2 Kings 4:16

KJV

And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, [thou] man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, About this season {H4150}, according to the time {H6256} of life {H2416}, thou shalt embrace {H2263} a son {H1121}. And she said {H559}, Nay, my lord {H113}, thou man {H376} of God {H430}, do not lie {H3576} unto thine handmaid {H8198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "Next year, when the season comes around, you will be holding a son." "No, my lord," she answered. "Man of God, don't lie to your servant!"

Berean Standard Bible

And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.”

American Standard Version

And he said, At this season, when the time cometh round, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thy handmaid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 4:16 captures a profound moment of divine intervention and human response within the narrative of the Shunammite woman. It records the prophet Elisha's miraculous promise of a son to a childless, elderly couple, offered as a direct recompense for their extraordinary hospitality. The verse also vividly portrays the woman's immediate, deeply human reaction of disbelief and caution, born from past disappointments and a fear of false hope, setting the stage for God's faithful fulfillment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to the extended narrative of the Shunammite woman, beginning in [2 Kings 4:8](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8 - The Shunammite Woman's Hospitality"). The preceding verses establish her as a wealthy, devout, and exceptionally hospitable woman who, along with her husband, provides a dedicated lodging for Elisha whenever he passes through Shunem. Elisha, desiring to repay her kindness, instructs his servant Gehazi to inquire about her needs. It is through Gehazi that Elisha learns of her childlessness and her husband's advanced age, a significant source of sorrow and vulnerability in ancient Israelite society. The promise in [2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Elisha's Prophecy of a Son") directly addresses this deeply felt need, leading immediately into the miraculous fulfillment of the prophecy in [2 Kings 4:17](/2_kings/4-17 "2 Kings 4:17 - The Birth of the Son") and the subsequent narrative of the child's death and Elisha's powerful intercession.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, childbearing, particularly the birth of a son, was paramount for family continuity, inheritance, and social standing. Childlessness was often perceived as a curse or a sign of divine displeasure, leading to significant social stigma and personal grief. The concept of hospitality, as demonstrated by the Shunammite woman, was a deeply ingrained cultural value, considered a sacred duty and a mark of righteousness. Providing for a prophet, a "man of God," was especially meritorious, as it demonstrated reverence for God's messenger. The prophet's authority was widely recognized, and their words were understood as direct pronouncements from Yahweh, making the woman's initial skepticism, though understandable, a direct challenge to the prophetic word. The reference to "this season, according to the time of life" likely points to the annual cycle of agricultural festivals or a specific time of year, emphasizing the precision of the divine promise.

* **Key Themes:** The account of the Shunammite woman, culminating in the promise of [2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Elisha's Prophecy of a Son"), powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Promise and Fulfillment**, showcasing God's sovereign ability to intervene in natural circumstances and bring life to barrenness, a theme echoed in the stories of Sarah in [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - Sarah's Promise") and Hannah in [1 Samuel 1:20](/1_samuel/1-20 "1 Samuel 1:20 - Birth of Samuel"). Secondly, it explores **Human Doubt and Faith**, as the Shunammite woman's initial skepticism contrasts with the divine certainty of Elisha's word, inviting readers to consider their own responses to God's seemingly impossible promises. Thirdly, the narrative underscores the principle of **God's Reward for Hospitality and Generosity**, demonstrating that selfless acts of kindness towards God's servants are not overlooked but are often met with extraordinary divine blessing, as seen throughout [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles"). Finally, the story reinforces the **Authority and Power of the Prophet**, presenting Elisha as a true "man of God" through whom Yahweh actively works miracles, affirming His presence and power among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Season (Hebrew, _mo'ed'_):** This word carries significant theological weight. While it can simply mean "appointed time" or "fixed season," it often refers to a divinely appointed time, a festival, or a sacred assembly. In this context, it implies that the timing of the son's birth is not arbitrary but precisely ordained by God, underscoring the divine control and certainty of the promise. It elevates the natural timing to a moment of divine significance.
* **Embrace (Hebrew, _chavaq'_):** This verb literally means "to clasp," "to fold the arms," or "to embrace." It conveys the intimate, physical act of holding a child. In the context of a barren woman, it speaks not just of giving birth but of the profound joy, love, and fulfillment that comes with finally holding a long-awaited son. It paints a picture of the deep emotional satisfaction that would accompany the miraculous fulfillment of the promise.
* **Man of God (Hebrew, אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים, _'ish ha'Elohim'_):** This is a title of profound respect and authority, consistently applied to prophets like Moses, Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha. It signifies someone who belongs to God, acts on His behalf, and speaks His very words. The Shunammite woman's use of this title acknowledges Elisha's divine commission and prophetic power, making her subsequent plea "do not lie unto thine handmaid" an expression of her desire for his words, as a man of God, to be absolutely trustworthy and not a source of cruel disappointment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son."**: Elisha, acting as God's mouthpiece, delivers a precise and astonishing prophecy. The phrase "About this season, according to the time of life" (or "at this time next year") indicates a full gestational cycle, specifying the exact timeframe for the miraculous birth. The promise that she "shalt embrace a son" directly addresses her deepest unfulfilled desire, offering not just a child but the intimate joy of motherhood. This is a divine declaration of a future reality that defies natural expectation, highlighting God's power over biological limitations.
* **"And she said, Nay, my lord, [thou] man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid."**: The Shunammite woman's response is a raw expression of human skepticism and vulnerability. Her "Nay, my lord" is a polite but firm rejection of the seemingly impossible news. Her plea, "do not lie unto thine handmaid," reveals a fear of false hope and the pain of potential disappointment. Having lived with childlessness for so long, she has perhaps learned to guard her heart against promises that seem too good to be true. Despite acknowledging Elisha as "man of God," her past experiences and pragmatic outlook momentarily overshadow her faith in the divine power he represents.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices**. **Dialogue** is central, driving the narrative and revealing character. Elisha's direct, prophetic declaration contrasts sharply with the Shunammite woman's immediate, emotionally charged response, highlighting the tension between divine omnipotence and human limitation. There is a subtle **Irony** in her plea, "do not lie unto thine handmaid." While she acknowledges Elisha as a "man of God" – implying truthfulness and divine authority – she simultaneously expresses a fear that his words might prove false, demonstrating the struggle between intellectual assent to God's power and the practical outworking of faith in the face of the impossible. The promise itself serves as **Foreshadowing**, not only of the miraculous birth that follows but also, implicitly, of the later, even greater miracle of the child's resurrection in the same chapter, demonstrating Elisha's consistent role as an agent of life and restoration. Finally, the entire exchange is built on a powerful **Contrast** between the divine promise of life and the human experience of barrenness and doubt, setting the stage for God's demonstration of faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful, demonstrating His power to reverse seemingly irreversible circumstances and fulfill desires that appear humanly impossible. It highlights the divine initiative in blessing those who demonstrate selfless hospitality and reverence for His servants. The woman's initial doubt, while understandable, serves as a poignant reminder of the human tendency to limit God based on past experiences or present realities, yet it ultimately magnifies God's faithfulness when His promise is fulfilled. The narrative invites believers to trust in God's word, even when it defies logic or expectation, recognizing that His "appointed time" (mo'ed) is perfect.

* [Genesis 18:10-14](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10-14 - The Promise to Abraham and Sarah")
* [Luke 1:18-20](/luke/1-18 "Luke 1:18-20 - Zechariah's Doubt")
* [Romans 4:18-21](/romans/4-18 "Romans 4:18-21 - Abraham's Faith in God's Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Shunammite woman's story, particularly her response in 2 Kings 4:16, offers a profound lesson in the dynamics of divine promise and human faith. Her initial "Nay, my lord, do not lie unto thine handmaid" resonates with anyone who has faced prolonged disappointment or has learned to temper hope to avoid further pain. Yet, God's promise, delivered through His prophet, transcends her skepticism, demonstrating that His plans are not contingent on our immediate belief but on His sovereign will and faithfulness. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a posture of expectant faith, even when circumstances seem barren or promises appear impossible. It reminds us that God often chooses to work through the miraculous to reveal His glory and that our acts of generous hospitality and service to His kingdom do not go unnoticed, often leading to blessings far beyond what we could ask or imagine. We are called to hold fast to God's word, trusting that His "appointed time" will bring forth His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself saying "Nay" to God's promises, perhaps out of past disappointment or fear of false hope?**
* **How does the Shunammite woman's initial doubt, followed by God's faithfulness, encourage you to trust God with seemingly impossible situations?**
* **What does this story teach you about the connection between generous hospitality and divine blessing?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Shunammite woman respond with doubt, despite Elisha being a "man of God"?**

Answer: The Shunammite woman's response, "Nay, my lord... do not lie unto thine handmaid," stems from a deep-seated human experience of prolonged childlessness and the associated grief and disappointment. For years, she and her husband had been without a child, and her husband was now old, making natural conception impossible. Her plea is not necessarily a rejection of Elisha's authority as a "man of God," but rather a protective mechanism born from a fear of false hope. She likely did not want to be subjected to another disappointment, especially concerning such a sensitive and deeply personal matter. Her words reflect a pragmatic realism shaped by her life circumstances, highlighting the tension between human experience and the miraculous power of God. It's a very human reaction that underscores the extraordinary nature of the divine promise.

**What is the significance of the phrase "according to the time of life" in Elisha's prophecy?**

Answer: The phrase "according to the time of life" (KJV) or "at this time next year" (NIV/ESV) translates the Hebrew `מוֹעֵד` (`mo'ed`), which means an "appointed time" or "fixed season." This is significant because it indicates a precise, divinely ordained timing for the fulfillment of the promise. It's not a vague prediction but a specific window within the natural cycle, emphasizing the certainty and intentionality of God's action. It implies that within one full year, the woman would conceive and give birth, thus "embracing a son." This specific timeframe underscores the miraculous nature of the event, as it would happen according to God's perfect calendar, not human expectation or biological limitation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous birth of the Shunammite woman's son, promised by the "man of God" Elisha, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine promise and the miraculous birth of God's own Son, Jesus Christ. Just as the Shunammite woman's barrenness was overcome by a divine word, so too was humanity's spiritual barrenness and inability to produce righteousness overcome by the advent of Christ. The son given to the Shunammite woman was a temporary blessing, a physical heir; however, Jesus is the eternal Son, the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, through whom we receive spiritual adoption and eternal inheritance. His birth, conceived by the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary, was the ultimate "according to the time of life" (`mo'ed`) moment, God's perfectly appointed time for the redemption of humanity ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son at the Proper Time")). The Shunammite woman's initial doubt, though overcome by God's faithfulness, stands in contrast to the call for absolute faith in Christ, who is the true "man of God," the Prophet greater than Elisha ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses"); [John 6:14](/john/6-14 "John 6:14 - Jesus, the Prophet")). In Christ, the promise of life is not merely a physical son but spiritual new birth and eternal life for all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's blessing, bringing true joy and an everlasting "embrace" with God.

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

Genesis 18:10

And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him.

Luke 1:13

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

2 Kings 4:28

Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?

Genesis 18:12

Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

Genesis 18:15

Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

Genesis 17:21

But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

Genesis 17:16

And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be [a mother] of nations; kings of people shall be of her.