2 Kings 4:16
2 Kings 4:16 in Multiple Translations
And 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.”
And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.
And he said, At this season, when the time cometh round, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thy handmaid.
And Elisha said, At this time in the coming year you will have a son in your arms. And she said, No, my lord, O man of God, do not say what is false to your servant.
Elisha told her, “Around this time next year, you will be holding a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she responded. “Man of God, don't tell your servant lies!”
And he said, At this time appointed, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a sonne. And she sayd, Oh my Lord, thou man of God, doe not lye vnto thine handmayd.
and he saith, 'At this season, according to the time of life, thou art embracing a son;' and she saith, 'Nay, my lord, O man of God, do not lie unto thy maid-servant.'
He said, “At this season next year, you will embrace a son.” She said, “No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your servant.”
And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, No, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie to thy handmaid.
He said to her: At this time, and this same hour, if life accompany, thou shalt have a son in thy womb. But she answered: Do not, I beseech thee, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie to thy handmaid.
Elisha said to her, “About this time next year you will be holding your infant son in your arms.” But she protested, “O, sir, you are a prophet who brings messages from God, so please do not deceive/lie to me by saying things like that!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:16
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 4:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֤ד
הַ/זֶּה֙
כָּ/עֵ֣ת
חַיָּ֔ה
אתי
אַ֖תְּ
חֹבֶ֣קֶת
בֵּ֑ן
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
אַל
אֲדֹנִ/י֙
אִ֣ישׁ
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
אַל
תְּכַזֵּ֖ב
בְּ/שִׁפְחָתֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֤ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
כָּ/עֵ֣ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
Prep | N-cs
חַיָּ֔ה
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
אתי
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
אַ֖תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
חֹבֶ֣קֶת
châbaq
H2263
to embrace
V-Qal
בֵּ֑ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
אֲדֹנִ/י֙
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּכַזֵּ֖ב
kâzab
H3576
to lie
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
בְּ/שִׁפְחָתֶֽ/ךָ
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 4:16
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
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.
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֤ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
הַ/זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
כָּ/עֵ֣ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Prep | N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
חַיָּ֔ה
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
אתי
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אַ֖תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
חֹבֶ֣קֶת
châbaq
H2263
"to embrace"
V-Qal
To embrace means to clasp someone or something tightly, like when Jonathan and David hugged each other in 1 Samuel.
Definition: 1) to embrace, clasp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to embrace 1a2) to fold one's hands in idleness (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to embrace
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: embrace, fold. See also: Genesis 29:13; Proverbs 5:20; Proverbs 4:8.
בֵּ֑ן
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.
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
אֲדֹנִ/י֙
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
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.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּכַזֵּ֖ב
kâzab
H3576
"to lie"
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to lie or deceive, and is used in the Bible to describe dishonesty and falsehood, as seen in the actions of those who oppose God's truth.
Definition: 1) to lie, tell a lie, be a liar, be found a liar, be in vain, fail 1a) (Qal) liar (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be proven to be lying 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lie, tell a lie, tell a lie with, deceive 1c2) to disappoint, fail 1d) (Hiphil) to make a liar, prove to be a liar
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fail, (be found a, make a) liar, lie, lying, be in vain. See also: Numbers 23:19; Psalms 89:36; Psalms 78:36.
בְּ/שִׁפְחָתֶֽ/ךָ
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 4:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:16
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:16
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 4:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:16
- Sermons on 2 Kings 4:16
Context — The Shunammite Woman
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.”
17But the woman did conceive, and at that time the next year she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her. 18And the child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the harvesters.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 18:10 | 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. |
| 2 | Luke 1:13 | But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 4:28 | Then she said, “Did I ask you for a son, my lord? Didn’t I say, ‘Do not deceive me?’” |
| 4 | Genesis 18:12–15 | 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.” But Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.” |
| 5 | Genesis 17:21 | But I will establish My covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year.” |
| 6 | Genesis 17:16–17 | And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.” 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?” |
| 7 | 2 Kings 2:19 | Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please note, our lord, that the city’s location is good, as you can see. But the water is bad and the land is unfruitful.” |
| 8 | Psalms 116:11 | In my alarm I said, “All men are liars!” |
| 9 | Luke 1:18–20 | “How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” |
| 10 | Luke 1:30–31 | So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. |
2 Kings 4:16 Summary
In 2 Kings 4:16, Elisha makes a surprising promise to a woman who is unable to have children, saying that she will have a son in a year. The woman is skeptical, but Elisha's words are a reminder that God is all-powerful and can do the impossible, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17. This verse encourages us to trust in God's promises, even when they seem unlikely or impossible, and to have faith that He will provide for our needs, as seen in Matthew 6:33. By trusting in God's power and provision, we can experience His blessing and provision in our lives, just like the woman in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Elisha's declaration to the woman in 2 Kings 4:16?
Elisha's declaration is a promise from God that the woman will have a son, despite her advanced age and her husband's old age, as seen in 2 Kings 4:14, which shows that God can do the impossible, as also stated in Luke 1:37.
Why did the woman respond with skepticism to Elisha's declaration?
The woman responded with skepticism because she was aware of her physical limitations and the improbability of becoming pregnant at her age, but Elisha's declaration was a reminder that God's power is not limited by human circumstances, as seen in Romans 4:19-21.
What does this verse reveal about the character of Elisha?
This verse reveals that Elisha is a faithful messenger of God, who speaks the words that God gives him, even if they seem impossible or unlikely, as also seen in 2 Kings 3:11-12, where Elisha is described as a prophet who speaks the word of the Lord.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when they seem unlikely or impossible, as seen in Hebrews 11:11, where Sarah's faith is commended despite her initial doubt and unbelief.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I need to trust in God's promises, even when they seem impossible?
- How can I, like Elisha, be a faithful messenger of God's word to those around me?
- What are the things that hold me back from fully trusting in God's power and provision, and how can I overcome them?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of Hebrews 11:6, which says that without faith it is impossible to please God, to my life and circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:16
And he said, about this season,.... In the next year: according to the time of life; the usual time women go with child: thou shalt embrace a son; in thine arms, that shall be born of thee, which she
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:16
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 4:16
According to the time of life; of which phrase See Poole on "". Do not lie unto thine handmaid; do not delude me with vain hopes. She could not believe it for joy, and supposed the prophet might say thus either for her trial, or from his own private judgment and affection, and not by warrant from God.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:16
2 Kings 4:16 And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, [thou] man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.Ver. 16. About this season,] i.e., About this time twelve months from now. Thou shalt embrace a son.] God dealeth with his servants, as the prophet here did with this Shunammite, when he bade her ask what she needed, and tell him what he should do for her, and she found not anything to request at his hands; he sends for her, and makes her a free promise of that which she most wanted and desired - a son. So, oft God is pleased to give his servants what they forget or presume not to ask.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:16
(16) About this season.—At this set time. According to the time of life.—Rather, at the reviving time—i.e., next spring; or, when the time revives—i.e., in the following year: a phrase occurring in Genesis 18:10; Genesis 18:15. Böttcher renders, “when the year has revolved,” assuming the ground meaning of the term “life” to be something joined in a circle. Thou shalt embrace.—Thou art about to embrace. Do not lie—i.e., raise no delusive hopes. (Comp. Isaiah 58:11.) We can imagine the emotion with which this would be said. (Comp. the incredulity of Sarah, Genesis 18:12-13.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:16
Verse 16. Thou shalt embrace a son.] This promise, and the circumstances of the parties, are not very dissimilar to that relative to the birth of Isaac, and those of Abraham and Sarah. Do not lie] That is, Let thy words become true; or, as the rabbins understand it, Do not mock me by giving me a son that shall soon be removed by death; but let me have one that shall survive me.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:16
16. according to the time of life] R.V. when the time cometh round. The literal sense of the verb is explained on the margin of R.V. = liveth, or reviveth. The phrase is the same which is used Genesis 18:14 to the childless Sarah before the birth of Isaac. thou man of God] She appeals to him in the character which she felt to be most sacred; the character which had at first (see verse 9) made her desirous to entertain him. do not lie unto thine handmaid] The verb in all its directness is common in Hebrew in very solemn expressions. Thus Numbers 23:19, ‘God is not a man that he should lie’, and of God’s word (Habakkuk 2:3), ‘It shall speak and not lie’. The blessing promised was so great, and appeared so unlikely of fulfilment, that the woman implores Elisha not to raise false expectations in such a matter.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 4:16
Do not lie - Compare a similar incredulity in Genesis 17:17; Genesis 18:12; Luke 1:20. The expression, “do not lie,” which is harsh to us, accords with the plain, straightforward simplicity of ancient speech.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:16
16. About this season, according to the time of life — That is, about this time next year. Embrace a son — Fold in thy arms a child.
Sermons on 2 Kings 4:16
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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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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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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 |
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Why Did Sarah Laugh? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson explores the story of Sarah laughing at God's promise of a son, emphasizing the lesson of faith that God can do the impossible. Despite her disbelief due to her age |
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Godsword Season Episode 64 by Ken Graves | This sermon emphasizes the spiritual war between truth and deception, highlighting the power of the Bible as God's word and sword. It focuses on the unique role of Jesus as the onl |
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The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 6 by W.F. Kumuyi | This sermon emphasizes the importance of belief and faith in God's promises, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and the need to trust in God's ability to fulfill His word. I |