2 Kings 4:40

KJV

So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O [thou] man of God, [there is] death in the pot. And they could not eat [thereof].

KJV (with Strong's)

So they poured out {H3332} for the men {H582} to eat {H398}. And it came to pass, as they were eating {H398} of the pottage {H5138}, that they cried out {H6817}, and said {H559}, O thou man {H376} of God {H430}, there is death {H4194} in the pot {H5518}. And they could {H3201} not eat {H398} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they poured it out for the men to eat; but on tasting it, they cried, "Man of God! There's death in that pot!" And they couldn't eat it.

Berean Standard Bible

And they poured it out for the men to eat, but when they tasted the stew they cried out, “There is death in the pot, O man of God!” And they could not eat it.

American Standard Version

So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[2 Kings 4:40](/2_kings/4-40 "2 Kings 4:40 - The Poisoned Pottage") records a moment of acute crisis among the "sons of the prophets" gathered with Elisha in Gilgal. Amidst a severe famine, a seemingly innocuous act of gathering wild herbs for a communal meal turns deadly when poisonous gourds are unknowingly included. The subsequent cry, "O thou man of God, there is death in the pot," encapsulates the sudden realization of imminent peril and the desperate appeal for divine intervention, highlighting the fragility of life and the immediate need for miraculous deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a series of miracles performed by Elisha, following the healing of the waters at Jericho and the judgment of the youths at Bethel, and immediately preceding the miraculous multiplication of bread for a hundred men. The narrative in [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles") emphasizes Elisha's role as God's prophet, demonstrating divine power through him in various domestic and communal settings. Specifically, [2 Kings 4:38-41](/2_kings/4-38 "2 Kings 4:38-41 - Elisha Purifies the Poisoned Pottage") forms a distinct pericope, detailing the incident of the poisoned pottage. The preceding verses ([2 Kings 4:1-7](/2_kings/4-1 "2 Kings 4:1-7 - The Widow's Oil") and [2 Kings 4:8-37](/2_kings/4-8 "2 Kings 4:8-37 - The Shunammite Woman's Son")) showcase Elisha's power over life and death, and his ability to provide sustenance, setting the stage for this particular miracle of purification. The immediate context of famine and the gathering of the "sons of the prophets" underscores their dependence on Elisha, and by extension, on God, for their very survival.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in Gilgal, a significant historical and religious site in Israel, particularly associated with Joshua and the initial entry into the Promised Land ([Joshua 5:9-10](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9-10 - Gilgal as a Camp and Place of Circumcision")). The phrase "there was a dearth in the land" ([2 Kings 4:38](/2_kings/4-38 "2 Kings 4:38 - Famine in the Land")) indicates a severe famine, a recurring problem in ancient Israel often seen as a divine judgment or a consequence of natural cycles. During such times, people would forage for wild edibles, making the collection of "wild gourds" a common, albeit risky, practice. These "wild gourds" (likely *Citrullus colocynthis* or a similar bitter, purgative plant) were known to be poisonous and could cause severe gastrointestinal distress or death. The "sons of the prophets" were a recognized community or guild of prophets, often living communally under the tutelage of a senior prophet like Elisha, dedicated to studying and serving God. Their communal meal reflects a typical practice of shared resources and fellowship among such groups.

* **Key Themes:** This narrative powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings"). Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Sustenance** in times of scarcity and danger. Despite the famine and the deadly mistake, God, through Elisha, intervenes to provide safe nourishment, echoing earlier instances of miraculous provision like the widow's oil ([2 Kings 4:1-7](/2_kings/4-1 "2 Kings 4:1-7 - The Widow's Oil")) and foreshadowing the feeding of the hundred men ([2 Kings 4:42-44](/2_kings/4-42 "2 Kings 4:42-44 - Feeding of the Hundred Men")). Secondly, it underscores the **Authority and Efficacy of God's Prophet**. The immediate cry, "O thou man of God," signifies the prophets' recognition of Elisha's unique spiritual authority and their trust in his direct connection to the Almighty. Elisha acts as God's instrument, demonstrating God's active presence and power among His people. Thirdly, the incident touches upon the theme of **Discernment and Danger**, showing how easily life-sustaining provisions can become life-threatening without careful attention or divine intervention. The "death in the pot" serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers in the world and the need for spiritual vigilance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pottage (Hebrew, _nazid'_):** This term refers to a boiled dish, typically a stew or broth, often made with vegetables, lentils, or grains. It was a common staple food in ancient Israel, especially for communal meals or during times of scarcity when more elaborate dishes were not feasible. Its presence here underscores the basic, life-sustaining nature of the meal that suddenly became a source of death. The irony of a life-giving food turning lethal heightens the drama of the moment.
* **Death (Hebrew, _mavet'_):** The direct and unambiguous declaration "death in the pot" (מות בסיר - *mavet ba-sir*) is striking. It's not merely "poison" or "sickness," but "death," emphasizing the immediate, certain, and lethal nature of the threat. This strong word choice conveys the absolute peril and the men's profound realization of their impending doom, leaving no room for doubt about the severity of the situation. It highlights the stark contrast between nourishment and demise.
* **Man of God (Hebrew, _'ish 'Elohim'_):** This title is applied to Elisha, just as it was to Elijah before him, and signifies a prophet who is specially designated and empowered by God. It implies a direct conduit for divine power and revelation. The cry "O thou man of God" is not merely an address but a desperate plea, recognizing Elisha's unique spiritual authority and their only hope for intervention in a seemingly hopeless situation. It reflects their faith in his ability to mediate God's power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So they poured out for the men to eat."**: This opening clause sets the scene of a communal meal, a seemingly ordinary act of hospitality and sustenance. It implies the completion of the cooking process and the immediate distribution of the food, building anticipation for the consumption of the pottage.
* **"And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O [thou] man of God, [there is] death in the pot."**: This is the dramatic climax of the verse. The act of eating, meant to bring nourishment, immediately triggers a desperate outcry. The collective "they cried out" indicates a widespread and immediate recognition of the danger, likely through the bitter taste or rapid physical reaction. Their direct address to Elisha as "man of God" underscores their immediate appeal to divine authority through him. The declaration "death in the pot" is a concise, vivid, and terrifying summary of their realization, expressing the lethal nature of the food with stark simplicity and urgency.
* **"And they could not eat [thereof]."**: This concluding clause reinforces the severity of the situation. It's not just a bad taste; the food is utterly inedible and life-threatening. The inability to eat signifies the complete cessation of the meal, highlighting their helplessness and the immediate halt to their consumption, preventing further harm but also leaving them without sustenance.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Kings 4:40](/2_kings/4-40 "2 Kings 4:40 - The Poisoned Pottage") effectively employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Irony** is prominent, as a meal intended for sustenance becomes a source of death, turning a basic human need into a mortal threat. This creates a powerful contrast between expectation and reality. The phrase "death in the pot" functions as a potent **symbolism**, representing not just physical poison but also the hidden dangers that can lurk in seemingly harmless or even beneficial things. It could also be seen as a form of **hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme and immediate danger, ensuring the audience understands the gravity of the situation. The sudden, collective "cried out" creates a sense of **dramatic tension** and urgency, drawing the reader into the immediate crisis. The men's direct appeal to Elisha as the "man of God" is a form of **apostrophe**, a direct address to a person, emphasizing their reliance on his spiritual authority and connection to the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The incident of the poisoned pottage in [2 Kings 4:40](/2_kings/4-40 "2 Kings 4:40 - The Poisoned Pottage") serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power over life and death, even in the most mundane circumstances. It reinforces the theme of divine provision in the face of human error and scarcity, demonstrating that God's care extends to the physical well-being of His servants. The immediate recognition of "death in the pot" and the desperate cry to the "man of God" highlight humanity's inherent vulnerability and the critical need for divine intervention when faced with overwhelming dangers. This narrative underscores the truth that true security and sustenance ultimately come from God, often mediated through His chosen instruments.

* [Exodus 15:23-25](/exodus/15-23 "Exodus 15:23-25 - The Bitter Waters of Marah")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark declaration "death in the pot" in [2 Kings 4:40](/2_kings/4-40 "2 Kings 4:40 - The Poisoned Pottage") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent metaphor for the hidden dangers and spiritual poisons that can infiltrate our lives, often disguised within things intended for good. Just as the wild gourds looked like edible herbs, so too can destructive ideologies, unhealthy relationships, or subtle temptations appear harmless or even beneficial. This narrative calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, to "taste and see" what we consume—whether it be media, information, or influences—and to recognize the potential for "death" in what appears to be nourishment. When we perceive such spiritual dangers, the response of the prophets provides a model: an immediate, desperate cry to the "man of God," which for us, is a direct appeal to God through prayer, seeking His purification and deliverance. It reminds us that our ultimate safety and sustenance come from Him, and He can transform even the most dire and poisonous situations into opportunities for His grace and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wild gourds" might I be unknowingly incorporating into my spiritual diet, and how can I cultivate greater discernment?**
* **In moments of crisis or when I perceive "death in the pot" in my life, to whom or what do I instinctively cry out?**
* **How does this story encourage my trust in God's ability to provide and purify, even when circumstances seem hopeless?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that what I consume, both physically and spiritually, aligns with life and not death?**

### FAQ

**What were the "wild gourds" mentioned in this passage?**

Answer: The "wild gourds" (Hebrew: פַּקֻּעֹת שָׂדֶה, *paqqu'ot sadeh*) were likely a type of wild cucumber or colocynth (*Citrullus colocynthis*), a plant common in the Middle East. While related to edible gourds, these particular wild varieties are extremely bitter and poisonous, causing severe gastrointestinal distress, purging, and even death if consumed in significant quantities. The servant's error was one of ignorance, mistaking them for edible herbs, highlighting the dangers of foraging without proper knowledge, especially during a famine when hunger drives people to seek any available food.

**What does "death in the pot" signify beyond physical poison?**

Answer: While literally referring to the poisonous nature of the pottage, "death in the pot" also carries significant symbolic weight. It represents any hidden danger or corrupting influence that, despite appearing innocuous or even beneficial, can lead to spiritual, moral, or physical destruction. It speaks to the insidious nature of evil that can infiltrate our lives, relationships, or communities, turning what should be life-giving into something deadly. The phrase serves as a powerful warning to exercise discernment and vigilance against subtle forms of corruption or harm.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The incident of the poisoned pottage in [2 Kings 4:40](/2_kings/4-40 "2 Kings 4:40 - The Poisoned Pottage") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, who is the true source of life and purification. Elisha's miraculous act of rendering the deadly pottage harmless with a handful of meal foreshadows Christ's power to transform that which is cursed and bring life from death. Just as the "sons of the prophets" cried out to the "man of God" for deliverance from physical death, humanity, poisoned by sin, cries out to the ultimate "Man of God," Jesus Christ, for salvation from spiritual death. He is the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who offers true sustenance, ensuring that those who partake of Him will [never hunger](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") or [thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). Unlike the poisoned pottage, the [Lord's Supper](/1_corinthians/11-23 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"), a meal that symbolizes Christ's body and blood, is the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and eternal life, purifying us from all sin and death. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus took the "death in the pot" of humanity's sin upon Himself, offering us [life abundant](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus came that they might have life") and [eternal](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God so loved the world"). He is the one who truly purifies all that is deadly, transforming it into a source of grace and redemption.

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.