2 Kings 4:4

KJV

And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when thou art come in {H935}, thou shalt shut {H5462} the door {H1817} upon thee and upon thy sons {H1121}, and shalt pour out {H3332} into all those vessels {H3627}, and thou shalt set aside {H5265} that which is full {H4392}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then go in; shut the door, with you and your sons inside; and pour oil into all those containers; and as they are filled, put them aside."

Berean Standard Bible

Then go inside, shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour oil into all these jars, setting the full ones aside.”

American Standard Version

And thou shalt go in, and shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and pour out into all those vessels; and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 4:4 presents a crucial set of instructions from the prophet Elisha to a desperate widow, outlining the precise steps for a miraculous divine provision of oil. This verse details the command to enter her house, secure privacy by shutting the door with her sons, diligently pour oil from her single jar into a multitude of borrowed vessels, and carefully set aside each vessel as it becomes full. It underscores the necessity of specific obedience, focused faith, and active participation in God's supernatural work, setting the stage for a profound demonstration of His abundant grace in a time of dire need.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the narrative found in [2 Kings 4:1-7](/2_kings/4-1 "2 Kings 4:1-7 - The Widow's Oil Multiplied"), which recounts one of Elisha's most well-known miracles. The chapter opens with a prophet's widow crying out to Elisha, distressed that a creditor was coming to take her two sons as slaves due to an unpaid debt. Elisha, inquiring about her possessions, discovers she has nothing in the house but a small jar of oil. He then instructs her to go and borrow many empty vessels from all her neighbors, emphasizing that she should borrow "not a few." Verse 4 then provides the detailed, step-by-step command for the actual execution of the miracle, emphasizing the privacy and diligent action required. The subsequent verses ([2 Kings 4:5-7](/2_kings/4-5 "2 Kings 4:5-7 - The Miracle's Outcome")) describe the miraculous multiplication of the oil, its sale, and the payment of her debts, securing her sons' freedom. This miracle fits within the broader pattern of Elisha's ministry, demonstrating God's power to provide for His people, particularly the vulnerable, echoing the earlier provision for the widow of Zarephath by Elijah in [1 Kings 17:8-16](/1_kings/17-8 "1 Kings 17:8-16 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is ancient Israel during the time of the divided monarchy, specifically the period of Elisha's prophetic ministry (9th century BC). Debt slavery was a common, though regulated, practice in the ancient Near East, including Israel. According to Mosaic Law, a person could sell themselves or their children into servitude to pay off debts, typically for a limited period ([Leviticus 25:39-41](/leviticus/25-39 "Leviticus 25:39-41 - Laws for Indentured Servitude")). The widow's plight was therefore a very real and desperate one, highlighting the vulnerability of women without male protectors in that society. Oil was a vital commodity, used for cooking, fuel for lamps, anointing, medicinal purposes, and as a valuable trade item. The fact that her only possession was a small amount of oil underscores her extreme poverty. The prophet Elisha acted as a conduit for God's intervention, demonstrating divine care for the marginalized and upholding justice, a recurring theme in prophetic literature.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [2 Kings chapter 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles") and the broader book.
* **Divine Provision and Abundance:** The central theme is God's supernatural ability to provide for His people's needs, often from meager beginnings. The instruction to "pour out into all those vessels" anticipates an abundance far beyond what the widow possessed, demonstrating that God's supply is not limited by human resources but by divine power and the capacity prepared by faith. This echoes the theme of God's limitless grace.
* **Obedience and Faith:** The detailed instructions given by Elisha emphasize the necessity of precise obedience. The miracle was contingent upon the widow's faithful execution of each step: borrowing many vessels, shutting the door, and continuously pouring. Her faith was demonstrated not just in asking, but in acting upon the seemingly improbable command. This highlights that divine intervention often requires human participation and trust.
* **Sanctified Privacy and Focus:** The command to "shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons" introduces the theme of privacy in divine encounters. It suggests that some of God's most intimate and powerful workings occur away from public scrutiny, allowing for undistracted focus, eliminating doubt, and fostering a sacred space for the manifestation of His power. This privacy protects the nascent miracle from external skepticism and allows the participants to fully engage in the act of faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shut (Hebrew, סָגַר, _sagar_):** This verb implies a complete, decisive closure, not merely a casual closing. It conveys a sense of sealing off, making private, and creating an exclusive space. In this context, it signifies a deliberate act of separation from the outside world, from potential distractions, doubts, or observers, to create an intimate and sacred environment for God's miraculous work. It emphasizes focus and consecration.
* **Pour out (Hebrew, יָצַק, _yatsaq_):** This verb denotes a continuous, active, and deliberate act of pouring. It is not a passive waiting for a miracle, but an engaged, physical action that requires sustained effort. The use of "pour out" rather than "drip" or "trickle" suggests a flow that, though miraculous in its source, was to be actively managed and directed by the widow.
* **Set aside (Hebrew, נָסָא, _nasa'_):** While _nasa'_ can mean "to lift" or "to carry," in this context, it implies removing the full vessels from the immediate pouring area to make room for more empty ones, or to simply acknowledge their completion. This action highlights the need for diligence, organization, and careful stewardship of the blessing as it unfolds. It suggests an active management of the abundance as it manifests.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when thou art come in":** This phrase marks the critical transition from Elisha's instruction to the widow's active implementation. It signifies a deliberate entry into the space designated for the miracle, emphasizing the initiation of the process under divine guidance.
* **"thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons":** This is a pivotal command, establishing the conditions for the miracle. The act of "shutting the door" creates a private, intimate, and sacred space, free from external distractions, skepticism, or interference. Including her "sons" emphasizes that this was a family affair, a shared act of faith and obedience, and that the blessing was for their collective benefit and liberation from debt.
* **"and shalt pour out into all those vessels":** This is the central action of faith and obedience. The command to "pour out" implies continuous, active participation. "All those vessels" underscores the necessity of thorough preparation and a willingness to receive a vast abundance. The miracle was not a passive event but required the widow's diligent and sustained effort to fill every available container.
* **"and thou shalt set aside that which is full":** This final clause within the instruction emphasizes the ongoing nature of the miracle and the need for careful stewardship. As each vessel became full, it was to be moved, making room for more. This highlights the practical management of the blessing as it unfolded, ensuring that the miraculous provision was handled with order and care until the supply ceased.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices. **Instructional Narrative** is prominent, as the verse functions as a clear, step-by-step command, guiding the reader through the precise actions required for the miracle. This direct instruction emphasizes the importance of obedience. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play: the oil itself symbolizes divine provision, anointing, and blessing, while the empty vessels symbolize human need, capacity, and the potential for God's filling. The act of "shutting the door" serves as a powerful symbol of privacy, focused faith, and the creation of a sacred space for God's work, away from the world's skepticism. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Contrast** between the widow's initial meager possession (a single jar of oil) and the immense abundance that results from her obedience, highlighting God's ability to multiply and provide beyond human expectation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's compassionate response to human desperation and His method of miraculous provision, often requiring active human participation rooted in faith and obedience. It teaches that God can take the little we have, when offered in faith, and multiply it beyond measure. The "shutting of the door" underscores the theological principle that some of God's most profound and intimate workings occur in a consecrated space, free from external distractions or doubt, fostering a deeper trust between the believer and God. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that divine intervention is often contingent upon our willingness to follow specific, sometimes counter-intuitive, divine instructions, demonstrating that our obedience opens the channels for God's supernatural supply.

* [Matthew 6:6](/matthew/6-6 "Matthew 6:6 - Pray in Secret")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Need")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the widow's oil, particularly the instructions in [2 Kings 4:4](/2_kings/4-4 "2 Kings 4:4 - Elisha's Instruction to the Widow"), offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In moments of overwhelming need or perceived scarcity, God often calls us to look at what little we do possess and to act in faith upon His specific guidance. The command to "shut the door" reminds us of the critical importance of private, undistracted communion with God, whether in prayer, meditation, or obedient action, away from the noise and skepticism of the world. It encourages us to create a sacred space where our faith can be nurtured and God's power can manifest without external interference. Furthermore, the instruction to "pour out into all those vessels" and "set aside that which is full" challenges us to be diligent and prepared to receive God's abundance, actively stewarding the blessings as they unfold. It's a call to active faith, not passive waiting, trusting that God can supernaturally multiply our efforts and resources when we align ourselves with His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "empty vessels" are you preparing in your life for God's supernatural provision and blessing?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "shut the door" and engage in private, focused obedience or prayer?**
* **How does this story encourage you to act diligently with the resources or opportunities God has given you, no matter how small they seem?**
* **What specific instructions from God's Word are you currently being challenged to obey, even if they seem counter-intuitive?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary for the widow to "shut the door" upon herself and her sons?**

Answer: The instruction to "shut the door" (סָגַר, _sagar_) was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it created a sacred and private space for the miracle to occur, free from public scrutiny, doubt, or distraction. This intimacy allowed the widow and her sons to focus solely on the divine instruction and the unfolding miracle, fostering a deeper sense of faith and dependence on God. Secondly, it may have protected the nascent miracle from external skepticism or interference, ensuring that the process was carried out without interruption. Finally, it emphasized that some of God's most profound workings are personal and require a consecrated environment where the participants can fully engage with God's power in an undistracted manner, as seen in [Matthew 6:6](/matthew/6-6 "Matthew 6:6 - Pray in Secret") where Jesus instructs His followers to pray in private.

**What is the significance of "all those vessels" and "set aside that which is full"?**

Answer: The command to borrow "not a few" vessels ([2 Kings 4:3](/2_kings/4-3 "2 Kings 4:3 - Elisha's Instruction to Borrow Vessels")) and then "pour out into all those vessels" highlights the widow's active role in preparing for the abundance and God's desire to fill as much as is prepared. It underscores that God's provision is not limited by our current resources but by our capacity and faith to receive. The more vessels she prepared, the more oil she received, demonstrating that the extent of the blessing was tied to her obedience and preparation. The instruction to "set aside that which is full" emphasizes diligence and careful stewardship of the blessing as it manifested. It shows that the miracle was not a passive event but required active management and organization, ensuring that the divine provision was handled with care until the supply ceased ([2 Kings 4:6](/2_kings/4-6 "2 Kings 4:6 - The Oil Stops When No More Vessels")).

**Does this story mean God will always multiply my physical resources if I have faith?**

Answer: While God is certainly capable of physical provision and sometimes does so miraculously, this story primarily illustrates broader principles of divine provision, obedience, and faith, rather than a formula for guaranteed material wealth. It teaches us to trust God with what little we have, to obey His specific instructions, and to be diligent in our participation. God's provision may come in various forms—spiritual, emotional, relational, or material—and is always according to His will and for His glory, not a blanket promise for endless physical multiplication in every circumstance. The core lesson is about God's faithfulness to meet our deepest needs when we respond in obedient faith, demonstrating His power and care for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miracle of the widow's oil, particularly the instructions in [2 Kings 4:4](/2_kings/4-4 "2 Kings 4:4 - Elisha's Instruction to the Widow"), finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Just as Elisha was the conduit for God's miraculous provision, Jesus is the ultimate source and embodiment of divine abundance. The oil, a symbol of anointing and blessing, foreshadows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which Christ promised and delivered to His disciples ([Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - The Holy Spirit Poured Out")). Jesus, like the oil that never ran dry until the vessels ceased, offers an inexhaustible supply of living water ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")) and the bread of life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), satisfying our deepest spiritual hunger and thirst. His ministry was replete with miraculous provisions, such as the feeding of the five thousand from a few loaves and fish ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), demonstrating His power to multiply meager resources to meet overwhelming needs. The widow's obedience to "shut the door" and pour out in privacy points to Christ's teaching on private prayer and seeking God in secret ([Matthew 6:6](/matthew/6-6 "Matthew 6:6 - Pray in Secret")), emphasizing the intimate and personal nature of our relationship with the Father through Him. Ultimately, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the ultimate, inexhaustible provision for our greatest debt—sin—through His perfect obedience and sacrifice ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")), making us heirs to an eternal inheritance far greater than any earthly oil.

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

Mark 8:5

And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.

Mark 8:9

And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

Matthew 6:6

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

John 2:7

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

John 2:9

When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

2 Kings 4:32

And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, [and] laid upon his bed.

2 Kings 4:33

He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.