And his servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred men? He said again, Give the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the LORD, They shall eat, and shall leave thereof.

2 KINGS 4:43KJV
Know the Bible

2 Kings 4:43 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 4:43 mean?

2 Kings 4:43 shows Elisha’s servant questioning how a small amount of food could possibly feed a hundred men, but Elisha insists that God has said there will be enough for everyone, with food left over. The verse highlights Elisha’s trust in God’s promise, even when the situation seems impossible.

In this scene, Elisha is speaking to his servant during a time of need, when only a limited supply of bread and grain is available for a large group. The servant’s doubt is met by Elisha’s firm instruction to distribute the food, based on a direct message from the LORD. The verse sets up a miracle where God provides more than enough, emphasizing faith in God’s word over visible circumstances.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 4:43

  • "servitor" (שָׁרַת, shārat, H8334) refers to a servant or attendant, here meaning Elisha’s assistant, who voices doubt about the sufficiency of the food.
  • "set" and "Give" (נָתַן, natan, H5414) both mean "to give" or "to place." The repetition stresses the act of handing out the food, highlighting the step of obedience required.
  • "leave" (יָתַר, yatar, H3498) means "to be left over" or "to remain." This word is important because it signals not just sufficiency, but abundance—there will be leftovers, not just enough.

Why 2 Kings 4:43 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that God’s provision is always limited to what seems possible; it shows that God can provide beyond human expectation.
  • The emphasis on "they shall eat, and shall leave thereof" connects to other biblical miracles of provision, making this a key moment in Elisha’s ministry.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the miracle that follows, showing that faith in God’s word is central, even when circumstances seem hopeless.

Where else these words appear

“servitor” Hebrew H8334 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

“leave” Hebrew H3498 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 30:36 And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
  • Joshua 18:2 And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs: