2 Kings 4:17
2 Kings 4:17 in Multiple Translations
But the woman did conceive, and at that time the next year she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.
And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season, when the time came round, as Elisha had said unto her.
Then the woman became with child and gave birth to a son at the time named, in the year after, as Elisha had said to her.
But the woman did indeed become pregnant, and the next year around that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had promised her.
So the woman conceiued, and bare a sonne at that same season, according to the time of life, that Elisha had sayd vnto her.
And the woman conceiveth and beareth a son, at this season, according to the time of life, that Elisha spake of unto her.
The woman conceived, and bore a son at that season when the time came around, as Elisha had said to her.
And the woman conceived, and bore a son at that season that Elisha had said to her, according to the time of life.
And the woman conceived, and brought forth a son in the time, and at the same hour, that Eliseus had said.
But a few months later, the woman became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son at that time the following year, just like Elisha had predicted.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:17
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 4:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תַּ֥הַר
הָ/אִשָּׁ֖ה
וַ/תֵּ֣לֶד
בֵּ֑ן
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֤ד
הַ/זֶּה֙
כָּ/עֵ֣ת
חַיָּ֔ה
אֲשֶׁר
דִּבֶּ֥ר
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
אֱלִישָֽׁע
וַ/תַּ֥הַר
hârâh
H2029
to conceive
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הָ/אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fs
וַ/תֵּ֣לֶד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בֵּ֑ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
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
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֱלִישָֽׁע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
Elisha
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 4:17
וַ/תַּ֥הַר
hârâh
H2029
"to conceive"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To conceive or become pregnant, as seen in the story of Sarah and Abraham in Genesis 17, where Sarah conceives Isaac in her old age. This word is used to describe the miracle of birth and new life.
Definition: 1) to conceive, become pregnant, bear, be with child, be conceived, progenitor 1a)(Qal) to conceive, become pregnant 1b) (Pual) to be conceived 1c) (Poel) to conceive, contrive, devise
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: been, be with child, conceive, progenitor. See also: Genesis 4:1; Numbers 11:12; Psalms 7:15.
הָ/אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
וַ/תֵּ֣לֶד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
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.
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.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֱלִישָֽׁע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
"Elisha"
N-proper
Elisha was a famous prophet in the Bible who lived during the time of the divided kingdom. His name means God is salvation, and he is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16. Elisha succeeded Elijah as a great prophet.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.19.16; son of: Shaphat (H8202H) Also named: Elissaios (Ἐλισσαῖος "Elisha" G1666) § Elisha = "God is salvation" the great prophet who succeeded Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Elisha. See also: 1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 5:20; 2 Kings 13:21.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Shunammite Woman
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. 19“My head! My head!” he complained to his father. So his father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 113:9 | He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah! |
| 2 | Luke 1:36 | Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. |
| 3 | Genesis 21:1 | Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. |
| 4 | Hebrews 11:11 | By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. |
| 5 | Luke 1:24–25 | After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. She declared, “The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 1:19–20 | The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.” |
2 Kings 4:17 Summary
This verse shows us that God is all-powerful and can do what He says He will do, as seen in the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy. The woman in this story did not think she could have a child, but God made it happen, just like He promised. This reminds us that God is in control of everything, including our lives, and we can trust Him to take care of us (Psalm 55:22). We can learn to trust God's promises, just like the woman in this story, and have faith that He will do what is best for us (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Elisha's prophecy in this verse?
Elisha's prophecy, as seen in 2 Kings 4:16, demonstrates God's power and sovereignty over human life, as also stated in Jeremiah 1:5, where God knows us before we are born.
Did the woman in this verse have any role in the fulfillment of the prophecy?
While the woman did not believe Elisha's initial prophecy, as seen in 2 Kings 4:16, her conception and the birth of her son were still a direct result of God's sovereign plan, as stated in Psalm 127:3, where children are a gift from God.
What can we learn from Elisha's interaction with the woman in this passage?
Elisha's interaction with the woman demonstrates the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, as seen in Hebrews 11:11, where Sarah's faith is highlighted as an example of trusting in God's power to fulfill His promises.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's providence in the Bible?
This verse illustrates God's providence and care for His people, as seen in Romans 8:28, where God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, demonstrating His sovereignty over all aspects of life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I struggle to trust God's promises, and how can I apply the lesson of Elisha's prophecy to those areas?
- In what ways can I demonstrate faith and trust in God's sovereignty, just like the woman in this passage eventually did?
- How does the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy in this verse encourage me to trust in God's power and provision in my own life?
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse, to my daily life and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:17
And the woman conceived, and bare a son at the season that Elisha said unto her,.... Quickly after this she conceived, and became pregnant, and by that time the year came round, she was brought to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:17
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.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:17
2 Kings 4:17 And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.Ver. 17. And the woman conceived.] The like whereunto fell out in the last age: for Dr Sandys departing the land for fear of Queen Mary, and taking leave of his hostess, who was childless, and had been married eight years, he gave her a fine handkerchief and an old royal of gold in it, thanking her much, and said, Be of good comfort; ere that one whole year be past, God shall give you a child, a boy. And it came to pass that day twelve months lacking one day, God gave her a fair son. Act. and Mon., 1894.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:17
(17) And the woman conceived.—Comp. with this verse Genesis 21:2. Said.—Promised. According to the time of life.—See Note on 2 Kings 4:16.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:17
17. Here by rendering as in the previous verse the R.V. involves a change of order in the English but conforms thereby more nearly to the Hebrew order. ‘And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season, when the time came round, as Elisha had said unto her’.
Sermons on 2 Kings 4:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Day 128, Acts 20:7-38 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the supernatural occurrences in the Bible, drawing parallels between Paul embracing Eutychus and Elijah embracing a dead boy. He emphasizes the importance |
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(2 Samuel) Doing Things God's Way by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Uzzah and the Ark of the Covenant. Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark when it hits a rock, but God strikes him down for his erro |
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Breaking Barrenness by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye preaches on the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, highlighting how she turned her barrenness into fruitfulness through faith, sacrifice, and aligning her motives with God |
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The Eternal Spirit Work in Incarnation by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of Jesus Christ. He recounts the story of Jesus calming the storm and the amazement of the disciples at his ability |
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It Is Finished by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Genesis chapter 21 and then transitions to Galatians chapter 4. He prays for the word of God to have an impact on the listeners. |
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(Genesis) - Part 19 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being free from attachment to worldly things. He uses the example of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac to ill |
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Restoring Your Passion for Christ - Part 3 by Teresa Conlon | This sermon delves into the story of Abraham and Sarah, highlighting the struggles and growth in their marriage as they navigate through betrayals, bitterness, and forgiveness. It |