2 Kings 4:24
2 Kings 4:24 in Multiple Translations
Then she saddled the donkey and told her servant, “Drive onward; do not slow the pace for me unless I tell you.”
Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.
Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slacken me not the riding, except I bid thee.
Then she made the ass ready and said to her servant, Keep driving on; do not make a stop without orders from me.
She put the saddle on the donkey and told her servant, “Let's go quickly! Don't slow down for me unless I tell you to!”
Then she sadled an asse, and sayde to her seruant, Driue, and goe forward: staye not for me to get vp, except I bid thee.
And she saddleth the ass, and saith unto her young man, 'Lead, and go, do not restrain riding for me, except I have said [so] to thee.'
Then she saddled a donkey, and said to her servant, “Drive, and go forward! Don’t slow down for me, unless I ask you to.”
Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.
And she saddled an ass, and commanded her servant: Drive, and make haste, make no stay in going. And do that which I bid thee.
So she told the servant to put saddles on two donkeys, and as they left, she said, “Hurry! Do not slow down unless t tell you to do that!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:24
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 4:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/תַּחֲבֹשׁ֙
הָֽ/אָת֔וֹן
וַ/תֹּ֥אמֶר
אֶֽל
נַעֲרָ֖/הּ
נְהַ֣ג
וָ/לֵ֑ךְ
אַל
תַּעֲצָר
לִ֣/י
לִ/רְכֹּ֔ב
כִּ֖י
אִם
אָמַ֥רְתִּי
לָֽ/ךְ
וַֽ/תַּחֲבֹשׁ֙
châbash
H2280
to saddle/tie
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הָֽ/אָת֔וֹן
ʼâthôwn
H860
she-ass
Art | N-fs
וַ/תֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
נַעֲרָ֖/הּ
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms | Suff
נְהַ֣ג
nâhag
H5090
to lead
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וָ/לֵ֑ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּעֲצָר
ʻâtsâr
H6113
to restrain
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
לִ֣/י
Prep | Suff
לִ/רְכֹּ֔ב
râkab
H7392
to ride
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אָמַ֥רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לָֽ/ךְ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 4:24
וַֽ/תַּחֲבֹשׁ֙
châbash
H2280
"to saddle/tie"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to tie or bind something firmly, like a turban or a saddle. It is also used figuratively to mean stopping or ruling something. In 1 Kings 20:12, it describes the binding of a wound.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, bind on, bind up, saddle, restrain, bandage, govern 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, bind on 1a2) to bind up 1b) (Piel) to bind, restrain 1c) (Pual) to be bound up
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), gird about, govern, healer, put, saddle, wrap about. See also: Genesis 22:3; Job 34:17; Psalms 147:3.
הָֽ/אָת֔וֹן
ʼâthôwn
H860
"she-ass"
Art | N-fs
A female donkey is referred to by this Hebrew word, which emphasizes the animal's gentle nature. It appears in Genesis 12:16 and 31:34, describing the donkeys owned by Abraham and Jacob.
Definition: she-ass, she-donkey
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (she) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 5:10; Zechariah 9:9.
וַ/תֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
נַעֲרָ֖/הּ
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
נְהַ֣ג
nâhag
H5090
"to lead"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To moan means to sigh or lament, like in Psalm 77:3 when the psalmist moaned in his sleepless night. It can also mean to lead or guide someone, like in 1 Samuel 25:42 when Abigail led her maids to follow David.
Definition: 1) to drive, lead, guide, conduct 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drive, lead on, drive away, drive off 1a2) to behave itself (fig.) (of heart) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to drive away, lead off 1b2) to lead on, guide, guide on 1b3) to cause to drive
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: acquaint, bring (away), carry away, drive (away), lead (away, forth), (be) guide, lead (away, forth). See also: Genesis 31:18; 1 Chronicles 20:1; Psalms 48:15.
וָ/לֵ֑ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּעֲצָר
ʻâtsâr
H6113
"to restrain"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to restrain or hold back, often used in the context of controlling one's actions or emotions. In the book of Psalms, it describes God's power to restrain evil. The word can also mean to assemble or rule over something.
Definition: 1) to restrain, retain, close up, shut, withhold, refrain, stay, detain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to restrain, halt, stop 1a2) to retain 1b) (Niphal) to be restrained, be stayed, be under restraint
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able, close up, detain, fast, keep (self close, still), prevail, recover, refrain, [idiom] reign, restrain, retain, shut (up), slack, stay, stop, withhold (self). See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Chronicles 12:1; Psalms 106:30.
לִ֣/י
""
Prep | Suff
לִ/רְכֹּ֔ב
râkab
H7392
"to ride"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אָמַ֥רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 4:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:24
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:24
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:24
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 4:24
Context — Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son
22And the woman called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may go quickly to the man of God and return.”
23“Why would you go to him today?” he replied. “It is not a New Moon or a Sabbath.” “Everything is all right,” she said.
24Then she saddled the donkey and told her servant, “Drive onward; do not slow the pace for me unless I tell you.”
25So she set out and went to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her at a distance, he said to his servant Gehazi, “Look, there is the Shunammite woman. 26Please run out now to meet her and ask, ‘Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right?’” And she answered, “Everything is all right.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 4:20 | So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 13:13 | So the prophet said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” Then they saddled the donkey for him, and he mounted it |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 25:19–20 | and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. As Abigail came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, she saw David and his men coming down toward her, and she met them. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 13:23 | And after the man of God had finished eating and drinking, the old prophet who had brought him back saddled the donkey for him. |
2 Kings 4:24 Summary
The woman in 2 Kings 4:24 is determined to reach the man of God, Elisha, as quickly as possible, and she tells her servant to drive onward without slowing the pace. This shows her faith and trust in God's power and provision, as seen in other Bible verses like Psalm 119:145-152 and Hebrews 11:6. Just like the woman, we should be willing to move forward in faith, without hesitation, and trust that God will provide for us. By doing so, we can demonstrate our eagerness to seek God's face and please Him, just as the apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:12-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the woman in 2 Kings 4:24 tell her servant to drive onward without slowing the pace?
The woman told her servant to drive onward without slowing the pace because she was determined to reach the man of God, Elisha, as quickly as possible, likely due to the urgency of her situation, as seen in 2 Kings 4:22-23, where she asks her husband for a donkey to go to the man of God.
What can we learn from the woman's determination in 2 Kings 4:24?
We can learn from the woman's determination in 2 Kings 4:24 that when we are seeking God's help, we should be persistent and urgent in our pursuit, just as the Psalmist writes in Psalm 119:145-152, where he expresses his eagerness to seek God's face.
How does the woman's instruction to her servant relate to our walk with God?
The woman's instruction to her servant in 2 Kings 4:24 can be seen as a metaphor for our walk with God, where we should be willing to move forward in faith, without hesitation, just as the apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:12-14, where he presses on towards the goal of knowing Christ.
What role does faith play in the woman's actions in 2 Kings 4:24?
The woman's actions in 2 Kings 4:24 demonstrate her faith in God's power and provision, as she trusts that the man of God, Elisha, will be able to help her, which is reminiscent of the faith expressed in Hebrews 11:6, where it is written that without faith, it is impossible to please God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to press onward in faith, without slowing my pace, and how can I apply the woman's determination to those areas?
- How can I demonstrate my trust in God's power and provision, just like the woman in 2 Kings 4:24, in my daily life?
- What are some distractions or obstacles that might cause me to slow my pace in my walk with God, and how can I overcome them?
- In what ways can I show my eagerness to seek God's face, just like the Psalmist in Psalm 119:145-152, and the woman in 2 Kings 4:24?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:24
Then she saddled an ass,.... Her servant did it by her order: and said to her servant, drive, and go forward; make all the haste he could: slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee; do not be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:24
Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee. Said to her servant, Drive, and go forward.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:24
2 Kings 4:24 Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not [thy] riding for me, except I bid thee.Ver. 24. Drive, and go forward.] Put on as fast as thou canst. Dolor addidit alas; grief rideth without reins, where there is but any hope of help.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:24
(24) Then she saddled an ass.—And she saddled the ass—i.e., which the young man brought, and probably saddled at her bidding. Slack not thy riding for me.—Literally, restrain me not from riding—i.e., do not stop, or slacken speed. A halt for rest might naturally be taken, as the distance was considerable.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:24
Verse 24. Drive, and go forward] It is customary in the East for a servant to walk along side or drive the ass his master rides. Sometimes he walks behind, and goads on the beast; and when it is to turn, he directs its head with the long pole of the goad. It is probably to this custom that the wise man alludes when he says, "I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking as servants on the earth," on the ground.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:24
24. slack not thy riding for me] R.V. slacken me not the riding. The R.V. thus avoids the pronominal adjective, which has no equivalent in the Hebrew. The servant seems to have been one to run by the side of the rider as a driver, and as a protection, to be ready also in case of mishap. Such runners were not uncommon in the East, being especially used by dignified persons. So Adonijah (1 Kings 1:5) and Absalom before him (2 Samuel 15:1) provided themselves with attendants of this sort, when they were aspiring to be kings. The rendering of A.V. would suggest that the servant was riding, but the Hebrew does not warrant this, and for women to travel thus riding behind a manservant on the same beast is not like Eastern custom.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 4:24
Slack not thy riding - Translate, “delay me not in my riding, except I bid thee.” The servant went on foot with the donkey to urge it forward, as is the ordinary custom in the East.