And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

2 KINGS 4:6KJV
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2 Kings 4:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 4:6 mean?

2 Kings 4:6 describes the moment when the widow’s supply of oil miraculously stopped flowing only after every container she had was filled. When she asked her son for another vessel, he replied there were none left, and at that point, the oil stopped. This verse shows the exact limit of the miracle—no more, no less than what was needed.

The setting is the house of a widow who, following Elisha’s instructions, poured oil into borrowed vessels to pay her debts and save her sons from slavery. The conversation is between the widow and her son as they work together. The verse highlights how the miracle depended on their preparation and faith, with the oil ceasing precisely when there were no more empty vessels to fill.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 4:6

  • "vessels" (כְּלִי, keli): This word means containers or jars. The focus on "vessels" emphasizes the practical side of the miracle—God filled what was available, but not beyond.
  • "full" (מָלֵא, male): This word means filled up or complete. The vessels were not just partly filled; each was completely full, showing the thoroughness of the provision.
  • "oil" (שֶׁמֶן, shemen): This refers to olive oil, a valuable household item in ancient Israel. The miracle involved something ordinary but essential, highlighting God’s care in everyday needs.
  • "stayed" (עָמַד, amad): This word means to stand still or stop. The oil didn’t run out gradually; it stopped suddenly and completely when there were no more vessels.

Why 2 Kings 4:6 matters

  • 2 Kings 4:6 clarifies that the miracle was not open-ended; it was directly tied to the number of vessels the widow and her sons gathered, showing a connection between human action and divine provision.
  • The verse helps readers see the importance of obedience and preparation in the story—if they had gathered more vessels, more oil would have been provided.
  • This verse ties the miracle to the practical needs of the widow’s family, grounding the story in real-life concerns and showing how faith and action work together in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Bring” Hebrew H5066 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Deuteronomy 25:9 Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.
  • 2 Kings 2:5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.