2 kings 4:16 - He said, “At this season, when the time comes around, you will embrace a son.” She said, “No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your servant.”
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What does "2 kings 4:16" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman. Let's break down what it means:
"He said, “At this season, when the time comes around, you will embrace a son.”": This is Elisha, a prophet of God, speaking to the Shunammite woman. He's prophesying that she will have a son within the next year. "At this season, when the time comes around" implies that in about a year, around the same time as their current conversation, she will be holding a son.
"She said, “No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your servant.”": This is the Shunammite woman's response. It reveals a few things about her:
"No, my lord...": She addresses Elisha with respect, acknowledging his position.
"...you man of God...": She recognizes Elisha as a prophet, someone with divine authority.
"...do not lie to your servant.": This is the key. She's saying she doesn't believe his prophecy. While she respects him and believes he's a man of God, she thinks he's mistaken or perhaps being overly optimistic. Likely, she's expressing disbelief based on her circumstances: she was likely past child-bearing age and/or her husband was old. The idea of having a child seems impossible to her.
In summary, the verse depicts a divine promise met with incredulity. Elisha, speaking on behalf of God, promises the Shunammite woman that she will have a son within the year. The Shunammite woman, despite acknowledging Elisha's prophetic standing, can't believe it and begs him not to deceive her, likely because she views it as an impossibility given her circumstances. The verse sets up the expectation that God will do something miraculous by granting her a child despite her age and/or her husband's age. It highlights the theme of faith and the potential for God to do the seemingly impossible.
2 kings 4:16 - He said, “At this season, when the time comes around, you will embrace a son.” She said, “No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your servant.”
What does "2 kings 4:16" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman. Let's break down what it means:
"He said, “At this season, when the time comes around, you will embrace a son.”": This is Elisha, a prophet of God, speaking to the Shunammite woman. He's prophesying that she will have a son within the next year. "At this season, when the time comes around" implies that in about a year, around the same time as their current conversation, she will be holding a son.
"She said, “No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your servant.”": This is the Shunammite woman's response. It reveals a few things about her:
"No, my lord...": She addresses Elisha with respect, acknowledging his position.
"...you man of God...": She recognizes Elisha as a prophet, someone with divine authority.
"...do not lie to your servant.": This is the key. She's saying she doesn't believe his prophecy. While she respects him and believes he's a man of God, she thinks he's mistaken or perhaps being overly optimistic. Likely, she's expressing disbelief based on her circumstances: she was likely past child-bearing age and/or her husband was old. The idea of having a child seems impossible to her.
In summary, the verse depicts a divine promise met with incredulity. Elisha, speaking on behalf of God, promises the Shunammite woman that she will have a son within the year. The Shunammite woman, despite acknowledging Elisha's prophetic standing, can't believe it and begs him not to deceive her, likely because she views it as an impossibility given her circumstances. The verse sets up the expectation that God will do something miraculous by granting her a child despite her age and/or her husband's age. It highlights the theme of faith and the potential for God to do the seemingly impossible.