And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

2 KINGS 4:16KJV
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2 Kings 4:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 4:16 mean?

2 Kings 4:16 describes the prophet Elisha telling a woman that around the same time next year, she will hold a son in her arms. The woman, surprised and cautious, asks Elisha not to mislead her or give her false hope, addressing him respectfully as a man of God.

In this scene, Elisha is speaking to a woman from Shunem who had shown him hospitality. She had no children, and her husband was old. Elisha’s promise is unexpected and deeply personal, touching on her long-held longing for a child. Her response shows both her respect for Elisha and her fear of disappointment after years of hoping.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 4:16

  • "Season" (מוֹעֵד, mo‘ed) often means an appointed or set time, not just a general season. Here, it suggests a specific, divinely appointed moment for the promised birth.
  • "Embrace" (חָבַק, ḥavaq) means to hold closely or hug. The use of this word paints a vivid picture of the mother-child relationship Elisha promises.
  • "Lie" (כָּזַב, kazav) means to deceive or disappoint. The woman’s plea not to be lied to shows her vulnerability and the depth of her desire for a child.

Why 2 Kings 4:16 matters

  • This verse highlights the personal nature of God’s care, showing that even unspoken hopes and disappointments are seen and addressed.
  • The woman’s cautious reaction helps readers understand the emotional weight of Elisha’s promise, making the story more relatable and human.
  • The specific language used connects this promise to other biblical stories where God sets an appointed time for a child to be born, such as the story of Sarah and Isaac, deepening the sense of continuity in God’s actions.

Where else these words appear

“embrace” Hebrew H2263 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 29:13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.
  • Job 24:8 They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

“lie” Hebrew H3576 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
  • Psalms 78:36 Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.
  • Isaiah 57:11 And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

“handmaid” Hebrew H8198 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • 2 Samuel 14:12 Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.