2 Kings 4:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 4:14 mean?

2 Kings 4:14 shows Elisha asking what could be done for the Shunammite woman who had shown him kindness, and his servant Gehazi points out that she has no child and her husband is old. This sets up the idea that the woman’s deepest need is for a child, something she cannot achieve on her own.

In this verse, Elisha is speaking to Gehazi, his servant, about the Shunammite woman who has been hospitable to them. Gehazi observes that the woman is childless and her husband is advanced in years, highlighting a significant lack in her life. This detail prepares the reader for the miracle that Elisha will soon announce, showing both the woman’s vulnerability and the compassion of Elisha.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 4:14

• "said" (אָמַר, amar): This word appears twice, once for Elisha’s question and once for Gehazi’s answer, emphasizing the direct conversation and the importance of their exchange.
• "child" (בֵּן, ben): This word means "son" or "child," and its use here underlines the cultural and personal significance of having offspring in ancient Israel.
• "old" (זָקֵן, zaqen): Used to describe the husband, this word stresses that the couple is past the usual age for having children, making what follows even more remarkable.

Why 2 Kings 4:14 matters

• The verse highlights the Shunammite woman’s hidden need, which she herself has not voiced, showing the perceptiveness of Gehazi and the care Elisha has for her well-being.
• By mentioning the husband’s age, the verse sets up the miraculous nature of the promise Elisha will soon make, emphasizing that only divine intervention could fulfill this need.
• This moment connects to the broader theme in the Bible of God providing children to those who are barren, linking the story to others like Sarah and Hannah.