2 Kings 4:27

KJV

And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul [is] vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid [it] from me, and hath not told me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when she came {H935} to the man {H376} of God {H430} to the hill {H2022}, she caught {H2388} him by the feet {H7272}: but Gehazi {H1522} came near {H5066} to thrust her away {H1920}. And the man {H376} of God {H430} said {H559}, Let her alone {H7503}; for her soul {H5315} is vexed {H4843} within her: and the LORD {H3068} hath hid {H5956} it from me, and hath not told {H5046} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when she reached the man of God on the hill, she grabbed his feet. Geichazi came up to push her away, but the man of God said, "Leave her alone. She is in great distress, but ADONAI has hidden from me what it is, he hasn't told me."

Berean Standard Bible

When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.”

American Standard Version

And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came near to thrust her away; but the man of God said, Let her alone: for her soul is vexed within her; and Jehovah hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 4:27 captures a moment of intense grief and desperate supplication as the Shunammite woman confronts the prophet Elisha after the sudden death of her son. Her physical act of grasping Elisha's feet conveys profound sorrow and unwavering faith in his ability, through God, to intervene. Elisha's immediate discernment of her inner turmoil, coupled with his humble admission that the Lord had not revealed the cause of her distress to him, highlights both his compassion and the divine sovereignty over revelation, setting the stage for a miraculous intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of the Shunammite woman, which spans [2 Kings 4:8-37](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - The Shunammite Woman and Her Son"). The preceding verses detail her exceptional hospitality towards Elisha, leading to the miraculous promise and birth of her son, despite her and her husband's advanced age ([2 Kings 4:8-17](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8-17 - Elisha and the Shunammite Woman's Hospitality")). The sudden and tragic death of the boy while working in the field with his father ([2 Kings 4:18-20](/2_kings/4-18 "2 Kings 4:18-20 - The Son's Sudden Death")) propels the Shunammite woman into a desperate journey to find Elisha. Her urgent, almost frantic, pursuit of the prophet, bypassing her husband's initial queries, underscores her singular focus and profound conviction that Elisha, as God's representative, is her only hope. This confrontation on Mount Carmel is the emotional climax before Elisha's subsequent actions to restore the child.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Israel during the period of the divided monarchy, specifically the northern kingdom, where Elisha served as a leading prophet after Elijah. Mount Carmel, where Elisha often resided ([2 Kings 4:25](/2_kings/4-25 "2 Kings 4:25 - The Shunammite Woman Travels to Elisha")), was a significant prophetic site, famously associated with Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal ([1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel")). The act of "catching him by the feet" (or grasping the knees) was a common ancient Near Eastern gesture of supplication, deep respect, and desperate appeal, often employed by those seeking mercy, aid, or a blessing from a superior or a deity. It conveyed a refusal to let go until a request was granted, signifying utter dependence and earnestness. The role of a prophet like Elisha was to mediate between God and the people, and his perceived connection to divine power made him the natural recourse for those facing inexplicable tragedies.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Kings 4:27](/2_kings/4-27 "2 Kings 4:27 - The Shunammite Woman's Grief") powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **sovereignty of God** over life and death, and over revelation itself. Elisha's admission, "the LORD hath hid [it] from me, and hath not told me," underscores that even God's closest servants do not possess omniscient knowledge; divine understanding is entirely dependent on God's chosen disclosure ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts are Higher")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **desperate faith and persistent prayer** in the face of overwhelming grief. The Shunammite woman's unwavering conviction in Elisha's God-given power, despite the apparent finality of her son's death, mirrors the kind of tenacious faith that moves God's hand ([Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")). Lastly, it reveals the **compassionate nature of true prophetic ministry**, as Elisha immediately discerns her profound internal suffering, prioritizing her emotional state over Gehazi's attempt to maintain decorum.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vexed (Hebrew, _marar'_):** The KJV translates the Hebrew root מָרַר (_marar_) as "vexed," but its primary meaning is to be "bitter," "grieved," or "distressed." This word choice powerfully conveys the Shunammite woman's internal state as far beyond mere annoyance or frustration. It describes a soul steeped in profound, agonizing sorrow, bitterness, and deep emotional turmoil, akin to the bitterness of death or a severe affliction. This highlights the depth of her suffering and the internal anguish that drove her desperate actions.
* **Hid (Hebrew, _ʿālam'_):** The Hebrew verb עָלַם (_ʿālam_) means "to hide," "to conceal," or "to be hidden." When Elisha states, "the LORD hath hid [it] from me," it signifies a deliberate act of concealment by God. This is not about Elisha's lack of spiritual sensitivity, but about God's sovereign prerogative to reveal or withhold information, even from His prophets. It underscores that prophetic knowledge is not inherent but divinely granted, reinforcing God's ultimate control over revelation and events.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet:"** This clause describes the Shunammite woman's immediate and desperate action upon reaching Elisha on Mount Carmel. Her journey was urgent, driven by a singular purpose. The act of "catching him by the feet" is a powerful, culturally significant gesture of profound supplication, desperation, and deep reverence. It signifies her refusal to be dismissed, her utter dependence on Elisha's intercession, and her unwavering belief that he, as God's representative, held the key to her son's restoration. It is a physical manifestation of her overwhelming grief and tenacious faith.
* **"but Gehazi came near to thrust her away."** Gehazi, Elisha's servant, acts to maintain order and protect his master from what he perceives as an inappropriate or overly emotional display. His action reflects a common desire to control access to revered figures and to manage situations according to social norms, failing to grasp the depth of the woman's distress or the spiritual significance of her desperate plea. His attempt to "thrust her away" highlights a lack of empathy and spiritual discernment compared to Elisha.
* **"And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul [is] vexed within her:"** Elisha's immediate command to Gehazi reveals his profound spiritual insight and compassion. He perceives beyond the outward, culturally unusual action to the deep internal anguish driving the woman. He understands that her soul is "vexed" (bitter, distressed) and that her actions are a cry from the depths of her being. This demonstrates Elisha's pastoral heart and his ability to discern spiritual and emotional realities.
* **"and the LORD hath hid [it] from me, and hath not told me."** This is a remarkable admission of humility and dependence on God from a powerful prophet. Elisha confesses his lack of knowledge regarding the cause of the woman's profound distress. This statement underscores that even prophets are not omniscient; their knowledge and power are entirely derived from and dependent on divine revelation. It emphasizes God's sovereign control over what He chooses to reveal, highlighting that Elisha is merely an instrument, not the source, of divine power or knowledge.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices**. The **dialogue** between Elisha and Gehazi, though brief, immediately establishes the contrasting perspectives of the prophet and his servant, highlighting Elisha's spiritual discernment against Gehazi's more pragmatic approach. The **physical action** of the Shunammite woman "catching him by the feet" is a powerful form of **symbolism**, representing desperate supplication, profound grief, and unwavering faith. It is also an act of **pathos**, designed to evoke deep sympathy for her plight. Elisha's statement, "her soul is vexed within her," is a concise yet profound **metaphor** for her deep internal suffering, painting a vivid picture of her emotional state. Finally, the prophet's admission, "the LORD hath hid [it] from me, and hath not told me," serves as a moment of **humility** and **theological exposition**, subtly reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty over revelation and the limits of even prophetic knowledge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the human experience of inexplicable suffering and the divine response. It showcases the depth of human grief when faced with the loss of a cherished gift, and the instinctive turning to God's appointed representatives for intervention. Elisha's admission of ignorance highlights a crucial theological principle: God's sovereignty extends not only to His actions but also to His revelations. He is not obligated to disclose His plans or the reasons for suffering to even His most trusted servants. This underscores the need for faith that trusts God's character and power even when understanding is withheld, reminding us that true faith often operates in the realm of the unknown. The Shunammite woman's desperate plea, met with Elisha's compassion and God's eventual miraculous intervention, sets a pattern for bringing our deepest sorrows to the Lord, confident in His ultimate power and mercy.

* [Psalm 42:5](/psalm/42-5 "Psalm 42:5 - Why are you cast down, O my soul?")
* [Job 23:3](/job/23-3 "Job 23:3 - Oh that I knew where I might find him!")
* [Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at Mount Carmel with the Shunammite woman offers a powerful mirror for our own encounters with grief, unanswered questions, and desperate hope. Her tenacious grip on Elisha's feet, a physical manifestation of her soul's anguish and unwavering faith, challenges us to consider how we approach God in our deepest pain. Do we cling to Him with such desperate conviction, refusing to let go until we have poured out our hearts? Elisha's immediate compassion and his humble admission that God had "hid it from me" teach us invaluable lessons about empathy and humility. When encountering others in distress, our first response should be to discern their inner turmoil and offer compassionate presence, rather than dismissive judgment. Furthermore, Elisha's confession reminds us that it is acceptable, even necessary, to acknowledge our human limitations and the mysteries of God's ways. We do not always need to have all the answers, but we are called to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when His purposes are veiled. This verse encourages us to bring our whole, messy, grieving selves to the Lord, trusting that He sees, He knows, and He cares, even when He chooses not to immediately reveal His full plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you holding on to God with the same desperation and faith as the Shunammite woman?**
* **How can Elisha's compassion towards the distressed woman inform your interactions with others who are suffering, especially when their actions seem irrational?**
* **What does Elisha's admission, "the LORD hath hid [it] from me," teach you about humility and trusting God even when you don't have all the answers?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Shunammite woman "catch him by the feet"?**

Answer: The act of "catching him by the feet" (or grasping the knees) was a common and highly significant gesture in the ancient Near East. It was a powerful sign of desperate supplication, profound reverence, and unwavering determination. By doing so, the Shunammite woman was expressing her utter dependence on Elisha, her refusal to be dismissed, and her deep conviction that he, as God's prophet, was her only hope for intervention. It was a physical embodiment of her overwhelming grief and tenacious faith, pleading for a miraculous response from the "man of God" ([2 Kings 4:22](/2_kings/4-22 "2 Kings 4:22 - The Shunammite woman's resolve")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the Shunammite woman and Elisha, particularly [2 Kings 4:27](/2_kings/4-27 "2 Kings 4:27 - The Shunammite Woman's Grief and Elisha's Compassion"), finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Elisha, as a prophet who raises the dead, prefigures Christ, the ultimate Giver of life. While Elisha admits that the Lord had "hid it from me," revealing the limits of even a great prophet's knowledge, Jesus, as God incarnate, possesses inherent divine knowledge and authority. He is never ignorant of our suffering; indeed, He is deeply moved by it, as seen in His weeping at Lazarus's tomb ([John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept")). The Shunammite woman's desperate grip on Elisha's feet foreshadows the many who would cling to Jesus for healing and hope, like the woman with the issue of blood who touched His garment ([Mark 5:27-29](/mark/5-27 "Mark 5:27-29 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood")). Ultimately, while Elisha was an instrument of God's power to restore life, Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life")), who conquered death definitively through His own sacrifice and resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits")). He is the one who truly understands our vexed souls and offers not just a temporary reprieve but eternal comfort and life ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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 Samuel 7:3

And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that [is] in thine heart; for the LORD [is] with thee.

Genesis 18:17

And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

Proverbs 14:10

¶ The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

2 Kings 4:25

So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, [yonder is] that Shunammite:

Proverbs 18:14

¶ The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

Matthew 15:23

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.