2 Kings 4:28
2 Kings 4:28 in Multiple Translations
Then she said, “Did I ask you for a son, my lord? Didn’t I say, ‘Do not deceive me?’”
Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?
Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?
Then she said, Did I make a request to my lord for a son? did I not say, Do not give me false words?
“Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she asked. “Didn't I tell you, ‘Don't tell me lies’?”
Then she said, Did I desire a sonne of my lord? did I not say, Deceiue me not?
And she saith, 'Did I ask a son from my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?'
Then she said, “Did I ask you for a son, my lord? Didn’t I say, ‘Do not deceive me’?”
Then she said, Did I ask a son from my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me.
And she said to him: Did I ask a son of my lord? did I not say to thee: Do not deceive me?
Then she said to Elisha, “O, sir, I did not ask you to enable me to give birth to a son [RHQ]. And I told you not to lie to me about that!” [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:28
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 4:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
הֲ/שָׁאַ֥לְתִּי
בֵ֖ן
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
אֲדֹנִ֑/י
הֲ/לֹ֣א
אָמַ֔רְתִּי
לֹ֥א
תַשְׁלֶ֖ה
אֹתִֽ/י
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הֲ/שָׁאַ֥לְתִּי
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
Part | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בֵ֖ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
אֲדֹנִ֑/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
הֲ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
אָמַ֔רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַשְׁלֶ֖ה
shâlâh
H7952
to neglect
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
אֹתִֽ/י
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
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 4:28
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
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.
הֲ/שָׁאַ֥לְתִּי
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
Part | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
בֵ֖ן
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.
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אֲדֹנִ֑/י
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.
הֲ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָמַ֔רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַשְׁלֶ֖ה
shâlâh
H7952
"to neglect"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
Shalâh can also mean to mislead or be negligent, often resulting in error or deception. It is about leading someone astray.
Definition: 1) (Niphal) to be negligent 2) (Hiphil) to mislead Aramaic equivalent: sha.lah (שָׁלָה "error" H7955)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: deceive, be negligent. See also: 2 Kings 4:28; 2 Chronicles 29:11.
אֹתִֽ/י
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 4:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:28
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:28
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:28
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 4:28
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:28
- Sermons on 2 Kings 4:28
Context — Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son
26Please run out now to meet her and ask, ‘Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right?’” And she answered, “Everything is all right.”
27When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.”
28Then she said, “Did I ask you for a son, my lord? Didn’t I say, ‘Do not deceive me?’”
29So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.” 30And the mother of the boy said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 4:16 | 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.” |
2 Kings 4:28 Summary
This verse shows a woman who is very upset because her son, who was given to her by God's prophet Elisha, has died. She feels like Elisha deceived her, and she is seeking his help and comfort. We can learn from her example to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we do not understand His ways, and to seek help and comfort from His servants, as seen in Psalm 34:18, 'The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.' We can also see the importance of honesty and transparency in our relationships, and the need to trust in God's power and provision, as demonstrated by Elisha's response to the woman's concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the woman's concern in this verse?
The woman is concerned that the prophet Elisha had promised her a son, but now the son has died, and she feels deceived, as seen in her statement 'Did I ask you for a son, my lord? Didn’t I say, ‘Do not deceive me?’' (2 Kings 4:28), which reflects her earlier conversation with Elisha when she was given the promise of a son (2 Kings 4:16-17).
Why does the woman cling to Elisha's feet?
The woman clings to Elisha's feet because she is in deep distress and is seeking help and comfort from the prophet, as stated in 2 Kings 4:27, 'for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.'
What can we learn from the woman's example in this verse?
We can learn from the woman's example the importance of honesty and transparency in our relationships, as well as the need to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we do not understand His ways, as seen in Psalm 138:8, 'The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O God, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of Your hands.'
How does Elisha respond to the woman's concern?
Elisha responds to the woman's concern by instructing his servant Gehazi to take his staff and lay it on the boy's face, demonstrating his trust in God's power to raise the boy from the dead, as seen in 2 Kings 4:29, and reflecting the promise of God's power to give life in Deuteronomy 32:39, 'See now that I, I am He, and there is no god besides Me; I put to death and I bring to life; I have wounded and I will heal; and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in your life where you feel like God has not fulfilled His promises, and how can you trust in His sovereignty?
- How can you apply the woman's example of seeking help and comfort from God's servants to your own life?
- What can you learn from Elisha's response to the woman's concern about trusting in God's power and provision?
- In what ways can you demonstrate your trust in God's goodness and love, even when you do not understand His ways?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:28
Then she said, did I desire a son of my lord?.... It was not at her request she had one, at least the first motion was not from her; the prophet first told her, and assured her she should have one,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:28
And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:28
This child was not given to me upon my immoderate desire, for which I might have justly been thus chastised, as Rachel was, , compared with ; but was freely promised to me by thee in God’ s name, and from his special grace and favour; and therefore I trust both thou didst pray for it, and God design it as a blessing, and not as an affliction, as now it proves, unless thou dost obtain the child for me a second time, which I know thou canst do, and I humbly beg thee to do. Do not deceive me, with vain hopes of a comfort that I should never have? And I had been much happier if I had never had it, than to lose it so quickly. Therefore thou art in some measure concerned to revive my dead hopes, and to continue to me the great blessing which thou hast procured.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:28
2 Kings 4:28 Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?Ver. 28. Did I desire a son of my lord?] Was I too desirous, or unduly importunate? for if so, the loss of the child had been just upon me. Strong affections will be strong afflictions. Did I not say, Do not deceive me?] Nay, did not you say, Do not lie to me? And was that a fit word to a man of God? was there not something of unbelief in it?
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:28
(28) Then.—And; so in 2 Kings 4:29; 2 Kings 4:35. Did I desire (ask) a son of my lord?—Only the conclusion of her appeal is given. She says, Better to have had no son, than to have had one and lost him. The opposite of our poet’s “‘Tis better to have loved and lost, Than never to have loved at all.” But this last is the fruit of reflection; her words are the spontaneous outflow of a mother’s poignant sorrow. Or, perhaps, we should understand that grief does not allow her to specify the cause directly; she leaves the prophet to infer that from her questions.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:28
Verse 28. Did I desire a son of my lord?] I expressed no such wish to thee; I was contented and happy; and when thou didst promise me a son, did I not say, Do not deceive me? Do not mock me with a child which shall grow up to be attractive and engaging, but of whom I shall soon be deprived by death.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:28
28. Did I desire a son] The words are almost reproachful and make it clear to the prophet that the child is dead. Better had it been for her not to have had the child given to her, than now to have the great sorrow of losing him. Do not deceive me] She does not use the stronger term which occurs in the earlier part of the narrative (verse 16).
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 4:28
Great grief shrinks from putting itself into words. The Shunammite cannot bring herself to say, “My son is dead;” but by reproaching the prophet with having “deceived” her, she sufficiently indicates her loss.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:28
28. Did I desire a son of my lord — She speaks the emotional language of one that is bewildered with a sudden sorrow.
Sermons on 2 Kings 4:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Give Me Souls or I'll Die - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Hannah from the Bible and the elements of true intercession. Hannah faced adversity and had an adversary, but she remained commit |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 30:1-24 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the disapproval of God towards the strife that existed within the families of Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob. The preacher mentions the birth |
|
(Genesis) 46 - Jacob in the Crucible of Divine Discipline by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis chapter 30, which explores the story of Rachel and Leah and the fruit of polygamy. The chapter begins with Rachel's jealousy and env |
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Mid South Conference 1978-02 Fellowship in the Gospel by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of fellowship in the gospel and how it is initiated by God Himself. He emphasizes the need for believers to actively share the |
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Through the Bible - Genesis 29-31 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Jacob's journey to Haran, where he meets Rachel at a well, showcasing God's guidance in his life. Jacob's love for Rachel leads him to work seven years for he |
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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 |