2 kings 4:23 - He said, “Why would you want go to him today? It is not a new moon or a Sabbath.” She said, “It’s alright.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 kings 4:23" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 4:23 is part of the story of the Shunammite woman and the prophet Elisha. To understand its meaning, let's break down the context:
The Shunammite Woman: This woman had shown great kindness to Elisha by providing him with food and lodging whenever he passed through her town. In return, Elisha miraculously granted her and her elderly husband a son. However, the son later died.
The Situation: The Shunammite woman, grieving and determined, wants to seek out Elisha. She doesn't explain to her husband why she needs to find Elisha so urgently.
"He said, 'Why would you want to go to him today? It is not a new moon or a Sabbath.'" The husband's question is key. In ancient Israel, the new moon and the Sabbath were special days when people often sought out religious leaders or prophets for guidance, blessings, or offerings. The husband is essentially saying, "Why do you need to see Elisha today? It's not a religious holiday or a special occasion." He is puzzled because there's no obvious reason to undertake a journey to find Elisha. He's also unaware that their son has died.
"She said, 'It's alright.'" This is a crucial, understated response. "It's alright" (or similar translations like "It will be all right," "Peace," or "All is well") is not an explanation. She's being deliberately vague. She's not telling him the truth (that their son is dead) because she likely fears his reaction, wants to control the situation, or believes Elisha is the only one who can help and she doesn't want to be delayed by discussion or doubt. She's implying that there's a good reason, but she doesn't want to elaborate. Her calmness and assurance ("It's alright") are meant to reassure him and prevent him from questioning her further.
In essence, the verse highlights:
The Shunammite woman's determination and faith: She's clearly driven by a strong need to see Elisha.
The husband's lack of awareness: He doesn't know the tragedy that has befallen their family.
The Shunammite woman's veiled response: She avoids telling him the truth, possibly to prevent his distress or to expedite her journey to Elisha. This shows her resolve and perhaps a belief that only Elisha can solve the problem.
The importance of Elisha: Her immediate thought is to go to Elisha, implying her strong belief in his prophetic power.
The verse creates suspense and foreshadows the dramatic events that will follow as the Shunammite woman seeks out Elisha to plead for her son's life. Her response is also a testament to her faith that Elisha is the key to making things right.
2 kings 4:23 - He said, “Why would you want go to him today? It is not a new moon or a Sabbath.” She said, “It’s alright.”
What does "2 kings 4:23" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 4:23 is part of the story of the Shunammite woman and the prophet Elisha. To understand its meaning, let's break down the context:
The Shunammite Woman: This woman had shown great kindness to Elisha by providing him with food and lodging whenever he passed through her town. In return, Elisha miraculously granted her and her elderly husband a son. However, the son later died.
The Situation: The Shunammite woman, grieving and determined, wants to seek out Elisha. She doesn't explain to her husband why she needs to find Elisha so urgently.
"He said, 'Why would you want to go to him today? It is not a new moon or a Sabbath.'" The husband's question is key. In ancient Israel, the new moon and the Sabbath were special days when people often sought out religious leaders or prophets for guidance, blessings, or offerings. The husband is essentially saying, "Why do you need to see Elisha today? It's not a religious holiday or a special occasion." He is puzzled because there's no obvious reason to undertake a journey to find Elisha. He's also unaware that their son has died.
"She said, 'It's alright.'" This is a crucial, understated response. "It's alright" (or similar translations like "It will be all right," "Peace," or "All is well") is not an explanation. She's being deliberately vague. She's not telling him the truth (that their son is dead) because she likely fears his reaction, wants to control the situation, or believes Elisha is the only one who can help and she doesn't want to be delayed by discussion or doubt. She's implying that there's a good reason, but she doesn't want to elaborate. Her calmness and assurance ("It's alright") are meant to reassure him and prevent him from questioning her further.
In essence, the verse highlights:
The Shunammite woman's determination and faith: She's clearly driven by a strong need to see Elisha.
The husband's lack of awareness: He doesn't know the tragedy that has befallen their family.
The Shunammite woman's veiled response: She avoids telling him the truth, possibly to prevent his distress or to expedite her journey to Elisha. This shows her resolve and perhaps a belief that only Elisha can solve the problem.
The importance of Elisha: Her immediate thought is to go to Elisha, implying her strong belief in his prophetic power.
The verse creates suspense and foreshadows the dramatic events that will follow as the Shunammite woman seeks out Elisha to plead for her son's life. Her response is also a testament to her faith that Elisha is the key to making things right.