Question 1

What does 2 Kings 4:17 mean?

Accepted Answer

2 Kings 4:17 describes how the woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son at the exact time the prophet Elisha had promised. The verse highlights that this happened just as Elisha had said, marking the fulfillment of his word. The setting is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman. Earlier, Elisha had told her she would have a son, even though she had no children and her husband was old. This verse records the moment when Elisha’s promise comes true, showing the reliability of his prophetic message and God’s involvement in her life.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 4:17

Accepted Answer

"Conceived" (הָרָה, hārāh): This word means to become pregnant. Its use here emphasizes that the woman’s pregnancy was a direct result of Elisha’s promise, not just a natural event. "Bare" (יָלַד, yālad): This verb means to give birth. The verse uses it to show the completion of the promise—she not only conceived but also delivered a healthy child. "Season" (מוֹעֵד, mō‘ēd): This word often means an appointed or set time. It highlights that the birth happened at a specific, divinely appointed moment, not by chance. "Time" (עֵת, ‘ēt) and "life" (חַי, ḥay): Together, these words are often translated as “the time of life,” meaning the usual period of pregnancy. The phrase underscores the natural process but also the fulfillment of a specific promise.

Question 3

Why 2 Kings 4:17 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse confirms that Elisha’s words were not just hopeful wishes but carried real authority and came true exactly as spoken. The detail about the “season” and “time of life” shows that the birth was both miraculous and followed the normal course of pregnancy, blending the supernatural with the ordinary. It connects to the larger story by showing God’s care for individuals through his prophets, especially for someone who had given up hope of having a child.

2 Kings 4:17 (KJV)