What was the "meal" that Elisha cast into the pot, and did it have any special properties that neutralized the poison?

The "meal" (Hebrew: *qemach*) was simply flour, most likely ground from grain, a common staple food in ancient Israel. It possessed no inherent magical, medicinal, or chemical properties that could neutralize a potent poison. Its significance lies precisely in its ordinariness. Elisha's act of casting it into the pot was a symbolic gesture, an act of obedience and faith, through which God Himself performed the miracle. The power to transform the deadly stew into safe food resided not in the flour itself, but solely in the divine intervention that occurred through Elisha's action. This powerfully demonstrates that God can use the most common and unassuming elements to accomplish extraordinary feats, highlighting His omnipotence rather than the efficacy of the material. This principle is mirrored elsewhere in scripture, such as when Jesus used mud to heal a blind man (John 9:6-7) or when a piece of wood made bitter waters sweet (Exodus 15:25).

4:40 4:40

2 Kings 4:41

4:42 4:42

Bible Versions

But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast [it] into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot.

But he said {H559}, Then bring {H3947} meal {H7058}. And he cast {H7993} it into the pot {H5518}; and he said {H559}, Pour out {H3332} for the people {H5971}, that they may eat {H398}. And there was no harm {H1697}{H7451} in the pot {H5518}.

But he said, "Bring some flour." He threw it in the pot, then said, "Pour it out for the people to eat." This time there was nothing harmful in the pot.

Then Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He threw it into the pot and said, “Pour it out for the people to eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot.

But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

2 Kings 2:21

And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren [land].
Exodus 15:25

And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, [which] when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,
1 Corinthians 1:25

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Acts 28:5

And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
John 9:6

When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
2 Kings 5:10

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
2 Kings 6:6

And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast [it] in thither; and the iron did swim.

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