2 kings 4:13 - He said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Behold, you have cared for us with all this care. What is to be done for you? Would you like to be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the army?’” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.”
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What does "2 kings 4:13" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4. Let's break it down:
Context: The Shunammite woman had consistently shown hospitality and kindness to the prophet Elisha, providing him with lodging and food whenever he passed through Shunem. Elisha wanted to repay her kindness, as she and her husband had no children and she was aging.
"He said to him, 'Say now to her, 'Behold, you have cared for us with all this care.'": Elisha acknowledges the significant hospitality and generosity the Shunammite woman showed towards him.
"'What is to be done for you? Would you like to be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the army?'": Elisha is offering to use his influence to benefit her. "Spoken for" means to intercede or advocate on her behalf. He's suggesting he could recommend her to the king for some royal favor, or to the captain of the army for some kind of support or assistance. He's essentially asking if she needs anything and is willing to leverage his connections to help.
"She answered, 'I dwell among my own people.'": This is the key to understanding her response. She is saying that she is content with her current situation. "I dwell among my own people" implies:
Security and Belonging: She feels safe and secure within her community. She is integrated into the social fabric of Shunem and doesn't feel the need for external favors or protection.
Independence: She is self-sufficient and doesn't rely on others for her well-being. She doesn't need the king's favor or the captain's support to thrive.
Contentment: She is happy with her life as it is. She doesn't aspire to a higher social status or seek special privileges.
In essence, the verse reveals the Shunammite woman's character: She is kind, generous, content, and independent. She has no grand ambitions and is happy living a simple life among her community. While she is barren, she is content, she is not looking for positions in the palace or the army.
The verse sets the stage for the next part of the story, where Elisha blesses her with a son, fulfilling her deepest desire even though she did not ask for it directly. It also highlights the contrast between her contentment and the extraordinary blessing she is about to receive.
2 kings 4:13 - He said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Behold, you have cared for us with all this care. What is to be done for you? Would you like to be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the army?’” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.”
What does "2 kings 4:13" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4. Let's break it down:
Context: The Shunammite woman had consistently shown hospitality and kindness to the prophet Elisha, providing him with lodging and food whenever he passed through Shunem. Elisha wanted to repay her kindness, as she and her husband had no children and she was aging.
"He said to him, 'Say now to her, 'Behold, you have cared for us with all this care.'": Elisha acknowledges the significant hospitality and generosity the Shunammite woman showed towards him.
"'What is to be done for you? Would you like to be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the army?'": Elisha is offering to use his influence to benefit her. "Spoken for" means to intercede or advocate on her behalf. He's suggesting he could recommend her to the king for some royal favor, or to the captain of the army for some kind of support or assistance. He's essentially asking if she needs anything and is willing to leverage his connections to help.
"She answered, 'I dwell among my own people.'": This is the key to understanding her response. She is saying that she is content with her current situation. "I dwell among my own people" implies:
Security and Belonging: She feels safe and secure within her community. She is integrated into the social fabric of Shunem and doesn't feel the need for external favors or protection.
Independence: She is self-sufficient and doesn't rely on others for her well-being. She doesn't need the king's favor or the captain's support to thrive.
Contentment: She is happy with her life as it is. She doesn't aspire to a higher social status or seek special privileges.
In essence, the verse reveals the Shunammite woman's character: She is kind, generous, content, and independent. She has no grand ambitions and is happy living a simple life among her community. While she is barren, she is content, she is not looking for positions in the palace or the army.
The verse sets the stage for the next part of the story, where Elisha blesses her with a son, fulfilling her deepest desire even though she did not ask for it directly. It also highlights the contrast between her contentment and the extraordinary blessing she is about to receive.