2 Kings 4:3

KJV

Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, [even] empty vessels; borrow not a few.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then he said {H559}, Go {H3212}, borrow {H7592} thee vessels {H3627} abroad {H2351} of all thy neighbours {H7934}, even empty {H7386} vessels {H3627}; borrow not a few {H4591}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said, "Go, and borrow containers from all your neighbors, empty containers; and don't borrow just a few!

Berean Standard Bible

“Go,” said Elisha, “borrow jars, even empty ones, from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few.

American Standard Version

Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbors, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Kings 4:3, the prophet Elisha delivers a precise and pivotal command to a desperate widow: she is to go out and gather a multitude of empty vessels from all her neighbors, explicitly instructing her to "borrow not a few." This seemingly mundane, yet profoundly significant, instruction sets the stage for a remarkable miracle of divine provision, where her meager pot of oil will be supernaturally multiplied to pay her debts and sustain her family, demonstrating God's boundless capacity to meet needs when met with faith and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Elisha's prophetic ministry, specifically within a series of miracles recorded in [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles"). The chapter opens with the dire plight of a widow of one of the "sons of the prophets" (a student or member of a prophetic guild), whose husband has died, leaving her and her two sons in severe debt. Her creditors are on the verge of taking her sons as bondservants, a devastating practice in ancient Israel (cf. [Nehemiah 5:5](/nehemiah/5-5 "Nehemiah 5:5 - Debt Slavery in Nehemiah")). In her desperation, she cries out to Elisha for help ([2 Kings 4:1](/2_kings/4-1 "2 Kings 4:1 - The Widow's Cry to Elisha")). Elisha's initial response is a probing question designed to ascertain her remaining resources: "What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house?" ([2 Kings 4:2](/2_kings/4-2 "2 Kings 4:2 - Elisha's Question to the Widow")). Her reply, "Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil," becomes the single, seemingly insignificant resource that God will use. Elisha's command in this verse is the first, crucial step in God's miraculous intervention, emphasizing the widow's active participation and obedience as a prerequisite for the divine outpouring that follows in [2 Kings 4:4-7](/2_kings/4-4-7 "2 Kings 4:4-7 - The Miracle of the Oil").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The socio-economic reality of ancient Israel often placed widows in extremely vulnerable positions, as they typically lacked male protectors and providers. The Mosaic Law included provisions for their care (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:17](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17 - Justice for the Widow")), yet debt could still lead to dire consequences, including the sale of children into servitude to satisfy creditors. This practice, though regulated, was a harsh reality (cf. [Exodus 21:7](/exodus/21-7 "Exodus 21:7 - Sale of Daughters into Servitude")). The "sons of the prophets" were part of a prophetic community, often living in simple conditions, and their families were not immune to financial hardship. Oil, particularly olive oil, was a staple commodity with significant economic value, used for food, light, anointing, and trade. The widow's "pot of oil" would have represented her last, most basic asset. Elisha's instruction to "borrow vessels abroad of all thy neighbours" reflects a communal aspect of ancient life, where neighbors would typically share resources, albeit in this case, for an unusual purpose. The sheer number of vessels requested underscores the extraordinary nature of the impending miracle, signaling that God's provision would exceed all human expectation and capacity.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of the widow's oil, initiated by Elisha's command in [2 Kings 4:3](/2_kings/4-3 "2 Kings 4:3 - The Command to Gather Vessels"), powerfully illustrates several enduring biblical themes. Foremost is **Divine Provision**, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to supply abundantly, even from the most meager resources, turning scarcity into overflowing plenty (cf. [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs")). This miracle underscores that God's power is not limited by human lack. Secondly, **Faith and Obedience** are paramount; the widow's willingness to obey Elisha's seemingly strange and demanding instruction, gathering numerous empty vessels, is crucial. Her faith is active, demonstrated through her actions, preparing for a blessing she could not yet comprehend (cf. [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith Pleases God")). Thirdly, the theme of **Preparation for Blessing** is highlighted by the command to "borrow not a few" vessels. The extent of the miracle was limited not by God's power, but by the capacity of the containers provided by the widow, suggesting that God's blessings often require us to make room or prepare ourselves to receive them. Finally, the story powerfully showcases **God's Compassion** for the vulnerable. He intervenes directly to save the widow's sons from servitude and restore her family's dignity and livelihood, reflecting His consistent concern for the poor, widows, and orphans throughout Scripture (cf. [Psalm 68:5](/psalm/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God, Defender of Widows and Orphans")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. In this context, "said" (H559) indicates Elisha's authoritative and direct communication of God's will, initiating the miraculous process.
* **Vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** from כָּלָה; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. The Hebrew word _kᵉlîy_ (H3627), appearing in its plural form here, is a broad term referring to any kind of implement, article, or container. In this context, it specifically denotes receptacles or jars. Their "emptiness" is crucial; they represent a state of need and readiness to be filled, symbolizing the human condition of emptiness before divine provision.
* **Borrow (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** or שָׁאֵל; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand; ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. The verb _shâʼal_ (H7592) means "to ask," "to borrow," or "to request." Here, it implies an active seeking and gathering from others. This act of borrowing underscores the community's role, as well as the widow's humility and dependence on her neighbors, even for empty containers.
* **Few (Hebrew, _mâʻaṭ'_):** a primitive root; properly, to pare off, i.e. lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective); suffer to decrease, diminish, (be, [idiom] borrow a, give, make) few (in number, -ness), gather least (little), be (seem) little, ([idiom] give the) less, be minished, bring to nothing. In the phrase "borrow not a few," the negative imperative form of this root (אַל־תַּמְעִיטִי, _'al-tam'iṭi_) emphatically commands the widow to *not* gather a small number, but rather to gather as many vessels as possible. This highlights the divine expectation of superabundant provision, limited only by the capacity prepared to receive it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours,"**: This opening clause establishes Elisha's direct, authoritative instruction, conveying God's specific will to the widow. The command to "go" implies active participation and initiative on her part, requiring her to step out in faith. "Borrow... of all thy neighbours" highlights the communal aspect and the public nature of her need, requiring her to humble herself and seek help from those around her. The act of borrowing empty vessels, rather than something of value, also subtly points to the extraordinary nature of the impending miracle – it is not about human resources, but divine filling.
* **"[even] empty vessels;"**: The explicit mention of "empty vessels" is critically important. It underscores that the miracle would not involve transforming existing resources but creating something from nothing (or next to nothing, given her single pot of oil) to fill a void. The emptiness of the vessels symbolizes the widow's own emptiness and desperate need, as well as the principle that God often fills what is available and prepared, even if it seems utterly insufficient. It also removes any ambiguity about the source of the future abundance—it would be a divine act, not a human contribution.
* **"borrow not a few."**: This final, emphatic instruction is a powerful statement of divine abundance and a test of the widow's faith. "Not a few" (or "do not get little") is a strong negative imperative, meaning "do not diminish the number" or "do not gather only a small amount." It is a call to prepare for an overwhelming outpouring, implying that the extent of the blessing would be directly proportional to the capacity she made available. This command challenges human limitations and invites a radical trust in God's limitless provision, urging her to think beyond her immediate scarcity and anticipate a superabundant supply.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "empty vessels" representing both the widow's profound need and the human capacity (or lack thereof) that God chooses to fill. The oil, though only mentioned in the preceding verse, symbolizes divine provision, blessing, and anointing. The command to "borrow not a few" functions as a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the vastness of the impending miracle and challenging the widow to prepare for an extraordinary, almost unbelievable, abundance. There is also an element of **foreshadowing**, as this specific instruction sets up the miraculous multiplication of oil that will follow, building anticipation for God's powerful intervention and demonstrating His limitless power. The simple, direct language of Elisha's command, characteristic of prophetic speech, lends it an authoritative and urgent tone, compelling immediate and complete obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command in 2 Kings 4:3 encapsulates profound theological truths about God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reveals a God who is intimately aware of the suffering of His people, particularly the vulnerable, and who intervenes with practical, miraculous provision. This is not merely a story of financial relief, but a demonstration of divine sovereignty over creation and resources, and an affirmation of God's covenant faithfulness. The requirement for the widow's active participation—gathering the vessels—highlights the biblical principle that while God provides, human faith and obedience often serve as the channel through which His power flows. The "empty vessels" symbolize our own spiritual emptiness and need, which God is eager to fill with His grace and abundance, often in ways that defy human logic and expectation.

Cross-references that illuminate these themes include:
* [Psalm 23:5](/psalm/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - God Prepares a Table Before Me")
* [Matthew 14:19-20](/matthew/14-19-20 "Matthew 14:19-20 - Feeding of the Five Thousand")
* [John 2:7-9](/john/2-7-9 "John 2:7-9 - Water to Wine at Cana")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly simple instruction in 2 Kings 4:3 holds profound lessons for contemporary believers. It calls us to examine our own "vessels"—our capacities, our expectations, our willingness to trust—in the face of our needs and God's promises. Often, we limit God's potential work in our lives by our small thinking, our fear of appearing needy, or our reluctance to take a seemingly illogical step of faith. Like the widow, we are invited to prepare for a blessing that may seem disproportionate to our current reality or resources. This preparation involves active obedience, even when the path is unclear or the instruction seems unusual. It reminds us that God often uses our "nothing" to demonstrate His "everything," transforming our emptiness into overflowing abundance. The story encourages us to cultivate a posture of radical trust, believing that God's provision is limitless and that He delights in filling the empty spaces we make available for Him. It challenges us to ask: "Am I truly preparing for God's abundance, or am I limiting His work by my lack of faith or effort?"

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "empty vessels" do I need to gather in my life, indicating areas of need or readiness for God's supernatural provision?**
* **In what ways might I be limiting God's blessing by my own small expectations or reluctance to obey seemingly unusual instructions?**
* **How does the widow's active obedience, despite her desperation, challenge my own approach to faith and reliance on God?**
* **What specific steps of faith, however small or illogical they may seem, am I being called to take to prepare for God's outpouring?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's limitless provision, even when my resources or circumstances seem meager?**

### FAQ

**Why did Elisha tell the widow to borrow "empty vessels" and "not a few"?**

Answer: Elisha's instruction for "empty vessels" was crucial because it underscored that the miracle would be a divine act of creation and multiplication, not a transformation of existing resources. The vessels were to be receptacles for God's supernatural provision, emphasizing that the source of the abundance was entirely God. The command to borrow "not a few" (meaning "many" or "as many as possible") served two primary purposes: first, it was a test of the widow's faith and obedience, requiring her to actively prepare for an extraordinary blessing that defied her current reality; second, it demonstrated the limitless nature of God's provision. The miracle would only stop when there were no more vessels to fill ([2 Kings 4:6](/2_kings/4-6 "2 Kings 4:6 - The Oil Ceases When No More Vessels")). This highlights that God's power is boundless, and the extent of His blessing is often limited only by our capacity to receive and prepare for it.

**Does this story mean God will always provide financial miracles if I just "prepare" for them?**

Answer: While this story powerfully illustrates God's ability and willingness to provide miraculously, it's important to interpret it within the broader biblical context. God's provision takes many forms, not always financial or immediate. This narrative is a specific account of God's compassionate intervention for a vulnerable widow through a prophet. The principle is that God is our ultimate provider, and He often calls for faith and obedience as we wait for His provision. Sometimes, His provision comes through natural means, through the generosity of others, or by equipping us with wisdom and strength to overcome challenges. The core message is to trust God's sovereignty and goodness, to obey His specific leading, and to be open to His miraculous work, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts Are Higher")). The "empty vessels" can also symbolize our spiritual emptiness that God desires to fill with His Spirit and grace, which is a deeper, more consistent form of provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the widow's oil, initiated by Elisha's command in [2 Kings 4:3](/2_kings/4-3 "2 Kings 4:3 - Elisha's Command to the Widow"), finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as the empty vessels were prepared to receive an overflowing, life-sustaining oil, humanity is inherently empty and in desperate need of a divine filling. Christ is the ultimate and inexhaustible "pot of oil," the source of all spiritual abundance. He declared, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Our spiritual "debt" of sin, which once threatened to enslave us ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - Wages of Sin")), has been fully paid by the sacrificial work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") on the cross. The call to "borrow not a few" empty vessels can be seen as an invitation to come to Christ with the full measure of our need and emptiness, for He promises to fill us to overflowing with His Spirit ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")) and His abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")). In Him, we find not just temporary relief from debt, but eternal salvation and an endless supply of grace, peace, and righteousness, transforming our spiritual destitution into an inheritance of immeasurable riches ([Ephesians 1:7-8](/ephesians/1-7-8 "Ephesians 1:7-8 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")).

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

John 2:7

Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

Psalms 81:10

I [am] the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

John 16:24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

2 Kings 3:16

And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.

2 Kings 13:18

And he said, Take the arrows. And he took [them]. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed.

2 Kings 13:19

And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed [it]: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria [but] thrice.