2 Kings 4:17

KJV

And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the woman {H802} conceived {H2029}, and bare {H3205} a son {H1121} at that season {H4150} that Elisha {H477} had said {H1696} unto her, according to the time {H6256} of life {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the woman conceived and gave birth to a son the following year when the season came around, just as Elisha had said to her.

Berean Standard Bible

But the woman did conceive, and at that time the next year she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.

American Standard Version

And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season, when the time came round, as Elisha had said unto her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 4:17 records the faithful and precise fulfillment of a divine promise, culminating the narrative of the Shunammite woman's extraordinary hospitality and the prophet Elisha's miraculous intercession. This verse marks the birth of the son Elisha had prophesied, confirming God's unwavering commitment to His word and His power to overcome natural limitations, bringing life and joy where there was once barrenness and despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant climax to the immediate narrative found in [2 Kings 4:8-16](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8-16 - Elisha and the Shunammite Woman"). The preceding verses detail the Shunammite woman's remarkable generosity in providing a dedicated lodging place for Elisha. Recognizing her exceptional kindness, Elisha, through his servant Gehazi, seeks to bless her. Upon discovering she is childless and her husband is old, Elisha boldly declares in [2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Elisha's Prophecy to the Shunammite Woman") that "at this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son." The woman's initial reaction is one of disbelief and even a plea not to be deceived. Verse 17 then immediately confirms the miraculous conception and birth, occurring precisely as Elisha had foretold, thereby validating the prophet's word and God's power. This fulfillment also sets the stage for the later, equally miraculous event of the son's resurrection in [2 Kings 4:18-37](/2_kings/4-18 "2 Kings 4:18-37 - The Shunammite's Son Resurrected"), demonstrating the ongoing divine care for this family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the ability to bear children, especially sons, was highly valued and considered a divine blessing, while barrenness was often perceived as a great sorrow or even a curse. The absence of an heir meant the family line could die out, and there would be no one to inherit property or carry on the family name. The Shunammite woman's advanced age and her husband's old age made natural conception impossible, rendering the birth described in [2 Kings 4:17](/2_kings/4-17 "2 Kings 4:17 - The Birth of the Shunammite's Son") a profound miracle. Furthermore, the narrative highlights the significant role of prophets like Elisha, who served as God's direct spokespersons, conveying His will and performing signs and wonders to confirm their divine authority. The cultural norm of hospitality, exemplified by the Shunammite woman, was deeply ingrained in the Near East, often leading to divine favor and blessing, as seen here.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [2 Kings 4:17](/2_kings/4-17 "2 Kings 4:17 - The Birth of the Shunammite's Son") is **Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfillment**. God's word, spoken through His prophet, is shown to be utterly reliable and true, even when human circumstances seem to contradict it. This miracle underscores **God's Sovereignty Over Natural Limitations**, demonstrating His ability to intervene in the natural order and bring life where it is humanly impossible. The story also subtly highlights the theme of **Divine Blessing for Righteousness and Hospitality**, suggesting that the woman's selfless devotion and reverence for God's prophet were honored by a profound and personal miracle. This event aligns with other biblical narratives of miraculous births to barren women, such as Sarah's conception of Isaac in [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - Promise of Isaac's Birth") and Hannah's birth of Samuel in [1 Samuel 1:20](/1_samuel/1-20 "1 Samuel 1:20 - Birth of Samuel"), reinforcing God's consistent character as a giver of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Conceived (Hebrew, _harah'_):** This verb signifies the act of becoming pregnant. In this context, it emphasizes the miraculous nature of the conception, as the woman was barren and her husband old. It points directly to divine intervention, bypassing natural biological limitations.
* **Bare (Hebrew, _yalad'_):** Meaning "to give birth" or "to bring forth," this word confirms the successful and full-term delivery of the child. It signifies the complete fulfillment of the prophecy, moving from conception to the tangible reality of a new life.
* **According to the time of life (Hebrew, _ka'et chayyah'_):** This precise phrase, also used in [2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Elisha's Prophecy to the Shunammite Woman"), literally means "at this set time of life" or "at this appointed time next year." It denotes a specific, predictable timing, indicating that while the conception was miraculous, the birth followed a normal gestational period, highlighting God's orderly working within His creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the woman conceived":** This opening clause immediately declares the miraculous event. Despite her barrenness and advanced age, the Shunammite woman became pregnant, directly attributable to God's power and Elisha's prophetic word. It signifies the overcoming of human impossibility by divine intervention.
* **"and bare a son":** This confirms the successful outcome of the pregnancy. The birth of a son was the specific blessing promised, fulfilling the deep desire for an heir and bringing immense joy and validation to the woman and her household.
* **"at that season that Elisha had said unto her":** This phrase emphasizes the precise fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy. It highlights the prophet's divine authority and the accuracy of God's word, demonstrating that God's promises are not vague but are brought to pass with perfect timing.
* **"according to the time of life":** This reiterates the exact timing, meaning "at the appointed time next year" or after a full term of pregnancy. It underscores God's meticulousness and faithfulness, showing that His miracles are not chaotic but occur within a divinely ordained order.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Fulfillment**, as it explicitly states the realization of Elisha's prophecy from [2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Elisha's Prophecy to the Shunammite Woman"). This immediate and direct fulfillment serves to validate Elisha's prophetic authority and, more importantly, the absolute reliability of God's word. There is also an element of **Irony**, contrasting the woman's initial disbelief and plea ("Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid") with the undeniable reality of the miraculous birth. This highlights the gap between human skepticism and divine power. Furthermore, the repeated phrase "at that season... according to the time of life" emphasizes **Divine Precision**, showcasing God's meticulous timing and the orderly execution of His plans, even in miraculous events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The birth of the Shunammite woman's son in 2 Kings 4:17 is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign power over all natural limitations. It illustrates that God is not bound by human biology, age, or perceived impossibilities. What He promises, He performs, often in ways that defy human expectation, thereby magnifying His glory. This miracle underscores the value God places on life, His compassion for those who are barren or in need, and His readiness to bless those who show hospitality and reverence for His servants. It is a powerful reminder that God's word is living and active, capable of bringing forth life and fruitfulness even in the most barren of circumstances.

* [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - Promise of Isaac's Birth to Sarah")
* [Judges 13:3](/judges/13-3 "Judges 13:3 - Promise of Samson's Birth to Manoah's Wife")
* [Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - Promise of John the Baptist's Birth to Zechariah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the Shunammite woman and the miraculous birth of her son in 2 Kings 4:17 offers deep encouragement for believers today. It calls us to cultivate an unwavering trust in God's promises, even when our circumstances seem utterly impossible or our hopes have been deferred for a long time. Just as God brought life to a barren womb, He can bring fruitfulness, breakthrough, and new beginnings into any "barren" area of our lives—be it spiritual stagnation, emotional desolation, or seemingly insurmountable challenges. This narrative reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and His faithfulness is absolute. Our acts of faith, hospitality, and reverence for God and His people are not overlooked; they often open doors for divine intervention and blessings beyond what we could ask or imagine. We are invited to live with an expectation of God's miraculous power, believing that He is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life do I feel "barren" or limited, and how does this story encourage me to trust God for a breakthrough?**
* **How does the Shunammite woman's initial disbelief, followed by the miraculous birth, challenge or affirm my own faith in God's promises?**
* **In what ways can I practice hospitality and reverence for God's servants, understanding that such acts can open doors for divine blessings?**

### FAQ

**What does "according to the time of life" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "according to the time of life" (Hebrew: _ka'et chayyah_) signifies a precise and appointed time, specifically "at this season next year" or "at this appointed time of life." It indicates that while the conception was miraculous, the birth followed a normal, full-term gestation period. This emphasizes God's meticulous timing and His orderly working within natural processes, even when performing supernatural acts. It means the promise was fulfilled with exactitude, not vaguely or haphazardly.

**Why was the birth of this son so significant?**

Answer: The birth of the son was profoundly significant for several reasons. First, it served as a powerful validation of Elisha's prophetic word, confirming his divine authority and demonstrating that God truly spoke through him. Second, it showcased God's omnipotent power over natural limitations, as the woman was barren and her husband old, making natural conception impossible. This miracle underscored God's ability to bring life where there was none. Third, it was a direct and personal blessing to the Shunammite woman, a reward for her exceptional hospitality and reverence for God's prophet, bringing joy and an heir to a family that had none. It was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to those who honor Him.

**Are there other biblical examples of miraculous births to barren women like the Shunammite woman?**

Answer: Yes, the Bible contains several prominent examples of God miraculously opening barren wombs to bring forth significant individuals. These include Sarah, who bore Isaac in her old age as promised in [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - Promise of Isaac's Birth"); Rebekah, who conceived Jacob and Esau after years of barrenness in [Genesis 25:21](/genesis/25-21 "Genesis 25:21 - Rebekah Conceives"); Rachel, who finally bore Joseph after a long struggle with barrenness in [Genesis 30:22-24](/genesis/30-22 "Genesis 30:22-24 - Rachel Gives Birth to Joseph"); Manoah's wife, who gave birth to Samson as foretold by an angel in [Judges 13:3](/judges/13-3 "Judges 13:3 - Promise of Samson's Birth"); Hannah, who bore Samuel after fervent prayer and a vow in [1 Samuel 1:20](/1_samuel/1-20 "1 Samuel 1:20 - Birth of Samuel"); and Elizabeth, who conceived John the Baptist in her old age as prophesied by Gabriel in [Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - Promise of John the Baptist's Birth"). These narratives collectively highlight God's sovereignty over life and His consistent character as a Giver of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous birth of the Shunammite woman's son in [2 Kings 4:17](/2_kings/4-17 "2 Kings 4:17 - The Birth of the Shunammite's Son") serves as a powerful type and shadow of the ultimate miraculous birth: that of Jesus Christ. Just as God intervened supernaturally to bring life from a barren womb, He intervened uniquely in history, causing a virgin to conceive the Son of God, fulfilling the prophecy of [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel's Birth") and affirmed in [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Fulfillment of Immanuel Prophecy"). Furthermore, the son's birth, a fulfillment of Elisha's spoken word, foreshadows the Incarnation, where the eternal Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Beyond physical birth, this narrative points to the spiritual "birth" that Christ makes possible. Just as God brought life to a physically barren situation, Jesus brings spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead and barren in sin, enabling them to be "born again" not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God ([John 1:13](/john/1-13 "John 1:13 - Born of God"); [John 3:3-8](/john/3-3 "John 3:3-8 - Being Born Again")). The later resurrection of the Shunammite's son by Elisha ([2 Kings 4:32-35](/2_kings/4-32 "2 Kings 4:32-35 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")) is a potent prefigurement of Christ's own resurrection, the ultimate victory over death, which secures newness of life for all who believe ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). Thus, the miraculous birth in 2 Kings 4:17 is a beautiful testament to God's life-giving power, ultimately fulfilled and expanded in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the source of all true life.

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 21:1

¶ And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

Psalms 113:9

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, [and to be] a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

Luke 1:36

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

Hebrews 11:11

Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Luke 1:24

And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,

Luke 1:25

Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on [me], to take away my reproach among men.

1 Samuel 1:19

¶ And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.