2 Kings 4:3
2 Kings 4:3 in Multiple Translations
“Go,” said Elisha, “borrow jars, even empty ones, from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few.
Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbors, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
Then he said, Go out to all your neighbours and get vessels, a very great number of them.
“Go and borrow empty jars from your neighbors—as many as possible, not just a few,” Elisha told her.
And he sayde, Goe, and borowe thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, emptie vessels, and spare not.
And he saith, 'Go, ask for thee vessels from without, from all thy neighbours — empty vessels — let [them] not be few;
Then he said, “Go, borrow empty containers from all your neighbors. Don’t borrow just a few containers.
Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbors, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
And he said to her: Go, borrow of all thy neighbours empty vessels not a few.
Elisha said, “Go to your neighbors and borrow from them as many empty jars as you can.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:3
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 4:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
לְכִ֨י
שַׁאֲלִי
לָ֤/ךְ
כֵּלִים֙
מִן
הַ/ח֔וּץ
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
כָּל
שכנ/כי
שְׁכֵנָ֑יִ/ךְ
כֵּלִ֥ים
רֵקִ֖ים
אַל
תַּמְעִֽיטִי
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְכִ֨י
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
שַׁאֲלִי
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
לָ֤/ךְ
Prep | Suff
כֵּלִים֙
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/ח֔וּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
Art | N-ms
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
שכנ/כי
shâkên
H7934
neighboring
Adj | Suff
שְׁכֵנָ֑יִ/ךְ
shâkên
H7934
neighboring
Adj | Suff
כֵּלִ֥ים
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp
רֵקִ֖ים
rêyq
H7386
worthless
Adj
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּמְעִֽיטִי
mâʻaṭ
H4591
to diminish
V-Hiphil-Juss-2fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 4:3
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.
לְכִ֨י
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
שַׁאֲלִי
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
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.
לָ֤/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
כֵּלִים֙
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/ח֔וּץ
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Art | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שכנ/כי
shâkên
H7934
"neighboring"
Adj | Suff
This word describes someone who lives near you, like a neighbor or a fellow citizen. It's used in books like Genesis and Jeremiah to talk about the people around you.
Definition: 1) inhabitant, neighbour 1a) inhabitant 1b) neighbour
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: inhabitant, neighbour, nigh. See also: Exodus 3:22; Psalms 89:42; Psalms 31:12.
שְׁכֵנָ֑יִ/ךְ
shâkên
H7934
"neighboring"
Adj | Suff
This word describes someone who lives near you, like a neighbor or a fellow citizen. It's used in books like Genesis and Jeremiah to talk about the people around you.
Definition: 1) inhabitant, neighbour 1a) inhabitant 1b) neighbour
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: inhabitant, neighbour, nigh. See also: Exodus 3:22; Psalms 89:42; Psalms 31:12.
כֵּלִ֥ים
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
רֵקִ֖ים
rêyq
H7386
"worthless"
Adj
In the Bible, this word describes something that is empty or worthless, like an empty vessel or a person without value. It is used to emphasize the importance of being filled with purpose or meaning.
Definition: 1) empty, vain 1a) empty (of vessels) 1b) empty, idle, worthless (ethically)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: emptied(-ty), vain (fellow, man). See also: Genesis 37:24; 2 Kings 4:3; Proverbs 12:11.
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.
תַּמְעִֽיטִי
mâʻaṭ
H4591
"to diminish"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2fs
This Hebrew word means to make something smaller or less. It can describe reducing a quantity or making something less effective. The KJV translates it as diminish or make few.
Definition: 1) to be or become small, be few, be diminished 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to diminish 1a2) to be too small 1b) (Piel) to become few 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make small, make few, diminish 1c2) to give less
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: suffer to decrease, diminish, (be, [idiom] borrow a, give, make) few (in number, -ness), gather least (little), be (seem) little, ([idiom] give the) less, be minished, bring to nothing. See also: Exodus 12:4; 2 Kings 4:3; Psalms 107:38.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Widow’s Oil
1Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!”
2“How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.”
3“Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few.
4Then go inside, shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour oil into all these jars, setting the full ones aside.” 5So she left him, and after she had shut the door behind her and her sons, they kept bringing jars to her, and she kept pouring.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 2:7 | Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. |
| 2 | Psalms 81:10 | I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it. |
| 3 | John 16:24 | Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 3:16 | and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ |
| 5 | 2 Kings 13:18–19 | Then Elisha said, “Take the arrows!” So he took them, and Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground!” So he struck the ground three times and stopped. But the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times.” |
2 Kings 4:3 Summary
In this verse, Elisha is telling the woman to borrow many empty jars from her neighbors because God is going to fill them with oil, just like He filled the jars of flour and oil for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in First Kings 17:14-16. This shows that God cares about our everyday needs and wants to provide for us in amazing ways. By obeying Elisha's instructions, the woman is trusting God for her needs, and we can learn from her example to trust Him for ours, as seen in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to us. This story reminds us that God is a God of abundance and provision, and that He wants to bless us and meet our needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elisha instruct the woman to borrow many empty jars from her neighbors?
Elisha knew that God was going to perform a miracle, and the empty jars would be filled with oil, as seen in the outcome of this story, much like the miracle of the jars of flour and oil in First Kings 17:14-16, where God provided for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath.
What is the significance of not gathering just a few jars?
The instruction to gather many jars, not just a few, shows that God's provision would be abundant, as promised in Deuteronomy 28:11, and that the woman's needs would be met, along with having some left over to sell, as seen in verse 7.
How does this verse relate to faith and trust in God?
This verse demonstrates the importance of faith and trust in God's provision, as seen in the woman's obedience to Elisha's instructions, despite the uncertainty of the outcome, much like the faith of Abraham in Genesis 12:1-4, where he trusted God's promise without knowing the details.
What can we learn from Elisha's response to the woman's situation?
Elisha's response shows that God cares about the everyday needs of His people, and that He is willing to provide for them in miraculous ways, as seen in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God for provision, and how can I take steps of faith like the woman in this verse?
- How does this verse encourage me to be obedient to God's instructions, even when I don't understand the outcome?
- What are some ways that God has provided for me in the past, and how can I reflect on those experiences to build my faith and trust in Him?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, as seen in Matthew 6:33, to my everyday life and trust God for my needs?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:3
Then he said, go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours,.... For he perceived that she had none: even empty vessels; which they might more readily lend her: borrow not a few; but as many
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:3
Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:3
2 Kings 4:3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, [even] empty vessels; borrow not a few.Ver. 3. Even empty vessels.] They must be empty hearts, saith Bernard; empty of self, and all ungodly lusts, which God will fill with the oil of grace: Intus existens prohibet alienum, else that precious liquor would be spilt upon the ground. Borrow not a few.] Ne paucifices. Let not men be constrained in their own heart; there is enough in God.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:3
(3) Abroad.—Literally, from the outside (of the house); out of doors. Borrow not a few.—See margin. Do not scant, or stint, namely, to borrow.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:3
3. borrow thee vessels] Another sign of indigence. But the command to borrow many gave promise of the coming help.
Sermons on 2 Kings 4:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spiritual Insights 06 Acts 10:38 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of allowing God to run our lives. He highlights that God is all-knowing and loving, making Him the best person to guide us. T |
|
When Ye Go, Ye Shall Not Go Empty by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of being emptied of self to be filled with God's presence and the Holy Spirit. He challenges believers to recognize their own insufficiency wh |
|
Faith, Healing and Miracles by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the significance of Faith, Healing, and Miracles as essential gifts given to the Church, highlighting their active nature in the life of believers. He illustr |
|
Our Need of Personal Revival by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of pacing oneself in the Christian journey, comparing it to running a marathon rather than a short sprint. He highlights the n |
|
Revival Begins With You - Part 1 by Tom Phillips | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the opportunity and simplicity of sharing the word of God. He emphasizes that God will provide the words for us to speak and encourages listen |
|
Open Thy Mouth Wide, and I Will Fill It by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit's power in the face of the challenges and trials of life. He highlights the limitations of human reasoning and t |
|
|
Why Pray by John Musser | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spending time with God through prayer and Bible study. He warns that neglecting this time will lead to frustration, discou |