2 Kings 4:43

KJV

And his servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred men? He said again, Give the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the LORD, They shall eat, and shall leave [thereof].

KJV (with Strong's)

And his servitor {H8334} said {H559}, What, should I set {H5414} this before {H6440} an hundred {H3967} men {H376}? He said again {H559}, Give {H5414} the people {H5971}, that they may eat {H398}: for thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, They shall eat {H398}, and shall leave {H3498} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

His servant said, "How am I to serve this to a hundred men?" But he said, "Give it to the people to eat; for ADONAI says that they will eat and have some left over."

Berean Standard Bible

But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’”

American Standard Version

And his servant said, What, should I set this before a hundred men? But he said, Give the people, that they may eat; for thus saith Jehovah, They shall eat, and shall leave thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 4:43 vividly portrays a moment of miraculous divine provision through the prophet Elisha, demonstrating God's boundless capacity to supply abundantly from seemingly insufficient resources. This verse is central to the narrative where Elisha feeds one hundred men with only twenty loaves of barley and some fresh ears of grain, serving as a powerful testament to God's supernatural power, unwavering faithfulness, and generous nature in meeting the needs of His people, even in challenging circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a series of miracles performed by Elisha, showcasing his prophetic authority and God's active presence in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The immediate preceding verses [2 Kings 4:38-42](/2_kings/4-38-42 "2 Kings 4:38-42 - Elisha Purifies the Poisoned Stew") describe Elisha's return to Gilgal, where he purifies a poisoned stew for the "sons of the prophets." This miracle of feeding the hundred men follows directly, emphasizing a consistent theme of Elisha's ministry: divine intervention in practical, life-sustaining ways. The narrative flow highlights the transition from a potentially fatal situation (the poisoned stew) to one of abundant life (the miraculous feeding), underscoring God's comprehensive care for His servants.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place in Gilgal, a historically significant site, often associated with Israel's entry into the Promised Land and early covenant renewals (e.g., [Joshua 5:9-10](/joshua/5-9-10 "Joshua 5:9-10 - Circumcision at Gilgal")). Elisha's ministry occurred in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a period marked by spiritual decline and idolatry, yet God continued to work through His prophets. The "hundred men" were likely members of the "sons of the prophets," a community of prophetic disciples or students who lived together, often in poverty, and were under the tutelage of a senior prophet like Elisha. Their sustenance would have been a significant concern. The servitor's question reflects a common human reaction to scarcity and a rational assessment of resources, contrasting sharply with the divine economy.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme is **Divine Provision**, illustrating God's limitless ability to supply for His people, transforming scarcity into superabundance. This miracle underscores that God's resources are not bound by human limitations or mathematical calculations, echoing the truth that God will [supply all needs according to His riches in glory](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs"). Another crucial theme is **Faith and Obedience**. Elisha’s command, "Give the people, that they may eat," is an act of unwavering faith in God's promise. The servitor's obedience, despite his initial skepticism, is also crucial for the miracle to unfold, demonstrating that [without faith it is impossible to please God](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - The Necessity of Faith"). Finally, the phrase "They shall eat, and shall leave [thereof]" highlights **Supernatural Abundance**, emphasizing that God's provision is not merely sufficient but generous, resulting in a surplus. This motif of overflowing provision is a recurring pattern in God's dealings, often providing more than what is strictly necessary, as seen in the [manna in the wilderness](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servitor (Hebrew, _shârath'_):** Derived from the root H8334, meaning "to attend as a menial or worshipper" or "to serve." In this context, it refers to Elisha's attendant, who serves as a practical foil to Elisha's faith. His question, born of human logic, highlights the stark contrast between limited human resources and God's boundless capacity for provision.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is H3068, the divine name "Jehovah" or "the Lord," signifying the "self-Existent or Eternal" God. The phrase "thus saith the LORD" (which includes the verb `saith` H559, `ʼâmar`) unequivocally attributes the miraculous provision to God's sovereign will and power, establishing the divine origin and certainty of the promise.
* **Leave (Hebrew, _yâthar'_):** This verb (H3498) means "to remain or be left," or causatively, "to leave, cause to abound, preserve." Its inclusion in the divine promise "They shall eat, and shall leave [thereof]" is crucial, indicating that God's provision would not merely be sufficient but would result in a surplus, demonstrating His generous and super-abundant nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred men?":** This clause immediately introduces the human perspective of doubt and disbelief. The servitor, faced with a meager supply of twenty barley loaves and fresh ears of grain, logically questions how such a small quantity could possibly feed a hundred hungry men. This highlights the stark contrast between human limitation and divine power, setting the stage for the miracle.
* **"He said again, Give the people, that they may eat:":** Elisha's response is a reiteration of his command, emphasizing the imperative of obedience despite the apparent impossibility. His words are not a suggestion but a firm directive, rooted in his prophetic authority and confidence in God's word. This command requires an act of faith from the servitor, to proceed with the distribution even when the outcome seems absurd from a human vantage point.
* **"for thus saith the LORD, They shall eat, and shall leave [thereof].":** This is the divine guarantee that underpins Elisha's command. The prophetic formula "thus saith the LORD" authenticates the promise, indicating that the outcome is not dependent on the quantity of food but on the power and will of God. The promise includes not only that they "shall eat" (sufficiency) but also that they "shall leave [thereof]" (abundance), foretelling a miraculous surplus that defies natural laws and confirms God's overflowing generosity.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to underscore its message. **Contrast** is central, pitting the servitor's human logic and skepticism against Elisha's divine faith and the miraculous outcome. This creates a dramatic tension that is resolved by God's power. There is also an element of **Irony** in the servitor's question, as his doubt inadvertently highlights the extraordinary nature of the miracle that is about to unfold, making God's power even more evident. Finally, the use of **Divine Declaration** ("thus saith the LORD") functions as a powerful rhetorical device, transforming Elisha's words from a mere instruction into an infallible prophecy, securing the certainty of the miracle and emphasizing the direct involvement of God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This miracle in 2 Kings 4:43 is a profound theological statement about God's character as a provider, echoing earlier instances of divine sustenance and foreshadowing greater acts to come. It demonstrates that God's power is not constrained by human scarcity or logical limitations; rather, He delights in manifesting His abundance through seemingly impossible circumstances. The miracle reinforces the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh, who cares for His people's most basic needs, even when they are in a state of spiritual decline. It serves as a powerful reminder that true security and provision come from trusting in God's word, not in the visible resources at hand.

* [Psalm 78:19-20](/psalms/78-19-20 "Psalm 78:19-20 - Doubting God's Provision in the Wilderness")
* [Matthew 14:19-21](/matthew/14-19-21 "Matthew 14:19-21 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")
* [John 6:11-13](/john/6-11-13 "John 6:11-13 - Jesus Feeds the Multitude and Gathers the Fragments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Kings 4:43 challenges believers to cultivate a radical trust in God's provision, even when our circumstances seem to defy logical solutions. It invites us to move beyond human calculations and embrace the divine economy, where scarcity can be transformed into abundance through faith and obedience. Just as the servitor was called to act despite his doubt, we are called to step out in faith, knowing that God's promises are sure and His resources are limitless. This passage encourages us to present our meager offerings to God, whether they be our time, talents, or material possessions, confident that He can multiply them for His purposes, often exceeding our wildest expectations and leaving a surplus. It reminds us that God's generosity is not merely about meeting needs but about demonstrating His overflowing goodness and power in our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on human logic and resources rather than trusting in God's supernatural provision?**
* **How does the servitor's initial doubt resonate with your own struggles to believe God for the impossible?**
* **What "small" things has God used in your life to accomplish "great" things, demonstrating His principle of abundance from scarcity?**
* **How might God be calling you to "give the people, that they may eat" with the limited resources you currently possess, trusting Him for the multiplication?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "sons of the prophets" mentioned in this context?**

Answer: The "sons of the prophets" were groups or communities of prophetic disciples or students who lived and studied together under the guidance of a senior prophet, such as Elisha. They were not necessarily the biological children of prophets but rather individuals dedicated to prophetic training and ministry. They often lived in simple, communal settings and were dependent on divine provision and the support of the wider community. This particular group was likely gathered at Gilgal, a significant spiritual center. Elisha's care for them, including providing food and purifying their stew ([2 Kings 4:38-41](/2_kings/4-38-41 "2 Kings 4:38-41 - Elisha Purifies the Poisoned Stew")), highlights his pastoral role and God's direct concern for those dedicated to His service.

**What is the significance of the phrase "They shall eat, and shall leave [thereof]"?**

Answer: This phrase is highly significant because it emphasizes God's generosity and the supernatural nature of His provision. It means that not only would the one hundred men be fully satisfied, but there would also be a surplus of food remaining. This goes beyond mere sufficiency to demonstrate God's abundant power and grace. It's a recurring motif in biblical miracles of provision, showing that God's blessings often exceed what is strictly necessary, providing "more than enough." This surplus serves as tangible proof of the miracle and a testament to God's overflowing goodness, reinforcing the promise given by Elisha, "for thus saith the LORD."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miracle of Elisha feeding the one hundred men with twenty loaves in 2 Kings 4:43 serves as a powerful Old Testament type, prophetically pointing to the ultimate divine provider, Jesus Christ. Just as Elisha, by God's power, transformed scarcity into abundance, Jesus, the greater Prophet, repeatedly demonstrated His divine authority and boundless compassion by feeding thousands with a few loaves and fish (e.g., [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand") and [Matthew 15:32-39](/matthew/15-32-39 "Matthew 15:32-39 - Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand")). In both instances, there was not only enough to satisfy but also a significant surplus, underscoring God's overflowing generosity. Elisha's miracle foreshadows Jesus as the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), who provides not merely physical sustenance but eternal spiritual nourishment. The "leaving thereof" points to the inexhaustible nature of Christ's provision, culminating in His sacrifice on the cross, which provides an abundant and everlasting supply of grace and salvation for all who believe, ensuring that no one who comes to Him will ever [hunger or thirst spiritually](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life").

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

Luke 9:13

But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

Matthew 14:20

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

John 6:9

There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

John 6:11

And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

John 6:13

Therefore they gathered [them] together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

Matthew 16:8

[Which] when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

Matthew 16:10

Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?