2 Kings 4:44

KJV

So he set [it] before them, and they did eat, and left [thereof], according to the word of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

So he set {H5414} it before {H6440} them, and they did eat {H398}, and left {H3498} thereof, according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he served them, and they ate and had some left over, as ADONAI had said.

Berean Standard Bible

So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.

American Standard Version

So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse concludes the account of Elisha's miraculous feeding of one hundred men with twenty loaves of barley bread and some fresh ears of grain. It serves as the powerful confirmation of God's prophetic word spoken through Elisha, demonstrating the immediate, abundant, and precise fulfillment of divine promise. The outcome, with all men fed and leftovers remaining, underscores God's boundless capacity for provision, even in times of severe scarcity, and validates the authority of His chosen prophet.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Kings 4:44 is the climactic verse in the narrative of Elisha's miraculous feeding of one hundred men (2 Kings 4:42-44). This specific miracle is one in a series of benevolent acts performed by Elisha, showcasing God's power through him, following the healing of the Shunammite's son and the purification of the poisoned stew. Immediately preceding this verse, the servant expresses doubt about feeding so many with so little, prompting Elisha's confident declaration in [2 Kings 4:43](/2_kings/4-43 "2 Kings 4:43 - Elisha's Prophetic Word") that "Thus saith the LORD, They shall eat, and shall leave thereof." Verse 44 directly confirms this prophecy, bringing the mini-narrative to a satisfying resolution and reinforcing Elisha's prophetic credibility. The broader context of [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles of Provision and Restoration") highlights Elisha's ministry as one of practical help and divine intervention in the lives of ordinary people, often addressing issues of poverty, sickness, and famine, contrasting with the spiritual apostasy of the reigning Israelite kings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Kings occur during the divided monarchy, specifically in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was often plagued by idolatry and spiritual decline under various kings, including Jehoram, whose reign is generally associated with Elisha's ministry. This period was marked by significant social and economic hardship, including recurrent famines, which were often seen as divine judgment for the nation's unfaithfulness. The offering of "twenty loaves of barley bread and fresh ears of grain" by a man from Baal-shalisha (a region known for its agricultural produce) highlights the scarcity of food, as such a small offering was considered significant. Barley bread was a staple, often associated with the poor, making the multiplication even more remarkable. The cultural expectation would have been that such a small quantity could not possibly feed one hundred men, making the miracle a profound demonstration of God's power overriding natural limitations. Elisha's role as a prophet was crucial in a society where direct divine communication was sought, and his miracles served as powerful signs validating God's presence and activity despite the nation's spiritual state.
* **Key Themes:** The core themes embedded in [2 Kings 4:44](/2_kings/4-44 "2 Kings 4:44 - The Fulfillment of God's Word") resonate throughout the book of Kings and the prophetic literature. **Divine Provision** is paramount, illustrating God's faithful care for His people, even when human resources are utterly insufficient. This echoes earlier accounts of miraculous sustenance, such as the provision of manna in the wilderness described in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - God Provides Manna and Quail"). The verse also powerfully underscores the **Infallibility of God's Word**, as the outcome precisely matches Elisha's prophecy, emphasizing that God's declarations are certain and will come to pass. This reinforces the theme of **Prophetic Authority**, validating Elisha as a true spokesman for Yahweh, whose words carry divine weight. Finally, this miracle serves as a **Foreshadowing of Greater Provision**, particularly pointing forward to the ministry of Jesus, who would later perform similar miracles of multiplying food to feed thousands, as seen in [Matthew 14](/matthew/14 "Matthew 14 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand") and [Matthew 15](/matthew/15 "Matthew 15 - Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand"), thereby demonstrating a continuity in God's redemptive plan and His character as the ultimate provider.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"left" (Hebrew, _yāṯar'_):** This verb signifies "to remain, to be left over, to excel." In the context of 2 Kings 4:44, its use emphasizes not merely that the men were fed, but that there was a surplus. This detail is crucial, as it goes beyond simple sufficiency to demonstrate God's abundant provision, exceeding the immediate need and confirming the precise wording of Elisha's prophecy in [2 Kings 4:43](/2_kings/4-43 "2 Kings 4:43 - Elisha's Prophetic Word"), "they shall eat, and shall leave thereof." The presence of leftovers underscores the miraculous nature of the event, distinguishing it from mere rationing.
* **"according to the word of the LORD" (Hebrew, _kə·ḏə·ḇar YHWH'_):** This phrase is the theological linchpin of the verse. "Kə·ḏə·ḇar" means "according to the word of," and "YHWH" (Yahweh) is the personal covenant name of God. This expression unequivocally attributes the miracle's success and precise outcome directly to God's spoken promise. It highlights God's absolute sovereignty, His faithfulness, and the inherent power of His divine declarations. The miracle was not a result of Elisha's power, but God's, enacted precisely as He had willed and declared. This phrase serves as a divine seal of approval on the event, confirming its supernatural origin and purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So he set [it] before them":** This refers to Elisha's servant, acting on Elisha's instruction, placing the twenty loaves and fresh grain before the one hundred men. This is the act of obedience, the human step taken in faith, despite the apparent inadequacy of the provision. It signifies the initiation of the divine process, contingent on human action.
* **"and they did eat":** This simple clause confirms the consumption of the food by all one hundred men. It implies that every man present was fed, satisfying their hunger. This is the immediate and primary outcome of the miracle, addressing the dire need for sustenance during the famine.
* **"and left [thereof]":** This crucial detail signifies the abundance of the provision. Not only were all fed, but there was a surplus, a remainder. This goes beyond mere sufficiency and highlights the lavishness of God's grace and power, demonstrating that His provision is not just enough, but often overflowing. It directly fulfills the "shall leave thereof" portion of the prophecy.
* **"according to the word of the LORD":** This concluding phrase is the theological explanation for the entire event. It clarifies that the miracle unfolded precisely as God had declared through Elisha. This statement validates Elisha's prophetic authority and, more importantly, affirms the absolute reliability and power of God's spoken word. It underscores that the outcome was guaranteed because God had promised it, emphasizing divine faithfulness and omnipotence.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 4:44 employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as this miracle serves as a clear precursor to Jesus' later feedings of the multitudes, establishing a divine pattern of supernatural provision through anointed figures. The **Contrast** between the servant's initial doubt ("How shall I set this before one hundred men?") and the miraculous outcome ("they did eat, and left thereof") powerfully highlights the disparity between human limitations and divine omnipotence. The phrase "according to the word of the LORD" functions as a **Theological Marker**, explicitly attributing the miracle's success to divine decree, thereby emphasizing God's sovereignty and the infallibility of His prophetic utterances. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Symbolism** where the small amount of barley bread symbolizes human insufficiency, while its multiplication represents God's boundless resources and His ability to bring abundance from scarcity, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The miracle in 2 Kings 4:44 profoundly illustrates God's character as the ultimate Provider, demonstrating His ability to transcend natural limitations and human scarcity with abundant supply. It reinforces the theological truth that God's word is not merely a statement but a powerful, creative force that brings about what it declares. This event serves as a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and His active involvement in the lives of His people, even in times of national apostasy and hardship. It underscores the principle that true provision originates from divine decree, not human ingenuity or resources, and that obedience to God's prophetic word leads to the manifestation of His power. The leftovers signify not just sufficiency, but divine generosity, teaching that God often provides "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think."

* [Exodus 16:35](/exodus/16-35 "Exodus 16:35 - Manna in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 78:19-20](/psalm/78-19 "Psalm 78:19-20 - Doubting God's Provision")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - The Power of God's Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Kings 4:44 offers profound encouragement for believers today, inviting us to deepen our trust in God's boundless capacity to provide. In a world often marked by scarcity, anxiety, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse reminds us that our God is not limited by the size of our resources or the depth of our needs. Just as He multiplied a few loaves to feed one hundred men with leftovers, so too can He meet and exceed our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The key lies in our willingness to act in faith upon His word, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises. This passage calls us to surrender our doubts and meager offerings to God, trusting that when He speaks, His word will accomplish what it sets out to do. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate limitations and embrace the truth that with God, abundance is always possible, and His faithfulness is unwavering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "insufficient" resources or challenging circumstances in your life are you called to surrender to God's provision?**
* **How does this account of divine provision strengthen your faith in God's ability to meet your needs, even when they seem overwhelming?**
* **In what ways can you actively trust and obey "the word of the LORD" in your daily life, expecting Him to fulfill His promises?**

### FAQ
**Was this miracle unique, or are there other instances of miraculous food provision in the Bible?**

Answer: While each miracle is unique in its specific context, the Bible contains several accounts of God miraculously providing food, demonstrating His character as the ultimate sustainer. The most prominent Old Testament example is the provision of manna and quail for the Israelites in the wilderness for forty years, as detailed in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - God Provides Manna and Quail"). Similarly, Elijah, Elisha's predecessor, was miraculously fed by ravens ([1 Kings 17:6](/1_kings/17-6 "1 Kings 17:6 - Ravens Feed Elijah")) and later ensured the unfailing supply of flour and oil for the widow of Zarephath ([1 Kings 17:16](/1_kings/17-16 "1 Kings 17:16 - Widow's Jar of Flour Does Not Run Out")). These accounts, including Elisha's feeding of the hundred, establish a consistent pattern of divine intervention to meet physical needs, often in times of famine or scarcity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous feeding in 2 Kings 4:44, where a small amount of food is multiplied to feed many with leftovers, serves as a powerful Old Testament prefigurement of Christ's greater ministry of provision and spiritual sustenance. Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and the Son of God, performed similar miracles of multiplying loaves and fish to feed thousands (e.g., [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand") and [Matthew 15:32-39](/matthew/15-32 "Matthew 15:32-39 - Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand")). These New Testament accounts echo the themes of divine abundance and the infallibility of God's word, but they elevate the provision from physical bread to the spiritual bread of life. Jesus declared Himself to be the "[bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")," stating that whoever comes to Him will never hunger. Just as Elisha's miracle demonstrated God's power to sustain His people physically, Christ's miracles and His self-identification as the bread of life reveal God's ultimate provision for humanity's deepest spiritual hunger and eternal salvation. The "leftovers" in both accounts symbolize God's overflowing grace, not just meeting needs but providing abundantly beyond measure, culminating in the spiritual feast offered through Christ's atoning sacrifice and the eternal life found in Him ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Living Bread")).

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.