2 Kings 4:15

KJV

And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Call {H7121} her. And when he had called {H7121} her, she stood {H5975} in the door {H6607}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elisha said, "Call her." After he called her, she stood in the doorway.

Berean Standard Bible

“Call her,” said Elisha. So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway.

American Standard Version

And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 4:15 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Shunammite woman, illustrating the prophet Elisha's initiative to bless her in response to her extraordinary hospitality. This brief interaction, where Elisha commands her presence and she respectfully stands "in the door," highlights her humble readiness to receive a divine word. It serves as the immediate prelude to the miraculous prophecy of a son, underscoring God's attentive response to faithful generosity and His sovereign power to bestow blessings that transcend human expectation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of Elisha's ministry, specifically following the Shunammite woman's exceptional and consistent hospitality. Having provided a dedicated room for Elisha and diligently attended to his needs, the prophet feels compelled to reciprocate her kindness. His servant, Gehazi, identifies her barrenness as a potential area for divine intervention. The preceding verses establish the woman's initial contentment, noting her statement that she dwells "[among her own people](/2_kings/4-13 "2 Kings 4:13 - Shunammite's Contentment")" and desires nothing. However, Elisha's command in this verse immediately precedes his life-altering prophecy in [2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Elisha Prophesies a Son"), where he promises her a son "at this season, according to the time of life." Thus, 2 Kings 4:15 functions as the crucial threshold, both literally and figuratively, between the recognition of a deep, unspoken need and the pronouncement of a miraculous fulfillment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, hospitality was not merely a social custom but a sacred duty, deeply embedded in societal and religious values. Providing lodging, food, and care for travelers, particularly revered figures like prophets, was seen as an act of piety that often invited divine favor. The Shunammite woman's actions transcended mere obligation, demonstrating sustained and generous care that went above and beyond. Culturally, the social standing of women, even wealthy ones, generally precluded direct, private engagement with unrelated males, especially prophets, without explicit invitation or an intermediary. Her posture of standing "[in the door](/2_kings/4-15 "2 Kings 4:15 - Shunammite Stands in the Door")" rather than entering Elisha's private chamber reflects strict cultural decorum, profound respect, and modesty. Prophets like Elisha were esteemed as direct spokespersons for God, and their words carried immense authority, making the woman's humble and expectant posture before such a divine messenger highly significant.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes prominent in [2 Kings](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles") and broader biblical theology. It powerfully illustrates God's **divine attentiveness and reciprocal blessing**, demonstrating that acts of selfless generosity and faithfulness do not go unnoticed by the Lord, who often responds with blessings that far exceed human expectation or even unspoken desire. This echoes the principle found in [Proverbs 11:25](/proverbs/11-25 "Proverbs 11:25 - The Generous Soul Shall Be Made Rich"). The woman's respectful posture embodies the theme of **humility and readiness to receive**, highlighting that a receptive heart is often a prerequisite for divine revelation and miraculous intervention. Furthermore, the verse serves as a dramatic moment of **anticipation and divine initiative**, setting the stage for one of Elisha's most profound miracles—the reversal of barrenness. This recurring biblical motif underscores God's sovereign power over life and death and His faithfulness to His covenant promises, reminiscent of the miraculous births of Isaac to Sarah in [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - Promise of Isaac") and Samuel to Hannah in [1 Samuel 1:20](/1_samuel/1-20 "1 Samuel 1:20 - Birth of Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Call (Hebrew, _qârâʼ_):** This primitive root (H7121) signifies to call out to, address by name, summon, or proclaim. In this context, Elisha's command to "Call her" is an authoritative summons, not merely a polite request. It indicates his intention to communicate a significant, divinely-inspired message, preparing the Shunammite woman for a direct encounter with the prophetic word. The repetition of "called her" emphasizes the immediate execution of this command by Gehazi.
* **Stood (Hebrew, _ʻâmad_):** This primitive root (H5975) means to stand, abide, or be present. The woman's action of standing suggests a posture of respect, readiness, and attentiveness. It conveys a sense of being poised and available to receive instruction or a message, indicating her deference to the prophet's authority and her humble anticipation of what he might say.
* **Door (Hebrew, _pethach_):** Derived from a root meaning "to open," this noun (H6607) refers to an opening, entrance, or doorway. Its significance in this verse is primarily cultural and symbolic. Standing "in the door" (or "at the entrance") denotes a respectful distance, a liminal space between the private domain of the prophet and the more public or semi-private space of the household. It signifies accessibility while maintaining proper decorum and humility, awaiting instruction or permission to enter further.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Call her.":** Elisha, having been informed by Gehazi of the Shunammite woman's barrenness, takes the initiative. His command is direct and purposeful, signaling that a significant divine word is about to be delivered. This demonstrates Elisha's role as God's agent, acting with divine authority to address a deep-seated need that the woman herself had not voiced.
* **"And when he had called her,":** Gehazi, acting as Elisha's faithful intermediary, promptly obeys the command. This swift obedience underscores the prophet's authority and the immediate execution of his will. The act of calling itself is a formal summoning, drawing the woman into a moment of direct engagement with the prophetic word, emphasizing the solemnity and importance of the impending revelation.
* **"she stood in the door.":** This seemingly simple detail is rich with cultural and spiritual meaning. The Shunammite woman's posture reflects profound humility, respect, and readiness. She does not intrude but positions herself at the threshold, indicating her deference to the prophet's authority and her openness to receive whatever message he might have. It is a posture of attentive expectation, poised to hear and obey, embodying a receptive spirit before the divine.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle yet effective literary devices. **Dialogue** is central, with Elisha's concise command initiating the action, highlighting his authority and purpose. The narrative's **economy of language** is notable; the brief description of the woman standing "in the door" conveys a wealth of information about her character—her humility, respect, and readiness—without explicit commentary. This detail also functions as potent **symbolism**, with the "door" representing a threshold moment, a transition from a state of barrenness and unspoken need to the reception of a miraculous promise. Furthermore, the entire interaction serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, building anticipation for the divine intervention that is about to be revealed in the subsequent verses, where the miracle of a son is promised.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This brief interaction in 2 Kings 4:15 underscores profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It reveals a God who is not only observant of human kindness and faithfulness but also proactively seeks to bless those who honor Him through their actions. The Shunammite's hospitality, though seemingly self-sufficient and without expectation of reward, opens a door for God's supernatural intervention, demonstrating that divine blessings often come in unexpected ways and address needs we may not even articulate. Her humble posture of readiness exemplifies the principle that receptivity to God's word and will is often a prerequisite for experiencing His power and provision. This narrative serves as a testament to God's abundant grace, providing far beyond what is asked or imagined, and His sovereign ability to reverse seemingly impossible situations.

* [Matthew 10:41](/matthew/10-41 "Matthew 10:41 - Reward for Receiving a Prophet")
* [Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - Angel's Promise to Zechariah Regarding John")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Shunammite woman's story, encapsulated in this simple verse, offers timeless lessons for believers today. Her consistent and uncalculating generosity towards Elisha serves as a powerful reminder that our acts of kindness, hospitality, and service to God's people do not go unnoticed by the Lord. God is attentive to the heart behind our actions, and while He does not owe us anything, He often chooses to respond with blessings that far exceed our expectations or perceived needs. Furthermore, the woman's humble posture "in the door" teaches us the importance of cultivating an attitude of spiritual readiness and receptivity. In a world full of noise and distractions, are we truly listening for God's voice? Are we postured to receive His word, even when it challenges our assumptions or promises the impossible? This narrative encourages us to remain open to divine surprises, trusting that God's plans for us are often grander than our own, addressing our deepest, unspoken longings with His abundant grace and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Shunammite woman's hospitality challenge my own understanding and practice of generosity towards others, especially those who serve God?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to cultivate a posture of humility and readiness to receive from God, even if it means stepping into the unknown or accepting a blessing I didn't expect?**
* **Are there unspoken needs or desires in my heart that I have not brought before God, perhaps because they seem impossible? How does this story encourage me to trust in His ability to provide beyond my imagination?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha command Gehazi to "Call her" instead of speaking to her directly from the outset?**

Answer: Elisha's command to Gehazi to "Call her" in [2 Kings 4:15](/2_kings/4-15 "2 Kings 4:15 - Elisha Calls the Shunammite") demonstrates several important aspects of ancient Near Eastern cultural norms and prophetic practice. Firstly, it respects the social decorum of the time, where a man, especially a prophet, might not directly summon or address a woman in private without an intermediary. Gehazi, as Elisha's servant, acts as a bridge, maintaining appropriate boundaries and facilitating the interaction. Secondly, it highlights Gehazi's role as Elisha's attendant and messenger, reinforcing the hierarchical structure and the prophet's authority. Thirdly, it could also serve to build anticipation and underscore the solemnity of the moment, preparing the woman to receive a significant divine word. The prophet's authority is conveyed through his command, and the woman's immediate response by standing "in the door" signifies her respect and readiness.

**What is the significance of the Shunammite woman standing "in the door"?**

Answer: The detail that "she stood in the door" in [2 Kings 4:15](/2_kings/4-15 "2 Kings 4:15 - Shunammite Stands in the Door") is highly significant on multiple levels. Culturally, it signifies respect and modesty. In ancient societies, a woman would typically not enter a man's private chamber uninvited, especially a prophet's. Standing at the threshold, or "in the door," indicates her accessibility and willingness to hear, while maintaining proper social distance and decorum. Spiritually, it symbolizes a posture of humility, attentiveness, and readiness to receive. She is not demanding or presumptuous but is poised to hear whatever Elisha, as God's representative, has to say. This receptive stance is often a prerequisite for experiencing divine revelation and blessing, as seen throughout biblical narratives where individuals humble themselves before God's messengers and are then open to His miraculous intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the Shunammite woman and Elisha, particularly the promise of a son in response to her hospitality, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as Elisha, a prophet empowered by God to bring life, supernaturally reverses the barrenness of the Shunammite woman, so too does Christ, the ultimate Prophet and Giver of Life, bring spiritual life and fruitfulness to those who are spiritually barren. The Shunammite's hospitality, though seemingly for a transient prophet, was ultimately an act of faith that opened the door for a miraculous intervention beyond her natural capacity. Similarly, our acts of faith and hospitality towards Christ and His kingdom, often expressed through service to others, are met with immeasurable spiritual blessings that transcend earthly limitations. The barrenness of the Shunammite woman can be seen as a type of humanity's spiritual barrenness due to sin, rendering us incapable of producing true spiritual life on our own. Christ, however, through His atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection, empowers believers to bear fruit for God, transforming spiritual death into vibrant life, as He declares, "[I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ to Bear Fruit")". He is the one who calls us, and when we respond with humility and readiness, standing "in the door" of faith, He promises not merely a temporary blessing but eternal life and abundant spiritual fruit, proclaiming, "[I came that they may have life and have it abundantly](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")". The ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to reverse barrenness is found in the New Covenant, where all who believe in Christ are made children of God, regardless of their past spiritual infertility, for "[in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Children of God Through Faith")".

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.