2 Kings 4:38
2 Kings 4:38 in Multiple Translations
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, he said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets.”
¶ 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.
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 boil pottage for the sons of the prophets.
And Elisha went back to Gilgal, now there was very little food in the land; and the sons of the prophets were seated before him. And he said to his servant, Put the great pot on the fire, and make soup for the sons of the prophets.
When Elisha went back to Gilgal, there was a famine in that area. The sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, and he said to his servant, “Use the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets.”
Afterward Elisha returned to Gilgal, and a famine was in the land, and the children of the Prophets dwelt with him. And hee sayd vnto his seruant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the children of the Prophets.
And Elisha hath turned back to Gilgal, and the famine [is] in the land, and the sons of the prophets are sitting before him, and he saith to his young man, 'Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets.'
Elisha came again to Gilgal. There was a famine in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, “Get the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.”
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 to his servant, Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets.
And Eliseus returned to Galgal, and there was a famine in the land, and the sons of the prophets dwelt before him. And he said to one of his servants: Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets.
Then Elisha returned to Gilgal. But at that time there was ◄a famine/very little food► in that area. One day as the group of prophets was sitting in front of Elisha listening to what he was teaching, he said to his servant, “Put a large pot on the stove and make some stew for these men.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:38
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 4:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וֶ/אֱלִישָׁ֞ע
שָׁ֤ב
הַ/גִּלְגָּ֨לָ/ה֙
וְ/הָ/רָעָ֣ב
בָּ/אָ֔רֶץ
וּ/בְנֵי֙
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֔ים
יֹשְׁבִ֖ים
לְ/פָנָ֑י/ו
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
לְ/נַעֲר֗/וֹ
שְׁפֹת֙
הַ/סִּ֣יר
הַ/גְּדוֹלָ֔ה
וּ/בַשֵּׁ֥ל
נָזִ֖יד
לִ/בְנֵ֥י
הַ/נְּבִיאִֽים
וֶ/אֱלִישָׁ֞ע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
Elisha
Conj | N-proper
שָׁ֤ב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/גִּלְגָּ֨לָ/ה֙
Gilgâl
H1537
Galilee
Art | N-proper | Suff
וְ/הָ/רָעָ֣ב
râʻâb
H7458
famine
Conj | Art | N-ms
בָּ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
וּ/בְנֵי֙
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֔ים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-mp
יֹשְׁבִ֖ים
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
לְ/פָנָ֑י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/נַעֲר֗/וֹ
naʻar
H5288
youth
Prep | N-ms | Suff
שְׁפֹת֙
shâphath
H8239
to set
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הַ/סִּ֣יר
çîyr
H5518
pot
Art | N-cs
הַ/גְּדוֹלָ֔ה
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
וּ/בַשֵּׁ֥ל
bâshal
H1310
to boil
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms
נָזִ֖יד
nâzîyd
H5138
stew
N-ms
לִ/בְנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
הַ/נְּבִיאִֽים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-mp
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 4:38
וֶ/אֱלִישָׁ֞ע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
"Elisha"
Conj | N-proper
Elisha was a famous prophet in the Bible who lived during the time of the divided kingdom. His name means God is salvation, and he is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16. Elisha succeeded Elijah as a great prophet.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.19.16; son of: Shaphat (H8202H) Also named: Elissaios (Ἐλισσαῖος "Elisha" G1666) § Elisha = "God is salvation" the great prophet who succeeded Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Elisha. See also: 1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 5:20; 2 Kings 13:21.
שָׁ֤ב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
הַ/גִּלְגָּ֨לָ/ה֙
Gilgâl
H1537
"Galilee"
Art | N-proper | Suff
Gilgal refers to three places in Palestine, including a region conquered by Joshua. The name means 'a wheel, rolling' and is related to the word for Galilee, a region in northern Israel. Gilgal is mentioned in the book of Joshua.
Definition: Gilgal = "a wheel, rolling" a region conquered by Joshua, site unsure Another spelling of ga.lil (גָּלִיל "Galilee" H1551)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Gilgal. See also H1019 (בֵּית הַגִּלְגָּל). See also: Deuteronomy 11:30; 1 Samuel 11:15; Micah 6:5.
וְ/הָ/רָעָ֣ב
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
Conj | Art | N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
בָּ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וּ/בְנֵי֙
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֔ים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Art | N-mp
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
יֹשְׁבִ֖ים
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
לְ/פָנָ֑י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
לְ/נַעֲר֗/וֹ
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Prep | 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.
שְׁפֹת֙
shâphath
H8239
"to set"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to set or establish something, like setting a place or ordaining a person for a task.
Definition: 1) to set, place, put, ordain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to set 1a2) to ordain, establish
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bring, ordain, set on. See also: 2 Kings 4:38; Isaiah 26:12; Psalms 22:16.
הַ/סִּ֣יר
çîyr
H5518
"pot"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a thorn or a hook, something that springs up rapidly. It can also mean a pot or a pan, and is used in various contexts in the Bible, including cooking and fishing.
Definition: 1) pot 1a) pot (household utensil) 1b) pot (of temple)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: caldron, fishhook, pan, (wash-)pot, thorn. See also: Exodus 16:3; Ecclesiastes 7:6; Psalms 58:10.
הַ/גְּדוֹלָ֔ה
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וּ/בַשֵּׁ֥ל
bâshal
H1310
"to boil"
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to boil or cook something, like food in a pot. It can also mean to ripen, like fruit growing ripe on a tree.
Definition: 1) to boil, cook, bake, roast, ripen, grow ripe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to boil, cook 1a2) to grow ripe, ripen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to boil 1b2) to cook 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be boiled 1c2) to be sodden 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to ripen 1d2) ripen, brought to ripeness
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: bake, boil, bring forth, roast, seethe, sod (be sodden). See also: Genesis 40:10; 1 Samuel 2:15; Zechariah 14:21.
נָזִ֖יד
nâzîyd
H5138
"stew"
N-ms
A stew or pottage is a type of boiled food, like a soup. This word is used in the Bible to describe a simple meal, often made from boiled ingredients. It is a common food in ancient times.
Definition: boiled food, soup, pottage, thing sodden or boiled
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: pottage. See also: Genesis 25:29; 2 Kings 4:39; Haggai 2:12.
לִ/בְנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/נְּבִיאִֽים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Art | N-mp
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 4:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:38
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:38
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:38
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:38
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 4:38
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:38
- Sermons on 2 Kings 4:38
Context — Elisha Purifies the Poisonous Stew
36Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, “Call the Shunammite woman.” So he called her and she came. Then Elisha said, “Pick up your son.”
37She came in, fell at his feet, and bowed to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.
38When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, he said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets.”
39One of them went out to the field to gather herbs, and he found a wild vine from which he gathered as many wild gourds as his garment could hold. Then he came back and cut them up into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were. 40And they poured it out for the men to eat, but when they tasted the stew they cried out, “There is death in the pot, O man of God!” And they could not eat it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 8:1 | Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, you and your household; go and live as a foreigner wherever you can. For the LORD has decreed a seven-year famine, and it has already come to the land.” |
| 2 | 2 Kings 2:3 | Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.” |
| 3 | 2 Kings 2:1 | Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal, |
| 4 | Acts 22:3 | “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I am just as zealous for God as any of you here today. |
| 5 | Luke 10:39 | She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. |
| 6 | Leviticus 26:26 | When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven and dole out your bread by weight, so that you will eat but not be satisfied. |
| 7 | John 21:5 | So He called out to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” “No,” they answered. |
| 8 | John 21:9 | When they landed, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish on it, and some bread. |
| 9 | Mark 6:37 | But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked Him, “Should we go out and spend two hundred denarii to give all of them bread to eat?” |
| 10 | Proverbs 8:34 | Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. |
2 Kings 4:38 Summary
In 2 Kings 4:38, we see Elisha returning to Gilgal during a time of famine and deciding to boil a stew for the sons of the prophets. This act shows that Elisha cared about the well-being of those around him and was willing to provide for their needs. This is similar to how Jesus taught us to serve one another (Matthew 20:26-28) and how God provides for His people (Exodus 16:4-36). By looking at Elisha's example, we can learn to trust in God's provision and care for others during difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the famine in the land during Elisha's time?
The famine in the land, as mentioned in 2 Kings 4:38, was likely a result of God's judgment on the nation for their disobedience, as seen in other instances such as Deuteronomy 28:23-24 and Leviticus 26:19-20.
Why did Elisha instruct his attendant to boil a stew for the sons of the prophets?
Elisha's instruction to boil a stew for the sons of the prophets in 2 Kings 4:38 demonstrates his care and provision for the community of prophets, much like Jesus' teaching on serving one another in Matthew 20:26-28.
What can we learn from Elisha's actions in this verse about his role as a leader?
Elisha's actions in 2 Kings 4:38 show that he was a humble and servant-hearted leader, willing to provide for the needs of those under his care, which is in line with the biblical teachings on leadership found in 1 Peter 5:2-3 and Matthew 20:26-28.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's provision in the Bible?
The provision of food for the sons of the prophets in 2 Kings 4:38 is a testament to God's faithfulness in providing for His people, as seen in other accounts such as Exodus 16:4-36 and Matthew 6:25-34.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate care and provision for those around me, just like Elisha did for the sons of the prophets?
- How can I trust in God's provision during times of scarcity or uncertainty, just as the community of prophets did during the famine?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to rely on God's faithfulness and provision, and how can I seek His guidance and care?
- In what ways can I serve others and demonstrate a servant-hearted attitude, like Elisha and Jesus taught?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:38
And Elisha came again to Gilgal,.... Where he was with Elijah a little before his assumption to heaven, 2 Kings 2:1 and whither he went, there being a school of the prophets, as he did to all places
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:38
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:38
Elisha came again to Gilgal; where he came with Elijah, ; where was a school of the prophets, whom he designed to comfort concerning the present dearth and their other discouragements, and to confirm in the profession and practice of religion, and to instruct in the duties of the present season. Sitting before him; at his feet, as scholars to be taught by him. See . Seethe pottage: he provides no delicious meats, but mere necessaries, to teach them the contempt of worldly delights.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:38
2 Kings 4:38 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.Ver. 38. See the pottage.] The propbets were poor, and glad of pottage. Nescio quomodo bonae mentis sorer est paupertas. The saints are kept at hard commons, but have their keeping of free cost. The wicked have larger provisions, but pay sweetly. Petron.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:38
(38-44) Elisha among the sons of the prophets at Gilgal during the famine.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:38
Verse 38. Came again to Gilgal] He had been there before with his master, a short time prior to his translation. Set on the great pot and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.] It was in a time of dearth, and all might now stand in need of refreshment; and it appears that the prophet was led to put forth the power he had from God to make a plentiful provision for those who were present. The father of the celebrated Dr. Young, author of the Night Thoughts, preaching a charity sermon for the benefit of the sons of the clergy, took the above words for his text; nor could they be said to be inappropriate.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:38
38–41. Elisha at Gilgal heals the noxious Pottage (Not in Chronicles) 38. Elisha came again to Gilgal] There are no notes of time in this narrative, or in the others, though we can see, here and there, that the events are not put together chronologically. (See below, on 2 Kings 8:1.) Elisha had been at Gilgal with Elijah, but there is no need to suppose that ‘came again’ alludes to that visit. Gilgal (on which see note on 2 Kings 2:1 above) was a centre of prophetic activity and it is probable that it was visited frequently both by Elijah and Elisha. and there was a dearth in the land] The first noun has the article, and the clause might well be rendered ‘the famine was in the land’. The allusion will then be to the famine foretold in 2 Kings 8:1. That some of the incidents related before that chapter occurred after the famine, see note on 2 Kings 8:4. the sons of the prophets were sitting before him] They would naturally gather round the great prophet, made famous by a large share of Elijah’s spirit, and catch at all he had to say. We can see from this story one aspect of the life in the colleges of the prophets. The members sat at the feet of some elder member, and learnt from him their duty and how to carry it out. (Cf. 2 Kings 6:1, and note.) By Elisha’s teaching, which would be drawn from his own experience, they would gather faith and courage, seeing that God was working in their midst, and had not forsaken Israel in spite of their sins.
Hence grew the hope of a thorough reformation in the breasts of these who must be regarded as the reformers of their time. unto his servant] Probably some one of the sons of the prophets, appointed to wait on Elisha while he tarried at Gilgal.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 4:38
There was a dearth in the land - Rather, “The famine was in the land.” The seven years’ dearth of which Elisha had prophesied (marginal reference) had begun. The sons of the prophets - See 1 Kings 20:35 note.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:38
38. Came… Gilgal — Where was a school of the prophets. See note on 2 Kings 2:1. A dearth in the land — The seven years’ famine which Elisha had foretold. 2 Kings 8:1.
Sermons on 2 Kings 4:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Life & Ministry of Elisha - Part 2 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the ministry of Elisha and the importance of imparting the life of Christ in our own ministries. The sermon begins by referencing a story fr |
|
Elijah and Elisha 05 ~ Keswick Conference 1970 by Harold Wildish | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hospitality and welcoming others in the name of God. He shares personal experiences of being welcomed into homes as a miss |
|
|
Elijah and Elisha 07 ~ Keswick Conference 1970 by Harold Wildish | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4, where there is a problem with the food being prepared. The preacher emphasizes the importance |
|
Death in the Pot - Miracle by Peter Brandon | Peter Brandon delivers a powerful sermon on the miracle of Elisha and the poisonous pottage, emphasizing the spiritual lessons behind the events in 2 Kings 4. He illustrates how th |
|
Examples of Circumspect Behaviour by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the holy and separate lifestyles of the prophets and apostles, highlighting their dedication to serving God without the distractions of relationships wit |
|
Elisha's Prediction of Evil by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Elisha and his prediction of evil. When Elisha first began his ministry, a woman recognized him as a man of God and provid |
|
Divine Direction by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on Divine Direction, using examples from the Bible to illustrate how individuals sought and followed God's guidance in their lives. The sermon emphasizes the im |