2 Kings 4:8
2 Kings 4:8 in Multiple Translations
One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat.
¶ And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.
Now there came a day when Elisha went to Shunem, and there was a woman of high position living there, who made him come in and have a meal with her. And after that, every time he went by, he went into her house for a meal.
One day as Elisha was passing through Shunem, a wealthy woman who lived there convinced him to have a meal. After that, whenever he was passing by he would stop there to eat.
And on a time Elisha came to Shunem, and there a woman of great estimation constrained him to eate bread: and as he passed by, he turned in thither to eate bread.
And the day cometh that Elisha passeth over unto Shunem, and there [is] a great woman, and she layeth hold on him to eat bread, and it cometh to pass, at the time of his passing over, he turneth aside thither to eat bread,
One day Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman; and she persuaded him to eat bread. So it was, that as often as he passed by, he turned in there to eat bread.
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a distinguished woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.
And there was a day when Eliseus passed by Sunam: now there was a great woman there, who detained him to eat bread; and as he passed often that way, he turned into her house to eat bread.
One day Elisha went to Shunem town. There was a wealthy woman who lived there with her husband. One day she invited Elisha to her house for a meal. Elisha went there and from then on, every time Elisha was in Shunem, he went to their house to eat a meal.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 4:8
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 4:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֨י
הַ/יּ֜וֹם
וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֧ר
אֱלִישָׁ֣ע
אֶל
שׁוּנֵ֗ם
וְ/שָׁם֙
אִשָּׁ֣ה
גְדוֹלָ֔ה
וַ/תַּחֲזֶק
בּ֖/וֹ
לֶ/אֱכָל
לָ֑חֶם
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
מִ/דֵּ֣י
עָבְר֔/וֹ
יָסֻ֥ר
שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
לֶ/אֱכָל
לָֽחֶם
וַ/יְהִ֨י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/יּ֜וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֧ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלִישָׁ֣ע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
Elisha
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שׁוּנֵ֗ם
Shûwnêm
H7766
Shunem
N-proper
וְ/שָׁם֙
shâm
H8033
there
Conj | Adv
אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
גְדוֹלָ֔ה
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
וַ/תַּחֲזֶק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
בּ֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לֶ/אֱכָל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לָ֑חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ/דֵּ֣י
day
H1767
sufficiency
Prep | N-ms
עָבְר֔/וֹ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
יָסֻ֥ר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
לֶ/אֱכָל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 4:8
וַ/יְהִ֨י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הַ/יּ֜וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֧ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
אֱלִישָׁ֣ע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
"Elisha"
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.
אֶל
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.
שׁוּנֵ֗ם
Shûwnêm
H7766
"Shunem"
N-proper
Shunem was a city in the region of Issachar, located near Mount Tabor, and its name means double resting place. It was an important location in the biblical account.
Definition: § Shunem = "double resting place" a city in Issachar, located 5 miles (8 km) south of Mount Tabor
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Shunem. See also: Joshua 19:18; 1 Samuel 28:4; 2 Kings 4:8.
וְ/שָׁם֙
shâm
H8033
"there"
Conj | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
גְדוֹלָ֔ה
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
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.
וַ/תַּחֲזֶק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בּ֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לֶ/אֱכָל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
לָ֑חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מִ/דֵּ֣י
day
H1767
"sufficiency"
Prep | N-ms
This word means enough or sufficiency, like having enough food or water. It is used in phrases like 'according to the abundance of' in 2 Corinthians. The KJV translates it as 'enough' or 'sufficient'.
Definition: 1) sufficiency, enough 1a) enough 1b) for, according to the abundance of, out of the abundance of, as often as
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: able, according to, after (ability), among, as (oft as), (more than) enough, from, in, since, (much as is) sufficient(-ly), too much, very, when. See also: Exodus 36:5; Nehemiah 5:8; Proverbs 25:16.
עָבְר֔/וֹ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
יָסֻ֥ר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
לֶ/אֱכָל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 4:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 4:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:8
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:8
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 4:8
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:8
- Sermons on 2 Kings 4:8
Context — The Shunammite Woman
6When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another.” But he replied, “There are no more jars.” Then the oil stopped flowing.
7She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt. Then you and your sons can live on the remainder.”
8One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat.
9Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. 10Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 19:18 | Their territory included Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, |
| 2 | Genesis 19:3 | But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 4:11–12 | One day Elisha came to visit and went to his upper room to lie down. And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call the Shunammite woman.” And when he had called her, she stood before him, |
| 4 | Luke 24:29 | But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them. |
| 5 | Job 1:3 | and he owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very large number of servants. Job was the greatest man of all the people of the East. |
| 6 | Job 32:9 | It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 1:3 | Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. |
| 8 | Judges 19:20 | “Peace to you,” said the old man. “Let me supply everything you need. Only do not spend the night in the square.” |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 19:32 | Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim. |
| 10 | Proverbs 7:21 | With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him. |
2 Kings 4:8 Summary
This verse shows us that Elisha, a prophet of God, was willing to stop and eat with a prominent woman in Shunem, demonstrating his humility and willingness to engage with the community. The woman's kindness and hospitality towards Elisha are also on display, as she persuades him to have a meal, showing that serving others is an important part of living a life that honors God (as seen in Matthew 25:40). This story teaches us the value of being open to the needs of others and being willing to receive their kindness, just like Elisha did. By trusting in God's provision and care, like the woman in the preceding verses (2 Kings 4:6-7), we can demonstrate faith and live a life that reflects God's character, as shown in Deuteronomy 10:18-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elisha visit Shunem and what was the outcome of his visit?
Elisha visited Shunem and was persuaded by a prominent woman to have a meal, which led to a regular stopping point for him to eat whenever he passed by, as seen in 2 Kings 4:8, demonstrating the prophet's humility and willingness to engage with the community, much like Jesus' interactions with people in the Gospel of Luke 19:5
What can be learned from the prominent woman's actions in this verse?
The woman's actions demonstrate hospitality and a willingness to serve, as she persuaded Elisha to have a meal, showing that serving others is a key aspect of Christian living, as emphasized in 1 Peter 4:9 and Matthew 25:40
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of hospitality in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of hospitality, as seen in other scriptures such as Hebrews 13:2 and 3 John 1:5-8, where showing kindness to strangers and prophets is encouraged, demonstrating that this act of kindness is a reflection of God's character, as shown in Deuteronomy 10:18-19
What role does faith play in this verse and the surrounding context?
Faith is a crucial element in this verse, as Elisha's actions and the woman's response demonstrate trust in God's provision and care, as seen in the preceding verses, 2 Kings 4:6-7, where the woman's debt is paid and she is able to live on the remainder, illustrating the connection between faith and God's provision, as stated in Matthew 6:33
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate hospitality to those around me, like the prominent woman in Shunem?
- How can I, like Elisha, be open to the needs of others and be willing to receive their kindness and generosity?
- What are some areas in my life where I can show humility and a willingness to engage with my community, just like Elisha did in Shunem?
- How can I trust in God's provision and care, as seen in the story of the woman and Elisha, and apply that faith to my own life?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 4:8
And it fell on a day,.... Or so it was at a certain time: that Elisha passed to Shunem; a city in the tribe of Issachar; of which see Joshua 19:18, where was a great woman; of great wealth and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 4:8
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:8
To Shunnam a city in Issachar, near Mount Carmel, ,18, whither the prophet frequently went. Was a great woman; for estate, or birth and quality. See . She constrained him, by her importunate desire. To eat bread; to take his repast there.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:8
2 Kings 4:8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where [was] a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And [so] it was, [that] as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.Ver. 8. That Elisha passed to Shunem.] Abishag’ s country. See Joshua 19:18. And the Rabbins say that this good Shunammite was Abishag’ s sister’ s daughter. Where was a great woman.] Great in wealth, and great also in virtue, as the Chaldee understandeth it. Cavens sibi a peccato. - Chald. Paraph.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:8
(8) And it fell on a day.—Rather, And it came to pass at that time. Literally, during that day, referring to the period of the miracle just related. Perhaps, too, the contrast of the poor and rich woman is intentional. Passed.—Crossed over—scil., the plain of Jezreel, which he would have to do, whether he went from Samaria, or from Carmel to Shunem, which lay on the slope of Little Hermon, about midway between the two. A great woman—i.e., of high rank, or rich (1 Samuel 25:2; 2 Samuel 19:33). Rabbinic tradition identifies her with Abishag the Shunammite of 1 Kings 1:3 (!). In that case she must have been at this time more than 200 years old. So it was.—It came to pass.Passed by.—Crossed over, as above. He turned in.—He would turn aside (frequentative). For the phrase, see Genesis 19:2.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:8
Verse 8. Elisha passed to Shunem] This city was in the tribe of Issachar, to the south of the brook Kishon, and at the foot of Mount Tabor. Where was a great woman] In Pirkey Rab. Eliezer, this woman is said to have been the sister of Abishag, the Shunammite, well known in the history of David. Instead of great woman, the Chaldee has, a woman fearing sin; the Arabic, a woman eminent for piety before God. This made her truly great.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 4:8
8–17. Elisha promises a son to the hospitable Shunammite (Not in Chronicles) 8. And it fell on a day] From its use elsewhere the Hebrew noun, as here, with the article signifies ‘on that day’, ‘at that time’, and indicates a closer connexion with the preceding narrative than would be gathered from the A.V. But see below, verses 11 and 18. Elisha passed to Shunem] In Joshua 19:18, Shunem is among the places allotted to the tribe of Issachar. It is also mentioned as the place where the Philistines encamped before the battle of Gilboa (1 Samuel 28:4). It has been identified with Solam, a village situate on the little Hermon about 3 miles north of Jezreel. When Elisha was travelling either from Samaria or Jezreel to Carmel, Shunem lay on his road. The place is mentioned as being the home of Abishag (1 Kings 1:3) and from that is derived the Jewish tradition which makes the Shunammite woman of the present narrative to have been the sister of Abishag. a great woman] The adjective is used to signify wealthy in 1 Samuel 25:2, of Nabal, and 2 Samuel 19:32 of Barzillai, who is described as ‘a very great man’. As the Shunammite woman had a husband still alive, it would be more natural to speak of him as ‘great’ in the sense of ‘rich’, and perhaps here the meaning is rather ‘influential’.
She was clearly a person of independent character, and one who could act when the occasion demanded it. she constrained him to eat bread] The journeys of Elisha to and fro had somehow become known to her and she offered him hospitality. This was the usual way in the East, where houses for public entertainment were uncommon. as oft as he passed by] Apparently the allusion is to such rounds as the chief of the prophetic colleges would make to the different centres at which they were gathered. That Elisha’s visits were frequent is clear from the next verse.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 4:8
And it fell on a day - The original of the expression here used, which occurs three times in the present narrative 2 Kings 4:11, 2 Kings 4:18, is also found in Job 1:6, Job 1:13; Job 2:1.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 4:8
ELISHA AND THE WOMAN, 2 Kings 4:8-37. 8. Shunem — The modern Solam, on the southwestern slope of the Little Hermon, and in full view of Mount Carmel, and in the midst of the finest cornfields of Palestine. Compare Joshua 19:18.
Sermons on 2 Kings 4:8
| Sermon | Description | |
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Spiritual Insights 03 Rom 13:8 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and obedience to God's word. He contrasts the actions of wise individuals who seek to please the Lord with the fool |
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Insights by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verse 1 Peter 5:7, specifically the phrase "He careth for you." He begins by highlighting examples from the Old Testament where God show |
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Skyland Conference 1979-04 Elisha by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elisha and the great woman from 2 Kings chapter four. The preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to the word of God an |
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The Man of God by Robert Constable | Robert Constable emphasizes the identity and responsibility of being a 'man of God,' urging the congregation to recognize their status as holy and set apart for God's service. He d |
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The Walk of Faith - Part 1 by Larry Ainsworth | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the absence of some attendees from the morning session and provides a brief recap of the previous study on the words of Jesus, " |
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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 |
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Elijah and Elisha 09 ~ Keswick Conference 1970 by Harold Wildish | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Elisha and his servant in the book of 2 Kings. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being a faithful servant of God and carry |