2 Kings 4:13

KJV

And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what [is] to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto him, Say {H559} now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful {H2729} for us with all this care {H2731}; what is to be done {H6213} for thee? wouldest {H3426} thou be spoken {H1696} for to the king {H4428}, or to the captain {H8269} of the host {H6635}? And she answered {H559}, I dwell {H3427} among {H8432} mine own people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he said to him, "Tell her this: 'You have shown us so much hospitality! What can I do to show my appreciation? Do you want me to say anything to the king for you? or to the commander of the army?" She answered, "I'm happy living as I do, among my own people."

Berean Standard Bible

and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied.

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 4:13 captures a profound moment of divine initiative and human contentment, as the prophet Elisha, deeply moved by the Shunammite woman's exceptional hospitality, seeks to reciprocate her kindness. Offering to leverage his influence with the king or the captain of the host, Elisha presents an opportunity for her to seek any favor or redress. Her remarkable response—"I dwell among mine own people"—reveals a spirit of deep contentment, security, and a lack of worldly ambition, setting the stage for a miraculous divine blessing she neither anticipated nor requested.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of miraculous accounts involving the prophet Elisha, highlighting his role as God's representative and the continuation of the prophetic ministry from Elijah. The narrative immediately preceding [2 Kings 4:13](/2_kings/4-13 "2 Kings 4:13 - Elisha's Offer to the Shunammite Woman") details the Shunammite woman's extraordinary generosity in building and furnishing a dedicated "prophet's chamber" for Elisha whenever he passed through Shunem ([2 Kings 4:8-10](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8-10 - The Shunammite Woman's Hospitality")). Elisha, recognizing her selfless service, feels compelled to respond, first by sending his servant Gehazi to inquire about her needs ([2 Kings 4:12](/2_kings/4-12 "2 Kings 4:12 - Elisha Inquires about the Shunammite Woman's Needs")), and then directly offering his powerful intercession. Her response in [2 Kings 4:13](/2_kings/4-13 "2 Kings 4:13 - The Shunammite Woman's Contentment") serves as a pivotal point, demonstrating her character before God's unasked-for blessing unfolds in the subsequent verses with the promise and birth of a son ([2 Kings 4:14-17](/2_kings/4-14 "2 Kings 4:14-17 - The Promise and Birth of a Son")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, access to the king or high-ranking military officials (the "captain of the host") was an immense privilege, often reserved for the elite or those with urgent legal or social grievances. Such connections could be used to resolve disputes, secure justice, gain political favors, or ensure protection. For a woman, especially, direct access would be rare, and typically mediated through a male relative or a respected figure like a prophet. The Shunammite woman's standing as a "wealthy woman" or "great woman" ([2 Kings 4:8](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8 - The Great Woman of Shunem")) suggests she was already well-established and respected within her community, likely owning land and having a secure social position. Her reply, "I dwell among mine own people," was not merely a statement of location but a declaration of her secure, integrated, and self-sufficient status within her family and community structure, implying she had no outstanding needs that required external, high-level intervention.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of the Shunammite woman, particularly [2 Kings 4:13](/2_kings/4-13 "2 Kings 4:13 - Contentment and Divine Provision"), beautifully illustrates several profound themes. First, it highlights **contentment and security** in God's provision, as the woman expresses satisfaction with her current circumstances rather than seeking worldly advancement. Her response contrasts sharply with the typical human desire for more influence or status, emphasizing a deep trust in her established life. Second, it underscores the theme of **divine initiative and unmerited grace**. Because she sought nothing for herself, God, through Elisha, initiated a miraculous provision far beyond human connections—the promise of a son, addressing her barrenness, a significant sorrow in that culture ([2 Kings 4:14-17](/2_kings/4-14 "2 Kings 4:14-17 - God's Unexpected Blessing")). This demonstrates that God often blesses those who are faithful and content, not necessarily those who actively pursue worldly gain. Finally, the story subtly explores the theme of **reciprocity in divine service**, showing that genuine acts of generosity towards God's servants do not go unnoticed and are often met with blessings far exceeding the original kindness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"I dwell among mine own people" (Hebrew, _b'tokh ammi ani yoshavet_):** This phrase is a powerful declaration of security, belonging, and self-sufficiency. The Hebrew word `yoshavet` (יֹשָׁבֶת), derived from `yashav` (יָשַׁב), means "to sit, to remain, to dwell, to inhabit." In this context, it conveys a settled, stable, and established existence. The addition of `b'tokh ammi` (בְּתוֹךְ עַמִּי), "among my people," emphasizes her rootedness within her community and family network. It implies she is not an outsider, a sojourner, or one in need of protection or advocacy due to social vulnerability. She is integrated, respected, and has her needs met through her existing relationships and resources. This is not merely a statement of physical location but a profound expression of social, economic, and emotional security, indicating a lack of pressing needs that would necessitate royal intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care;":** Elisha, speaking through his servant Gehazi, acknowledges the extraordinary and consistent hospitality shown by the Shunammite woman. The phrase "careful for us with all this care" emphasizes the thoroughness, thoughtfulness, and sustained nature of her generosity, particularly in providing a dedicated lodging place for him. This opening sets the tone of gratitude and highlights the prophet's desire to reciprocate such selfless service.
* **"what [is] to be done for thee?":** This is Elisha's direct offer of assistance, a broad invitation for her to articulate any need or desire. It signifies his recognition of her kindness and his willingness to use his spiritual and social capital on her behalf. This open-ended question underscores the depth of his appreciation and the sincerity of his intent to bless her.
* **"wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host?":** Elisha specifies the highest levels of human authority he can access, demonstrating the extent of his influence and the significance of the favor he is offering. Being "spoken for" to the king or the military commander could address legal grievances, secure property rights, gain social standing, or provide protection from injustice. This offer highlights the practical power and influence a prophet of God could wield in ancient society.
* **"And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.":** This is the pivotal response, revealing the Shunammite woman's character. Her declaration signifies her contentment, security, and lack of desire for external intervention or worldly advancement. She is not seeking political leverage, social climbing, or material gain. She is satisfied with her established place within her family and community, implying that all her present needs are met and she feels safe and provided for without the need for royal or military patronage. This profound contentment sets the stage for God's unasked-for, miraculous blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective **Literary Devices**. The primary one is **Dialogue**, which directly reveals the characters' motivations and personalities. Elisha's direct question, "what [is] to be done for thee?", highlights his gratitude and desire to act, while the Shunammite woman's concise reply, "I dwell among mine own people," powerfully conveys her contentment and disinterest in worldly power. There is also subtle **Irony** or **Contrast** at play; Elisha offers the highest forms of human power and influence (the king, the captain of the host), but the woman's response reveals that her security and satisfaction come from her established community, not from external political connections. This sets up a **Foreshadowing** of divine intervention; because she asks for nothing from human authorities, God Himself intervenes with a blessing far greater than any human favor—the miraculous gift of a son, addressing her deepest, unvoiced sorrow. This also contributes to her **Characterization** as a woman of profound faith, humility, and contentment, whose spiritual discernment values belonging and peace over worldly status.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Shunammite woman's response in [2 Kings 4:13](/2_kings/4-13 "2 Kings 4:13 - Contentment and Divine Provision") serves as a profound theological statement on contentment, divine provision, and the nature of true security. In a world constantly striving for more—more influence, more wealth, more status—her declaration, "I dwell among mine own people," stands as a powerful counter-cultural affirmation of satisfaction with God's present blessings and community. This contentment is not passive resignation but an active trust in God's sufficiency, demonstrating that true peace and security are found not in external human connections or worldly power, but in one's established place within God's providence and community. Her disinterest in leveraging human power sets the stage for God's unmerited grace, as He provides a blessing (a son) that she did not even ask for, revealing His intimate knowledge of her heart's deepest desires and His boundless generosity.

* [Psalm 37:3-4](/psalms/37-3 "Psalm 37:3-4 - Delight in the Lord") - "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
* [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Paul's Contentment") - "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
* [1 Timothy 6:6-8](/1_timothy/6-6 "1 Timothy 6:6-8 - Godliness with Contentment") - "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Shunammite woman's simple yet profound declaration, "I dwell among mine own people," offers a timeless lesson for contemporary believers. In an age characterized by relentless striving, social climbing, and the pursuit of external validation, her contentment provides a refreshing counter-narrative. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly satisfied with what God has provided, or are we constantly seeking more, believing that external connections or increased status will bring us greater security or happiness? Her example encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude for our current circumstances, to find our security not in human influence or material accumulation, but in our rootedness within God's family and the community He has placed us in. It reminds us that God often blesses us in ways we don't anticipate or ask for, precisely because our hearts are aligned with His will and we are content in His provision, freeing Him to act beyond our limited expectations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "I dwell among mine own people" mean for your sense of security and belonging in your current life circumstances?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek external influence or status rather than trusting in God's provision and your current community?**
* **How can cultivating a spirit of contentment, like the Shunammite woman, open you up to unexpected blessings from God?**
* **What unvoiced desires or needs might God be preparing to meet in your life, even if you haven't explicitly asked for them?**

### FAQ
**What does "I dwell among mine own people" truly signify about the Shunammite woman?**

Answer: Her statement signifies a deep sense of contentment, security, and integration within her community and family structure. It implies that she is not a stranger, a widow in distress, or someone facing a legal or social vulnerability that would require the intervention of the king or military commander. She is well-established, respected, and has her needs met through her existing relationships and resources. This was a powerful declaration of her self-sufficiency and satisfaction with her current lot, indicating a lack of desire for worldly advancement or external political favors. It highlights her trust in God's provision through her immediate circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Shunammite woman's story, particularly her profound contentment in [2 Kings 4:13](/2_kings/4-13 "2 Kings 4:13 - Contentment and Divine Provision"), beautifully foreshadows the nature of God's grace and the unexpected blessings found in Christ. Just as she sought no earthly favor, yet received the miraculous gift of a son, so too humanity, unable to secure its own salvation through works or human influence, receives the ultimate gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ, through unmerited grace. Her contentment in her existing community reflects the peace that surpasses all understanding offered through [Christ Jesus](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"), a peace that does not depend on worldly status or connections. The unasked-for blessing of a son, who later dies and is resurrected by Elisha, deeply prefigures the greater miracle of spiritual life and resurrection found in Jesus, the [Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God so loved the world"). Through Him, we are not merely "among our own people" in an earthly sense, but are adopted into God's eternal family, becoming [co-heirs with Christ](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ"), receiving a spiritual inheritance far greater than any earthly favor. This narrative reminds us that our deepest needs are met not by human striving or influence, but by the sovereign, generous, and unexpected grace of God in Christ, who gives us life abundantly, even when we don't know to ask for it ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")).

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 Timothy 1:16

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

2 Timothy 1:18

The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Philippians 4:18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 6:6

¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:8

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.