So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite:

2 KINGS 4:25KJV
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2 Kings 4:25 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 4:25 mean?

2 Kings 4:25 describes the Shunammite woman traveling to Mount Carmel to find Elisha, the man of God. When Elisha sees her approaching from a distance, he points her out to his servant Gehazi, identifying her as the woman from Shunem.

The verse takes place after the Shunammite woman’s son has died unexpectedly, and she is urgently seeking help from Elisha. Elisha is on Mount Carmel, a well-known location for prophets, and he notices her coming before she arrives. By calling her “that Shunammite,” Elisha shows he recognizes her and that her visit is unusual, setting up the important conversation that follows.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 4:25

  • אִישׁ (’ish, “man”) and אֱלֹהִים (’Elohim, “God”): Together, these words form the phrase “man of God,” a common title for prophets like Elisha, emphasizing his role as God’s representative.
  • הַשּׁוּנַמִּית (ha-Shunammite, “the Shunammite”): This word identifies the woman by her hometown, Shunem, highlighting her personal story and connection to Elisha.
  • הַר (har, “mount”) and כַּרְמֶל (Karmel, “Carmel”): These words specify the setting, Mount Carmel, a significant place for prophetic activity in Israel’s history.

Why 2 Kings 4:25 matters

  • The verse highlights the urgency and determination of the Shunammite woman, showing her willingness to travel a long distance for help.
  • Elisha’s immediate recognition of the woman suggests a close relationship and sets the stage for the personal and miraculous events that follow.
  • Mentioning Mount Carmel connects this story to other prophetic moments in Israel’s history, reminding readers of God’s ongoing work through his prophets.

Where else these words appear

“that” Hebrew H1975 · used in 7 verses

  • Judges 6:20 And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
  • 1 Samuel 17:26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
  • Daniel 8:16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

“Shunammite” Hebrew H7767 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Kings 1:3 So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.
  • 1 Kings 2:17 And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king,(for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.
  • 1 Kings 2:22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

“Gehazi” Hebrew H1522 · used in 12 verses

  • 2 Kings 4:12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.
  • 2 Kings 4:29 Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.
  • 2 Kings 5:21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?

“Carmel” Hebrew H3760 · used in 25 verses

  • Joshua 12:22 The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;
  • 1 Kings 18:19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.
  • Isaiah 35:2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.