2 Kings 4:5
2 Kings 4:5 in Multiple Translations
So 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.
So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons; they brought the vessels to her, and she poured out.
So she went away, and when the door was shut on her and her sons, they took the vessels to her and she put oil into them.
She left Elisha, went home, and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept on pouring.
So shee departed from him, and shut the doore vpon her, and vpon her sonnes. And they brought to her, and she powred out.
And she goeth from him, and shutteth the door upon her, and upon her sons; they are bringing nigh unto her, and she is pouring out,
So she went from him, and shut the door on herself and on her sons. They brought the containers to her, and she poured oil.
So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
So the woman went, and shut the door upon her, and upon her sons: they brought her the vessels, and she poured in.
So she did what Elisha told her to do. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she kept filling them.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:5
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 4:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֵּ֨לֶךְ֙
מֵֽ/אִתּ֔/וֹ
וַ/תִּסְגֹּ֣ר
הַ/דֶּ֔לֶת
בַּעֲדָ֖/הּ
וּ/בְעַ֣ד
בָּנֶ֑י/הָ
הֵ֛ם
מַגִּשִׁ֥ים
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
וְ/הִ֥יא
מיצקת
מוֹצָֽקֶת
וַ/תֵּ֨לֶךְ֙
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מֵֽ/אִתּ֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep | Suff
וַ/תִּסְגֹּ֣ר
çâgar
H5462
to shut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הַ/דֶּ֔לֶת
deleth
H1817
door
Art | N-fs
בַּעֲדָ֖/הּ
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Prep | Suff
וּ/בְעַ֣ד
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Conj | Prep
בָּנֶ֑י/הָ
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
הֵ֛ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
מַגִּשִׁ֥ים
nâgash
H5066
to approach
V-Hiphil
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/הִ֥יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
מיצקת
yâtsaq
H3332
to pour
V-Hiphil
מוֹצָֽקֶת
yâtsaq
H3332
to pour
V-Hiphil
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 4:5
וַ/תֵּ֨לֶךְ֙
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
מֵֽ/אִתּ֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep | Suff
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.
וַ/תִּסְגֹּ֣ר
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
הַ/דֶּ֔לֶת
deleth
H1817
"door"
Art | N-fs
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
בַּעֲדָ֖/הּ
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Prep | Suff
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
וּ/בְעַ֣ד
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Conj | Prep
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
בָּנֶ֑י/הָ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
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.
הֵ֛ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
מַגִּשִׁ֥ים
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
V-Hiphil
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
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.
וְ/הִ֥יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מיצקת
yâtsaq
H3332
"to pour"
V-Hiphil
This verb means to pour something out, like liquid or metal, and can also imply making something firm or hard. It's used in books like Isaiah 44:3 and Jeremiah 10:14.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, flow, cast, pour out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to cast 1a3) to flow 1b) (Hiphil) to pour, pour out 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be poured 1c2) cast, molten (participle) 1c3) being firmly established (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: cast, cleave fast, be (as) firm, grow, be hard, lay out, molten, overflow, pour (out), run out, set down, stedfast. See also: Genesis 28:18; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 41:9.
מוֹצָֽקֶת
yâtsaq
H3332
"to pour"
V-Hiphil
This verb means to pour something out, like liquid or metal, and can also imply making something firm or hard. It's used in books like Isaiah 44:3 and Jeremiah 10:14.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, flow, cast, pour out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to cast 1a3) to flow 1b) (Hiphil) to pour, pour out 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be poured 1c2) cast, molten (participle) 1c3) being firmly established (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: cast, cleave fast, be (as) firm, grow, be hard, lay out, molten, overflow, pour (out), run out, set down, stedfast. See also: Genesis 28:18; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 41:9.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Widow’s 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.
6When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another.” But he replied, “There are no more jars.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt. Then you and your sons can live on the remainder.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 5:11 | But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy. |
| 2 | Hebrews 11:7–8 | By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 17:15–16 | So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her household. The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Elijah. |
| 4 | Luke 1:45 | Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled.” |
2 Kings 4:5 Summary
In 2 Kings 4:5, the woman is obeying Elisha's instructions to pour oil into jars, and God is miraculously providing the oil. This shows us that God provides for our needs when we trust and obey Him. Just like the woman, we can trust that God will provide for us, as stated in Philippians 4:19, which says that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. By trusting in God's provision, we can have peace and confidence in His care for us, just like the woman and her sons were able to live on the remainder of the oil after paying their debt, as seen in 2 Kings 4:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the woman shutting the door behind her and her sons in 2 Kings 4:5?
Shutting the door symbolizes the separation from the world and the focus on the task at hand, similar to how Elijah was told to go to the brook Cherith in 1 Kings 17:3-4, where he would be alone with God and receive provision.
Why did the woman keep pouring oil into the jars?
The woman kept pouring oil because she was obeying the instructions given by Elisha, and God was miraculously providing the oil, as seen in the way the oil stopped flowing when there were no more jars in 2 Kings 4:6.
What can we learn from the woman's actions in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of obedience and faith, as the woman trusted in God's provision and followed Elisha's instructions, similar to the faith demonstrated by the widow in Luke 21:1-4, who gave all she had to God.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that God provides for our needs, just as He provided for the woman and her sons, and that we should trust in His provision, as stated in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's provision, just like the woman in 2 Kings 4:5?
- How can I demonstrate obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem difficult or unclear?
- What are some 'jars' in my life that God wants to fill with His blessings and provision?
- In what ways can I separate myself from the world and focus on my relationship with God, like the woman shutting the door behind her and her sons?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:5
So she went from him,.... And did as he advised her, borrowed many empty vessels of her neighbours, having faith in what the prophet had said to her: and shut the door upon her, and upon her sons;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:5
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 4:5
2 Kings 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought [the vessels] to her; and she poured out.Ver. 5. And shut the door, &c.] This her prompt and present obedience was a noble fruit of her heroical faith. She doth not reason, as Naaman did, but run; she doth not dispute, but despatch the prophet’ s commands. God loveth Curristas non Quaeristas, saith Luther. And she poured out.] And the more she poured out, the more she might; the angels making new supplies of oil continually, saith A Lapide.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:5
(5) From him.—Mç’ittô, the correct form. (Comp. 2 Kings 3:11.) Who brought . . . poured out.—There should be a semicolon at “sons.” The rest is literally, They were bringing to her, and she was pouring continually (mĕ ?yaççèqeth, only here). She did not leave her pouring. The story is evidently abridged in this verse.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:5
5. who [R.V. they] brought the vessels to her] The R.V. marks that the Hebrew here begins a new clause with a personal pronoun. The widow’s unquestioning obedience, in which her sons also imitated her, has its reward.
Sermons on 2 Kings 4:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(2 Kings) Two Lepers and the Blind Men by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the king of Israel's anger and desperation during a famine. The king initially blames the people for their situation, but eventua |
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(Nicaragua) the Lord Has Promised to Deliver You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher, who has been preaching for over 54 years, emphasizes the faithfulness of God throughout his ministry. He mentions that he and another pastor, Gary, wi |
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Matthew Ch2 by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Symbola shares a personal experience he had with a couple who came to him seeking help. Despite feeling physically and emotionally drained, Pastor Symbola re |
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(The Last Days) Dont Get Drunk W/ Worldiness by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being ready for the last days and the coming of Christ. It highlights the need for readiness over detailed knowledge of future events, focu |
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(Genesis) Genesis 7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the flood as described in the Bible. He dismisses the Babylonian version of the flood as ridiculous and emphasizes that the floo |
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(Genesis) Genesis 6:8-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of man's promise of a Redeemer and the need for humanity to look for a Savior. The story of Cain and Abel is used as an exampl |
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(Texas 2009) God Has Provided Something Better for Us by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the disappointment faced by Moses when he was unable to enter the land of Canaan due to losing his temper. The speaker emphasizes that when mo |