This verse is part of the story of the Shunammite woman who has shown great kindness to the prophet Elisha. Let's break down the meaning:
"He said, 'What then is to be done for her?'": Elisha recognizes the woman's hospitality and wants to repay her. He is asking his servant, Gehazi, what kind of gift or favor would be most meaningful to her.
"Gehazi answered, 'Most certainly she has no son, and her husband is old.'": Gehazi, after observing the woman and her circumstances, realizes that her greatest need is a child. Her husband is old, making it unlikely they will have a son naturally. In that culture, having a son was very important for carrying on the family name, inheritance, and providing support in old age.
In essence, Gehazi is pointing out that the woman's deepest desire and most significant lack is a child. He suggests that a miracle involving the blessing of a son would be the most meaningful thing Elisha could do for her.
This sets the stage for Elisha to miraculously promise her a son, which comes to pass in the following verses. The verse highlights the importance of understanding people's needs and desires to offer true help and kindness.
This verse is part of the story of the Shunammite woman who has shown great kindness to the prophet Elisha. Let's break down the meaning:
"He said, 'What then is to be done for her?'": Elisha recognizes the woman's hospitality and wants to repay her. He is asking his servant, Gehazi, what kind of gift or favor would be most meaningful to her.
"Gehazi answered, 'Most certainly she has no son, and her husband is old.'": Gehazi, after observing the woman and her circumstances, realizes that her greatest need is a child. Her husband is old, making it unlikely they will have a son naturally. In that culture, having a son was very important for carrying on the family name, inheritance, and providing support in old age.
In essence, Gehazi is pointing out that the woman's deepest desire and most significant lack is a child. He suggests that a miracle involving the blessing of a son would be the most meaningful thing Elisha could do for her.
This sets the stage for Elisha to miraculously promise her a son, which comes to pass in the following verses. The verse highlights the importance of understanding people's needs and desires to offer true help and kindness.