And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.

2 KINGS 4:18KJV
Know the Bible

2 Kings 4:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 4:18 mean?

2 Kings 4:18 describes a moment when the child, who had grown older, went out one day to visit his father, who was working with the reapers in the field. This verse sets the scene for an important event that follows in the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman.

The verse is part of a narrative about the child promised by Elisha to the Shunammite woman. The child is now old enough to walk out to the fields where his father and the harvesters are working. This everyday detail helps the reader picture the family’s life and prepares for the sudden crisis that soon arises.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 4:18

  • "child" (יֶלֶד, yeled): This word refers to a boy or young child, emphasizing that the son is still relatively young, even though he has grown.
  • "grown" (גָּדַל, gadal): This word means to become great or to grow up, showing that some time has passed since the child’s birth, but he is not yet an adult.
  • "reapers" (קָצַר, qatsar): This term refers to those harvesting crops, placing the scene during harvest time and highlighting the agricultural setting of the story.

Why 2 Kings 4:18 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the child had reached an age where he could move about independently, which is important for understanding the events that follow.
  • By mentioning the father and the reapers, the verse grounds the story in the daily life and work of an Israelite family, making the coming crisis more relatable.
  • This moment marks a turning point in the narrative, as it leads directly into the child’s sudden illness and the demonstration of Elisha’s prophetic ministry.

Where else these words appear

“reapers” Hebrew H7114 · used in 46 verses

  • Leviticus 19:9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.
  • Ruth 2:9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.
  • Isaiah 17:5 And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.

“child” Hebrew H3206 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Exodus 21:4 If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:14 And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

“grown” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.