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 4:16KJVWhat 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.