2 Kings 4:18

KJV

¶ And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the child {H3206} was grown {H1431}, it fell on a day {H3117}, that he went out {H3318} to his father {H1} to the reapers {H7114}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the child was old enough, he went out one day to be with his father, who was with the reapers.

Berean Standard Bible

And the child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the harvesters.

American Standard Version

And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse in the narrative of the Shunammite woman marks a significant shift, transitioning from the joy of a miraculously granted son to the sudden onset of tragedy. It describes the child, now grown from infancy, leaving the domestic sphere to join his father among the reapers in the harvest fields, thereby setting the stage for the unexpected and life-altering event that immediately follows. This seemingly ordinary scene of daily life subtly introduces the theme of life's unpredictable nature, foreshadowing the profound sorrow that will soon envelop the family and test their faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial turning point within the broader narrative of the Shunammite woman and Elisha, found in [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles"). Prior to this, Elisha had prophesied the birth of a son to the barren Shunammite woman as a reward for her exceptional hospitality ([2 Kings 4:16](/2_kings/4-16 "2 Kings 4:16 - Elisha's Prophecy of a Son")). The miraculous fulfillment of this promise brought immense joy and established the child as a divine gift, a testament to God's faithfulness. Verse 18, with its simple declaration that "the child was grown," signals a passage of time and the integration of this miracle child into the family's daily life, highlighting a period of normalcy and blessing. The subsequent verses immediately plunge the narrative into crisis, as the child suffers a sudden, fatal illness ([2 Kings 4:19-20](/2_kings/4-19-20 "2 Kings 4:19-20 - The Child's Sudden Illness and Death")), setting up Elisha's subsequent miraculous intervention and resurrection of the boy. This verse, therefore, acts as the calm before the storm, heightening the emotional impact of the impending tragedy by contrasting it with the preceding joy and ordinary life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of this verse, an agricultural field during harvest, provides a vivid window into the daily life and economic realities of ancient Israel. Agriculture was the foundational pillar of the Israelite economy, and harvest time was a period of intense, communal labor, often requiring long hours under the sun to gather essential crops. "Reapers" (Hebrew: _qōṣərîm_) were vital laborers, and their presence signifies the peak of agricultural activity. For a child to join his father in the fields, even if not yet fully participating in the strenuous work, was a common practice, symbolizing his growing maturity and his gradual integration into the family's livelihood and the broader community's economic life. The Shunammite woman's family, described as "wealthy" ([2 Kings 4:8](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8 - The Shunammite Woman's Hospitality")), would have owned significant land and employed many such reapers. This seemingly idyllic and productive setting, emblematic of life and sustenance, makes the sudden onset of illness and death all the more jarring, starkly contrasting the vibrancy of the harvest with the fragility of human existence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several profound themes prevalent in [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "2 Kings - The Reigns of Kings and Prophets") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **fragility and unpredictability of life**, demonstrating how swiftly circumstances can shift from joy and normalcy to profound sorrow. The seemingly innocuous phrase "it fell on a day" subtly introduces this theme of unforeseen events and the precariousness of human plans. Secondly, it highlights the **everyday as a stage for divine action**. God's power and intervention are not confined to grand, public spectacles but manifest within the mundane routines and domestic spheres of ordinary people. Both the miraculous birth of the child ([2 Kings 4:17](/2_kings/4-17 "2 Kings 4:17 - The Birth of the Son")) and his subsequent resurrection occur within the context of daily life. Finally, the verse sets the stage for the overarching theme of **God's sovereignty over life and death**, and the **power of His prophets** to mediate that sovereignty. The impending death of the child will necessitate Elisha's intervention, further demonstrating God's ability to restore life and bring hope out of despair, reinforcing the prophet's authority and God's faithfulness to His promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Child (Hebrew, _yeled'_):** From the root _yalad_ (to bear, bring forth), this noun (H3206) refers to "something born, i.e., a lad or offspring." Its use here emphasizes the youth of the boy, who, though "grown," is still a child. This highlights the tragedy of his sudden illness and death, as it cuts short a life that was just beginning to flourish and integrate into the family's work and community. The term underscores the preciousness of this divinely given son.
* **Grown (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** This primitive root (H1431) means "to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor), to grow up." The verb signifies a natural progression of development, indicating that the child, once a miraculous infant, has matured to an age where he is no longer confined to the home but can venture out, even to the fields with his father. This growth underscores the depth of the parents' attachment and the magnitude of the impending loss, as it is a child who has lived and developed, not merely an infant.
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this noun (H3117) refers to "a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term)." In the phrase "it fell on a day," _yôwm_ highlights the ordinary, unspecified nature of the time, emphasizing that the subsequent, extraordinary event occurred without warning on a seemingly normal day. This common narrative device creates a sense of dramatic irony and foreshadows the sudden and unforeseen nature of the tragedy.
* **Reapers (Hebrew, _qâtsar'_):** This primitive root (H7114) means "to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)." The term _qōṣərîm_ (the participle form) refers to those engaged in the harvest, specifically cutting down grain. This detail grounds the narrative in the agricultural reality of ancient Israel. The father's presence among the reapers signifies his involvement in the family's livelihood and the communal work of the harvest. The child's visit to this environment, typically associated with abundance and hard work, creates a stark contrast with the sudden illness that will strike him, highlighting the unpredictable intrusion of suffering into a scene of life and productivity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And when the child was grown":** This opening clause signifies a significant passage of time since the miraculous birth of the son. The child is no longer an infant but has matured, implying a period of joy and normalcy for the Shunammite family, further establishing the preciousness of this divinely given son and deepening the emotional impact of the subsequent events.
* **"it fell on a day":** This idiomatic phrase serves as a narrative pivot, signaling an abrupt and unforeseen change in circumstances. It introduces an element of suddenness and unpredictability, foreshadowing that the seemingly ordinary day is about to be disrupted by an unexpected and significant event.
* **"that he went out to his father to the reapers":** This final clause describes the child's action of joining his father in the harvest fields. It places the child in a setting of outdoor labor and communal activity, away from the immediate care of his mother, and sets the stage for the sudden onset of his fatal illness in the following verse. The image of the reapers highlights a time of productivity and life, creating a poignant contrast with the impending tragedy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Foreshadowing** through the Hebrew idiom "it fell on a day" (_wa·yə·hî hay·yō·wm_), which subtly signals an impending, unexpected, and often significant event. This creates a sense of narrative tension and prepares the reader for the abrupt shift from normalcy to crisis. There is also a powerful **Juxtaposition** at play: the scene is set in the harvest fields, a symbol of life, abundance, and productivity, yet it is precisely in this vibrant setting that the child is struck by a fatal illness. This **Irony** underscores the unpredictable nature of suffering and death, which can intrude upon even the most seemingly idyllic moments. The verse functions as a critical **Narrative Pivot**, marking the transition from the joyous fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy to the dramatic challenge that will test the Shunammite woman's faith and Elisha's prophetic power, setting the stage for the miraculous resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is pregnant with theological significance, serving as a stark reminder of life's inherent fragility and the unpredictable nature of suffering, even for those who have experienced divine favor. It underscores that God's miraculous gifts do not exempt individuals from the realities of a fallen world, where sorrow and death can intrude at any moment. The suddenness of the event challenges human assumptions about control and security, pointing instead to God's ultimate sovereignty over all of life's circumstances, including its unexpected turns. It sets the stage for a profound demonstration of God's power over death through His prophet, reinforcing the theme that even in the deepest despair, there is hope through divine intervention and that God's purposes transcend human understanding of timing and ease.

* [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - The Lord Gives and Takes Away")
* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God's Sovereignty Over Life and Death")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life is a Mist")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The quiet opening of 2 Kings 4:18, describing the child's growth and his natural venture into the world, deeply resonates with the human experience of life's rhythms. We celebrate milestones, watch our loved ones grow, and find comfort in the routines of daily life. Yet, this verse serves as a poignant reminder that even in moments of normalcy and perceived security, life can take an abrupt and devastating turn. The "it fell on a day" idiom speaks to the unexpected nature of hardship, illness, or loss that can interrupt our plans and shatter our peace. For us, this prompts a vital reflection on our reliance on God. Do we truly trust in His sovereignty when life is good, or only when we are desperate? How do we cultivate a faith that remains steadfast when the unexpected strikes, when the harvest field of our lives suddenly yields sorrow instead of abundance? This passage calls us to live with an awareness of life's fragility, fostering gratitude for every moment, and anchoring our hope not in circumstances, but in the unchanging character and power of God, who can bring life even out of death and whose faithfulness endures beyond our understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "suddenness" described in this verse challenge your assumptions about control and security in life?**
* **In what ways does this passage encourage you to find gratitude in the ordinary moments of life, knowing how quickly circumstances can change?**
* **How might the Shunammite woman's response to this unexpected tragedy (as seen in subsequent verses) inform your own approach to unforeseen difficulties?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the child going "out to his father to the reapers"?**

Answer: This detail is highly significant for several reasons. First, it marks the child's growth and integration into the family's broader life, moving beyond the immediate domestic sphere and signifying his increasing maturity. Second, it places the child in an agricultural setting, specifically during harvest, which was a time of intense labor and often associated with prosperity and life. This creates a powerful dramatic contrast with the sudden illness that immediately befalls him, highlighting the unexpected intrusion of suffering into a scene of vitality. Finally, it sets the stage for the father's reaction and the subsequent unfolding of the narrative, as the child's distress is first observed in this public, working environment, necessitating immediate action.

**Does this verse suggest that God causes suffering, or simply allows it?**

Answer: This verse primarily functions as a narrative device to introduce a sudden, unexpected event, rather than explicitly detailing the theological cause of suffering. While the Bible affirms God's ultimate sovereignty over all things ([Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Forms Light and Creates Darkness")), it also acknowledges that we live in a fallen world where illness and death are realities. The focus here is less on the *cause* of the child's illness and more on the *response* to it, particularly the Shunammite woman's unwavering faith and Elisha's role as God's instrument of life. The story emphasizes God's power to intervene and restore, even in the face of death, rather than providing a direct theological explanation for the suffering itself. It reminds us that even in a world marked by brokenness, God's redemptive power is active.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative pivot in [2 Kings 4:18](/2_kings/4-18 "2 Kings 4:18 - The Child Goes to the Reapers") foreshadows the ultimate reality of life and death, and points profoundly to Christ as the Lord of life. Just as the Shunammite child, a gift of God, experiences sudden death in the midst of life's ordinary rhythms, so too does humanity, created in God's image, face the universal reality of mortality due to sin. Jesus, however, is the true and ultimate giver of life, not merely a miraculous birth but the very source of all existence ([John 1:4](/john/1-4 "John 1:4 - In Him Was Life")). His compassion for those who suffer and grieve, as seen in His weeping at Lazarus's tomb ([John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept")), mirrors Elisha's empathy, yet His power far surpasses it. Christ not only raised individuals from the dead, like Lazarus ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")) or Jairus's daughter ([Mark 5:41-42](/mark/5-41-42 "Mark 5:41-42 - Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter")), but He Himself conquered death through His resurrection, offering eternal life to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The harvest field, where the Shunammite child falls ill, also subtly points to the ultimate spiritual harvest, where Christ will gather His own, bringing them into eternal life free from suffering and death ([Matthew 13:30](/matthew/13-30 "Matthew 13:30 - The Harvest of the End of the Age")). Thus, this verse, with its abrupt turn towards sorrow, ultimately directs our gaze to the One who is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), offering hope beyond the grave and the promise of a future where death is swallowed up in victory.

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

Ruth 2:4

¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD [be] with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.