2 Kings 4:12

KJV

And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} to Gehazi {H1522} his servant {H5288}, Call {H7121} this Shunammite {H7767}. And when he had called {H7121} her, she stood {H5975} before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to Geichazi his servant, "Call this Shunamit." He called her; and when she arrived,

Berean Standard Bible

And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call the Shunammite woman.” And when he had called her, she stood before him,

American Standard Version

And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 4:12 serves as a pivotal, yet concise, transition point in the narrative of Elisha and the Shunammite woman, directly preceding the prophet's inquiry into her needs and the subsequent promise of a son. This verse records Elisha's simple command to his servant Gehazi to summon the hospitable woman, setting in motion the divine reciprocation for her extraordinary kindness and reverence shown to the man of God. It highlights the prophet's immediate desire to bless her and underscores the instrumental role of a faithful servant in facilitating God's unfolding purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the broader narrative of Elisha's ministry, specifically following the account of the Shunammite woman's exceptional hospitality. In [2 Kings 4:8-10](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8-10 - The Shunammite Woman's Hospitality"), she is introduced as a wealthy and discerning woman who recognizes Elisha as a "holy man of God" and, with her husband, builds and furnishes a dedicated room for him. Elisha's instruction in [2 Kings 4:11](/2_kings/4-11 "2 Kings 4:11 - Elisha's Rest") to rest in this room immediately precedes the command to Gehazi in verse 12. The summoning of the woman is the direct prelude to Elisha's offer of a reward, which culminates in the miraculous promise of a son in [2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - The Promise of a Son") and the subsequent birth of that child. This entire episode showcases God's faithfulness and power through His prophet in rewarding generosity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Shunem, a town in the Jezreel Valley, strategically located and known for its agricultural fertility. Hospitality was a cornerstone of ancient Near Eastern culture, considered a sacred duty and a mark of honor. Providing lodging and sustenance, especially to a respected figure like a prophet, was highly esteemed. The use of a servant like Gehazi as an intermediary was customary for individuals of Elisha's stature, reflecting social hierarchies and the practicalities of communication in that era. Prophets often traveled with attendants who assisted in their ministry, managed logistics, and conveyed messages. The Shunammite woman's actions were not merely polite gestures but a profound demonstration of reverence for God's messenger, aligning with the cultural expectation of supporting those dedicated to divine service.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several key themes within [2 Kings chapter 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles") and the broader book. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Reciprocity and Gratitude**, as Elisha, acting as God's representative, seeks to repay the woman's extraordinary kindness. This reflects a biblical principle seen throughout Scripture, where generosity towards God's servants is met with divine blessing (e.g., [Matthew 10:41](/matthew/10-41 "Matthew 10:41 - Reward for Receiving a Prophet")). Secondly, it highlights **Prophetic Authority and Service**, as Elisha's simple command is immediately obeyed by Gehazi, demonstrating the prophet's standing and the servant's faithful assistance in ministry. Gehazi's role here is crucial in facilitating the divine interaction. Lastly, the verse is a critical step in **Divine Orchestration**, revealing how seemingly mundane actions can be part of God's sovereign plan to bring about miraculous interventions, in this case, the promise of a son to a childless couple, fulfilling God's power to open the womb (e.g., [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - The Promise to Abraham and Sarah")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shunammite (Hebrew, _shunammît'_):** This term simply identifies the woman by her place of origin, Shunem, a town in the tribal territory of Issachar, located in the Jezreel Valley. The specificity of her designation underscores her established identity within the narrative and emphasizes that Elisha knows precisely whom he is addressing through Gehazi. It highlights her local prominence and the fact that her hospitality was a known and recognized act.
* **Gehazi (Hebrew, _gêyḥăzî'_):** Elisha's personal servant and attendant. Gehazi serves as a vital intermediary in Elisha's ministry, executing commands and facilitating interactions. His presence and immediate obedience in this verse establish his role as a trusted and active participant in the prophet's work, setting the stage for his later, more problematic actions in the narrative (e.g., [2 Kings 5:20-27](/2_kings/5-20 "2 Kings 5:20-27 - Gehazi's Greed and Punishment")). Here, he functions as a faithful and immediate executor of Elisha's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said to Gehazi his servant":** This opening clause immediately establishes the speaker (Elisha) and the recipient of the command (Gehazi), highlighting the master-servant relationship and the prophet's authority. The directness of the address indicates a clear and purposeful instruction, not a casual remark.
* **"Call this Shunammite":** This is the core command. "Call" (קָרָא, _qārāʾ_) is a simple imperative, signifying a direct summons. Elisha does not specify why she is to be called, creating a sense of anticipation for both Gehazi and the reader. The use of "this Shunammite" rather than her name implies a familiarity and recognition of her unique identity and recent actions.
* **"And when he had called her":** This phrase emphasizes Gehazi's immediate and obedient response. There is no hesitation or question, only prompt execution of the prophet's command. This swift action is crucial for the narrative's progression, ensuring the direct encounter between Elisha and the woman.
* **"she stood before him":** This final clause depicts the woman's respectful posture in Elisha's presence. To "stand before" a superior or a person of authority was a sign of reverence and readiness to receive instruction or hear a pronouncement. It signifies her availability and deference to the man of God, setting the scene for the momentous interaction that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though brief, effectively employs several **Literary Devices**. Its **Simplicity and Directness** are paramount, conveying Elisha's clear intent and Gehazi's immediate obedience without unnecessary embellishment. This brevity creates a sense of narrative efficiency, moving the plot forward with purpose. The verse also functions as a moment of **Foreshadowing**, as this seemingly mundane command to "call" the woman is the crucial trigger for the miraculous promise and subsequent birth of her son. The reader anticipates that Elisha's summons is not for a trivial matter. Furthermore, the interaction subtly reveals aspects of **Characterization**: Elisha's gratitude and purposeful action, Gehazi's immediate subservience, and the Shunammite woman's respectful posture. The verse's concise nature allows these character traits to be inferred through their actions, setting the stage for the deeper theological implications of the impending miracle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 4:12, while a simple command, is deeply theological in its implications, demonstrating how God orchestrates His blessings through human interaction and faithful service. It underscores the divine principle of reciprocation, where genuine generosity towards God's servants is noted and honored by God Himself. Elisha's desire to "do something for her" is not merely personal gratitude but a reflection of God's character, who delights in blessing those who honor Him. The seemingly ordinary act of summoning someone becomes a conduit for extraordinary divine intervention, reminding us that God often works through simple, obedient steps to fulfill His grand purposes. This verse sets the stage for a powerful display of God's life-giving power, turning barrenness into fruitfulness, thereby magnifying His sovereignty over all aspects of life.

* [Proverbs 11:25](/proverbs/11-25 "Proverbs 11:25 - The Generous Soul Will Be Prospered")
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and It Will Be Given to You")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Is Just to Remember Your Work and Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief interaction in 2 Kings 4:12 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that acts of genuine kindness and hospitality, especially towards those who serve God, do not go unnoticed by the Lord. Elisha's immediate desire to reciprocate the Shunammite woman's generosity serves as a model for our own lives: to be attentive to the needs of others and to respond with gratitude and a spirit of blessing. Moreover, the verse highlights the often-overlooked truth that God's miraculous interventions frequently begin with simple, obedient steps. Gehazi's promptness in calling the woman, and her respectful presence before Elisha, were small actions that unlocked a monumental blessing. This encourages us to be faithful in the "small things," recognizing that our seemingly mundane obedience can be the very catalyst for God's extraordinary work in our lives or the lives of others. It also underscores the value of faithful service in supporting God's work, however seemingly minor the task.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elisha's immediate desire to reciprocate the Shunammite woman's kindness challenge or affirm your own approach to gratitude and generosity?**
* **Can you recall a time when a seemingly small act of obedience on your part led to a significant spiritual outcome or blessing?**
* **In what ways can you, like Gehazi, faithfully serve those God has placed in positions of spiritual authority, even in simple tasks?**
* **How does the Shunammite woman's respectful posture before Elisha inspire your own reverence and readiness to hear from God's messengers?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha need Gehazi to call the Shunammite woman instead of speaking to her directly?**

Answer: Elisha's use of Gehazi as an intermediary reflects several aspects of the cultural and social norms of the time, as well as the prophet's role. Firstly, it was customary for prophets and other respected figures to have attendants who managed practical matters and conveyed messages, maintaining a certain decorum and authority. Direct interaction with women, especially those not of one's immediate household, might have been less common or considered less formal for a public figure. Secondly, Gehazi's role as Elisha's servant underscores his function as an extension of the prophet's will; his immediate obedience demonstrates Elisha's undisputed authority. This indirect approach also builds a slight narrative tension, as the woman is summoned without knowing the reason, setting the stage for Elisha's surprising offer. Ultimately, Gehazi's action in [2 Kings 4:12](/2_kings/4-12 "2 Kings 4:12 - Elisha Summons the Shunammite Woman") is a simple, obedient step that facilitates the divine encounter and the subsequent miracle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 4:12 is a brief narrative detail, it subtly points forward to the ultimate divine reciprocity found in Christ. Elisha, as God's prophet, acts as an agent of blessing, seeking to repay the Shunammite woman's kindness. This foreshadows Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God, who came not merely to repay kindness but to bestow grace and life infinitely beyond human capacity. The Shunammite woman's hospitality, offered without expectation of return, mirrors the spirit of selfless giving that Jesus embodies and calls His followers to. Just as Elisha's simple command initiated a miraculous intervention in the woman's barren life, so too does the call of Christ initiate a new spiritual life for those who are spiritually barren. The ultimate "repayment" for humanity's "kindness" (or rather, God's unmerited favor) is found in the [gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God Is Eternal Life"), who invites all to "come to Him" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is the true Giver of life, turning spiritual barrenness into fruitfulness, fulfilling the promise of a spiritual offspring for all who believe, a promise far greater than the physical son given to the Shunammite woman ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 8:4

And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done.

2 Kings 8:5

And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this [is] the woman, and this [is] her son, whom Elisha restored to life.

2 Kings 5:20

¶ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, [as] the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

2 Kings 5:27

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.

2 Kings 4:29

Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.

2 Kings 4:31

And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but [there was] neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.

1 Kings 18:43

And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, [There is] nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.