And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

2 KINGS 4:38KJV
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2 Kings 4:38 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 4:38 mean?

2 Kings 4:38 describes the prophet Elisha returning to Gilgal during a time of famine and instructing his servant to prepare a large pot of stew for the group of prophets who were with him. The verse highlights both the difficult conditions in the land and Elisha’s care for his followers.

In this scene, Elisha is the main figure, and he is among the “sons of the prophets,” a group of disciples or students learning from him. The mention of a “dearth” (famine) sets the stage for what follows in the story, showing that food was scarce. Elisha’s instruction to make a large pot of stew is a practical response to the need, setting up the events that unfold in the next verses.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 4:38

  • “Dearth” is רָעָב (ra’av), meaning famine or severe hunger. This word emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and why the group needed food prepared.
  • “Sons of the prophets” is בְּנֵי הַנְּבִיאִים (benei han’nevi’im), referring to a community of prophetic disciples, not literal sons, highlighting a group dedicated to learning from prophets like Elisha.
  • “Set on” is שָׁפַת (shaphat), which means to place or set up, used here for putting the pot on the fire, showing Elisha’s direct involvement in meeting the group’s needs.
  • “Seethe” is בָּשַׁל (bashal), meaning to boil or cook, indicating the practical action of making a meal, not just a symbolic act.

Why 2 Kings 4:38 matters

  • This verse sets the stage for the miracle that follows, where Elisha deals with a dangerous situation involving the stew, showing his role as a provider and protector.
  • The mention of famine gives context to the hardship faced by the prophets, making Elisha’s care and leadership more significant.
  • The verse highlights the communal life of the prophets and their dependence on God’s provision through Elisha, connecting to broader themes of trust and leadership in difficult times.

Where else these words appear

“Set” Hebrew H8239 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
  • Isaiah 26:12 LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
  • Ezekiel 24:3 And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it:

“pottage” Hebrew H5138 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 25:29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:
  • Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
  • 2 Kings 4:40 So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.

“seethe” Hebrew H1310 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
  • Leviticus 8:31 And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.
  • 2 Kings 6:29 So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.

“pot” Hebrew H5518 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 16:3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:13 And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the other holy offerings sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the people.
  • Ezekiel 11:3 Which say, It is not near; let us build houses: this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh.