Menu

2 Kings 4:9

2 Kings 4:9 in Multiple Translations

Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God.

And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God, that passeth by us continually.

And she said to her husband, Now I see that this is a holy man of God, who comes by day after day.

She told her husband, “I'm sure that this man who regularly visits us is a holy man of God.

And she sayde vnto her husband, Beholde, I know now, that this is an holy man of God that passeth by vs continually.

and she saith unto her husband, 'Lo, I pray thee, I have known that a holy man of God he is, passing over by us continually;

She said to her husband, “See now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God who passes by us continually.

And she said to her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God, who passeth by us continually.

And she said to her husband: I perceive that this is a holy man of God, who often passeth by us.

One day the woman said to her husband, “I am sure that this man who often comes here is a prophet who brings messages from God.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:9

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 4:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל אִישָׁ֔/הּ הִנֵּה נָ֣א יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֛י אִ֥ישׁ אֱלֹהִ֖ים קָד֣וֹשׁ ה֑וּא עֹבֵ֥ר עָלֵ֖י/נוּ תָּמִֽיד
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
אִישָׁ֔/הּ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms | Suff
הִנֵּה hinnêh H2009 behold Part
נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 please Part
יָדַ֔עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj
אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
קָד֣וֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 holy Adj
ה֑וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
עֹבֵ֥ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal
עָלֵ֖י/נוּ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
תָּמִֽיד tâmîyd H8548 continually N-ms
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 4:9

וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 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.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
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.
אִישָׁ֔/הּ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms | Suff
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.
הִנֵּה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
יָדַ֔עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִ֥ישׁ 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.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" 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.
קָד֣וֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 "holy" Adj
Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.
Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.
ה֑וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" 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.
עֹבֵ֥ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
עָלֵ֖י/נוּ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
תָּמִֽיד tâmîyd H8548 "continually" N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 17:24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth.”
2 Proverbs 31:10–11 A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value.
3 2 Kings 4:7 She 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.”
4 Titus 1:8 Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
5 1 Thessalonians 2:10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed.
6 Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
7 1 Kings 17:18 “O man of God,” said the woman to Elijah, “what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity and cause the death of my son?”
8 Deuteronomy 33:1 This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death.
9 1 Peter 3:1 Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives
10 1 Kings 13:1 Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incense, there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD.

2 Kings 4:9 Summary

[This verse is about a woman who realizes that the prophet Elisha is a holy man of God because of the way he lives his life. She wants to provide for his needs and show him hospitality, which is an important part of loving and serving others (Hebrews 13:2). By recognizing Elisha as a holy man of God, the woman is able to respond in a way that honors God and shows her own devotion to Him (Matthew 25:40).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a 'holy man of God' as described in 2 Kings 4:9?

A holy man of God is someone who is set apart for God's service and is recognized by others for their devotion and obedience to God, as seen in the lives of prophets like Elisha (2 Kings 4:9) and Elijah (1 Kings 17:1).

How did the woman in 2 Kings 4:9 recognize Elisha as a holy man of God?

The woman likely recognized Elisha as a holy man of God because of his consistent behavior and the way he conducted himself, similar to how the Bereans recognized the apostle Paul's teachings as being from God (Acts 17:11).

What can we learn from the woman's recognition of Elisha as a holy man of God?

We can learn the importance of being mindful of the company we keep and the influence that godly people can have on our lives, just as the woman's recognition of Elisha led her to want to provide for his needs (2 Kings 4:10).

How does this verse relate to our own relationships with others?

This verse reminds us that our actions and behavior can reflect God's character to those around us, and that we should strive to be a positive influence on others, just as Elisha was to the woman and her family (Matthew 5:16).

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can show hospitality to those who are serving God, just as the woman in 2 Kings 4:9 did for Elisha?
  2. How can I be more mindful of the influence that others have on my life, and seek out relationships with people who are devoted to God?
  3. What are some ways that I can demonstrate my devotion to God in my daily life, so that others may recognize me as a follower of God?
  4. How can I balance the desire to provide for the physical needs of others with the need to prioritize my own spiritual growth and development?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:9

And she said unto her husband,.... Not being willing to do any thing without his leave and consent: behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God which passeth by us continually: and calls

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:9

And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:9

An holy man of God; a prophet, as , and that of eminent holiness, by our kindness to whom we shall procure a blessing to ourselves.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:9

2 Kings 4:9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this [is] an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.Ver. 9. Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man.] Holiness will as little be hid as light, fire, musk, &c. A holy man is like a crystai glass with a clear lamp in the midst of it. Which passeth by us continually.] Shunem was not far from mount Carmel; and this prophet went still about doing good.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:9

(9) An holy man of God.—The term “holy” is not a merely ornamental or conventional epithet of the “man of God” (i.e., prophet) as such, but denotes the special moral elevation of Elisha. Continually.—At stated intervals, regularly.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:9

Verse 9. This is a holy man of God] That is, a prophet, as the Chaldee interprets it. Which passeth by us continually.] It probably lay in his way to some school of the prophets that he usually attended.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:9

9. she said unto her husband] The woman was not content with providing food, but out of reverence for the character of the visitor, desired to provide a lodging also. I perceive that this is a holy man of God] Probably before the first invitation the woman had learnt something of Elisha’s work and the reason of his frequent journeys. Now when he became their guest she had full opportunity of enquiring from Gehazi, and observing for herself the way in which he laboured to keep alive the true worship of God in the land. The existence of a family like this of the Shunammite is evidence that amid much corruption God was not yet forgotten in the ten tribes. The name ‘man of God’ was applied to Elijah (1 Kings 17:24) by the widow of Zarephath after she had beheld what great things God did through his ministry. She added also ‘the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth’, which probably represents much of the feeling of the Shunammite when she spake of Elisha as ‘holy’.

Sermons on 2 Kings 4:9

SermonDescription
Vance Havner Holy Man of God by Vance Havner In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the secret of someone's strength and influence over others. He emphasizes the importance of love and its impact on our lives. The speaker sh
Denis Lyle A Home With a Difference by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches about the importance of establishing a home with a difference, focusing on the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4:8-17. This woman's home was characteri
Denis Lyle How to Raise a Dead Kid by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches about the importance of establishing a home with a difference, focusing on the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4:8-17. This woman's home was characteri
Samuel Chadwick The Power of Prayer by Samuel Chadwick Samuel Chadwick preaches about Elijah being chosen in the New Testament as the example of prayer, highlighting his powerful ministry sustained by prayer. Elijah's praying was a dem
Carter Conlon A Bride Worthy of Christ’s Attention by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs 31 and discusses the qualities of a bride worthy of Christ's attention. The preacher emphasizes the importance of fallen people and
Keith Daniel Husbands Love Your Wifes! by Keith Daniel Keith Daniel emphasizes the biblical command for husbands to love their wives, drawing from Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:25. He highlights the importance of 'cleaving' to one's spo
Keith Daniel 1st Epistle of Peter by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for being invited to speak and for the opportunity to bring her family with her. She acknowledges the daily routine and challenges t

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate