ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
לַ/עֲשׂ֣וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לָ֑/הּ
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גֵּיחֲזִ֗י
Gêychăzîy
H1522
Gehazi
N-proper
אֲבָ֛ל
ʼăbâl
H61
truly
Adv
בֵּ֥ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
לָ֖/הּ
Prep | Suff
וְ/אִישָׁ֥/הּ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms | Suff
זָקֵֽן
zâqên
H2204
be old
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 4:14
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
וּ/מֶ֖ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לַ/עֲשׂ֣וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָ֑/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
גֵּיחֲזִ֗י
Gêychăzîy
H1522
"Gehazi"
N-proper
Gehazi was Elisha's servant, first mentioned in 2 Kings 4:12, with a name meaning 'valley of vision'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.4.12 § Gehazi = "valley of vision" the servant of Elisha
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Gehazi. See also: 2 Kings 4:12; 2 Kings 4:36; 2 Kings 8:5.
אֲבָ֛ל
ʼăbâl
H61
"truly"
Adv
This Hebrew word means truly or surely, often used to emphasize a point. It appears in the Bible as 'but', 'indeed', or 'verily'.
Definition: 1) truly, verily, surely 2) but, however, howbeit 3) contrariwise, nay rather (neg.)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: but, indeed, nevertheless, verily. See also: Genesis 17:19; 2 Chronicles 1:4; Daniel 10:21.
בֵּ֥ן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
לָ֖/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/אִישָׁ֥/הּ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
זָקֵֽן
zâqên
H2204
"be old"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be old or become old is what this Hebrew verb means, as seen in Genesis 18:11, where Abraham and Sarah are described as aged. It can also imply showing signs of age or becoming elderly. The concept of aging is significant in biblical narratives.
Definition: 1) to be old, become old 1a) (Qal) to be old, become old 1b) (Hiphil) to grow old, show age
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: aged man, be (wax) old (man). See also: Genesis 18:12; 1 Samuel 8:5; Psalms 37:25.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 4:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:14
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:14
- Sermons on 2 Kings 4:14
Context — The Shunammite Woman
12And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call the Shunammite woman.” And when he had called her, she stood before him,
13and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied.
14So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” “Well, she has no son,” Gehazi replied, “and her husband is old.”
15“Call her,” said Elisha. So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway. 16And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 1:7 | But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years. |
| 2 | Genesis 15:2–3 | But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 1:8 | “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” |
| 4 | Genesis 18:10–14 | Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’ Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.” |
| 5 | Judges 13:2 | Now there was a man from Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, whose wife was barren and had no children. |
| 6 | Genesis 25:21 | Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. |
| 7 | Genesis 30:1 | When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob. |
| 8 | Genesis 17:17 | Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 1:2 | He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. |
2 Kings 4:14 Summary
This verse shows that Elisha cared about the Shunammite woman and wanted to help her. He asked what he could do for her, and his servant Gehazi told him that she had no son and her husband was old. This means that she had no one to take care of her, and Elisha wanted to help her with this problem, as we see in the next verses (2 Kings 4:15-17). We can learn from Elisha's example to care about the needs of those around us and to trust God to provide for us, just as He promises in Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:33.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elisha ask what should be done for the Shunammite woman?
Elisha asked what should be done for the Shunammite woman because he wanted to show his appreciation for her kindness and hospitality, as seen in 2 Kings 4:8-13, and to demonstrate God's care for those who serve Him, as taught in Matthew 10:42 and Luke 9:4-5.
What is significant about the Shunammite woman's situation?
The Shunammite woman's situation is significant because she has no son and her husband is old, which in ancient Israelite culture would have meant that she had no heir to care for her in her old age, as mentioned in 2 Kings 4:14, and this highlights her vulnerability and dependence on God's provision, as seen in Psalm 68:5 and Isaiah 46:4.
How does Gehazi's response relate to Elisha's question?
Gehazi's response that the Shunammite woman has no son and her husband is old provides Elisha with the information he needs to understand her situation and to determine how to bless her, as seen in 2 Kings 4:14, and this exchange shows how God often works through the information and insights He gives to His servants, as taught in Proverbs 24:6 and Ephesians 4:11-12.
What can we learn from Elisha's concern for the Shunammite woman?
We can learn from Elisha's concern for the Shunammite woman that God cares deeply about the practical needs and concerns of His people, as seen in 2 Kings 4:8-17, and that we should also be concerned to show kindness and compassion to those around us, as taught in Galatians 6:2 and James 1:27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show hospitality and kindness to those around me, just as the Shunammite woman showed to Elisha?
- How can I trust God to provide for my needs, even when I feel vulnerable or uncertain about the future?
- What are some ways that God has provided for me in the past, and how can I give thanks and praise to Him for His goodness?
- How can I be more sensitive to the needs and concerns of those around me, and seek to serve them in practical ways?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:14
And he said,.... That is, Elisha to Gehazi, when he returned to him, and told him what the Shunammite said: what then is to be done for her?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:14
And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:14
What then is to be done for her? hast thou observed any thing which she wants or desires? For the prophet kept himself much in his chamber, whilst Gehazi went more freely about the house, as his occasions led him.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:14
2 Kings 4:14 And he said, What then [is] to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.Ver. 14. What then is to be done for her?] So great a prophet disdaineth not to consult and advise with his servant; and all his care is how to express his thankfulness to his hostess.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:14
(14) And he said—i.e., when Gehazi had reported the woman’s reply. She hath no child.—Which was at once a misfortune and a reproach. (Comp. Genesis 30:23; 1 Samuel 1:6-7; Luke 1:25; Deuteronomy 7:13-14; Psalms 128:3-4.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:14
Verse 14. What then is to be done for her?] It seems that the woman retired as soon as she had delivered the answer mentioned in the preceding verse.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:14
14. And he said] Clearly, to Gehazi. This the LXX. adds. Verily she hath no child] R.V. son. The R.V. is correct, though it seems from the whole narrative that the woman was childless. Of the great grief felt from want of children we learn in the history of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:10-11). Gehazi had probably learnt that this was a sorrow in the family at Shunem.
Sermons on 2 Kings 4:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Barrenness Is Fruitlessness by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the significance of spiritual fruitfulness in the life of believers, drawing parallels between marriage and the union with Christ as essential for producing f |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 98 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and his faithfulness to God. The sermon highlights the intense struggle Abraham faced when God asked him to sacrifice h |
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The Man in the Land by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of fellowship among believers, urging us to value one another and practice patience as exemplified by Jesus. He illustrates this through Ab |
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How to Recieve God's Deep Burden for Souls by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden for souls and the power of prayer. He references a story of two girls who conducted special meetings and sa |
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What Child Is This? the Benedictus by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prevailing conditions of desolation and darkness in the world during the time of Zechariah. He emphasizes the need for salvation from enem |
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A Saint at His Worst by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham and how God comes close to him to reassure him of his covenant promises. The speaker highlights how God speaks to Abraha |
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Responding Properly to God's Promises by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of responding properly to God's promises, using the example of Sarah who, despite initial doubts and attempts to fulfill the promise on her |