2 Kings 4:6

KJV

And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, [There is] not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when the vessels {H3627} were full {H4390}, that she said {H559} unto her son {H1121}, Bring {H5066} me yet a vessel {H3627}. And he said {H559} unto her, There is not a vessel {H3627} more. And the oil {H8081} stayed {H5975}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the containers were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another container"; but he answered, "There isn't another container." Then the oil stopped flowing.

Berean Standard Bible

When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another.” But he replied, “There are no more jars.” Then the oil stopped flowing.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 4:6 captures the miraculous culmination of God's abundant provision for a destitute widow and her sons. As the final borrowed container was filled to its brim with the supernaturally multiplying oil, the divine flow ceased, not due to any depletion of God's infinite power, but solely because there were no more vessels available to receive the ongoing supply. This pivotal moment powerfully illustrates the principle that divine abundance is often limited only by our human capacity to prepare for and receive it, underscoring God's faithfulness to meet needs far beyond natural means.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic climax and conclusion of the narrative of the widow's oil, found in [2 Kings 4:1-7](/2_kings/4-1-7 "2 Kings 4:1-7 - The Widow's Oil Multiplied"). The story begins with a prophet's widow facing an insurmountable debt, leading to the imminent enslavement of her sons. In her desperation, she cries out to Elisha, the prophet. Elisha's instructions, detailed in [2 Kings 4:3-4](/2_kings/4-3-4 "2 Kings 4:3-4 - Elisha's Instructions to the Widow"), are precise and seemingly counter-intuitive: she is to borrow as many empty vessels as possible from her neighbors, then shut herself and her sons in, and pour from her single pot of oil into all the borrowed containers. The preceding verses thus set the stage for this extraordinary act of faith and divine intervention. Verse 6 signifies the moment the miracle reaches its natural limit, directly linking the continuous flow of oil to the availability of vessels, thereby bringing the miraculous provision to its awe-inspiring conclusion before Elisha instructs her to sell the oil and live off the proceeds in [2 Kings 4:7](/2_kings/4-7 "2 Kings 4:7 - Elisha's Counsel and the Widow's Deliverance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, widows occupied one of the most vulnerable positions in society. Lacking the legal and financial protection typically afforded by male family members, they were highly susceptible to poverty, debt, and even forced servitude, a practice allowed under Mosaic Law for debt repayment, though often mitigated by provisions like the Jubilee year. The creditor's claim on her sons in [2 Kings 4:1](/2_kings/4-1 "2 Kings 4:1 - The Widow's Plea to Elisha") underscores this harsh reality. Elisha, operating within the prophetic tradition of Elijah, frequently demonstrated God's power through miracles that addressed social injustices and provided for the marginalized. The act of borrowing vessels from neighbors highlights the communal interdependence prevalent in ancient life, while the instruction to "shut the door" (mentioned in [2 Kings 4:4](/2_kings/4-4 "2 Kings 4:4 - The Widow's Obedience")) suggests a private, sacred space for the divine intervention, emphasizing the deeply personal nature of God's compassionate care for the afflicted.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of the widow's oil, culminating in the cessation of the oil in [2 Kings 4:6](/2_kings/4-6 "2 Kings 4:6 - The Oil Ceases"), powerfully articulates several profound theological themes. **Divine Provision** stands paramount, showcasing God's ability to supernaturally supply needs far beyond human expectation or natural limitations. The oil, a common and essential commodity, becomes a tangible symbol of God's abundant blessing, specifically addressing a dire financial crisis. This miracle underscores that God's resources are inexhaustible, limited only by the recipient's capacity to receive. **Faith and Obedience** are equally central; the widow's willingness to follow Elisha's precise, unconventional instructions—gathering numerous empty vessels—was the indispensable catalyst for the miracle. Her active participation, rooted in trust in God's prophet, unlocked the divine flow. Finally, the theme of **Abundance Beyond Measure** is powerfully highlighted by the oil ceasing only when "there is not a vessel more." This implies that the miracle's cessation was due to the lack of containers, not the depletion of God's power, emphasizing the boundless nature of God's generosity and His desire to bless abundantly, a concept echoed in other biblical accounts of overflowing provision, such as the miraculous feeding of the multitudes in [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand") and [Matthew 15:32-39](/matthew/15-32-39 "Matthew 15:32-39 - Feeding the Four Thousand").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy_ H3627):** Derived from the root meaning "to prepare" or "to complete," _kᵉlîy_ is a broad term encompassing any apparatus, implement, utensil, or container. In this context, it specifically refers to the empty jars and pots the widow borrowed. The repeated mention of "vessels" throughout the narrative, culminating in this verse, underscores their critical role: they represent the human capacity and preparation for receiving divine blessing. The miracle's limit was not the oil, but the availability of these receptacles, highlighting the principle that God's provision often meets us at the point of our readiness and receptivity.
* **Full (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ_ H4390):** This primitive root means "to fill" or "to be full of," used in a wide range of literal and figurative applications. Here, it signifies that each vessel was completely filled to its capacity. The use of this word emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of the miraculous provision. It wasn't just a trickle, but a complete filling of every container, demonstrating the overflowing generosity of God and the effectiveness of the miracle.
* **Stayed (Hebrew, _ʻâmad_ H5975):** This primitive root means "to stand," "to stand still," or "to cease." Its application here is profoundly significant. It does not imply that the oil "ran out" or "dwindled" due to depletion, but rather that it came to an immediate, definitive, and complete halt. The cessation was abrupt and directly linked to the moment the last available vessel was filled. This powerfully conveys that the source of the oil was not exhausted; it simply had no more recipients, thereby underscoring the boundless and inexhaustible nature of the divine supply.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when the vessels were full":** This opening clause establishes the precise condition for the miracle's cessation. It signifies the successful completion of the task set by Elisha and the fulfillment of the widow's obedient preparation. Every single borrowed container, regardless of its size or shape, had been filled to its absolute capacity with the miraculously flowing oil. This moment marks the peak of the divine provision, demonstrating its sufficiency for all the prepared receptacles.
* **"that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel.":** This clause reveals the widow's continued expectation and perhaps her growing awe at the extent of the miracle. She still anticipates the flow, prompting her son for another container, indicating that the oil had been flowing continuously and abundantly. Her command reflects an ongoing act of faith, assuming the supply would continue as long as there were vessels to receive it.
* **"And he said unto her, [There is] not a vessel more.":** This is the pivotal response that immediately triggers the miracle's conclusion. The son's declaration confirms the absolute exhaustion of the prepared capacity. All available containers have been utilized, leaving no further receptacles for the oil to fill. This highlights the human limitation in receiving the divine, not a divine limitation in giving. The bracketed "There is" in the KJV emphasizes the absolute and complete lack of further containers.
* **"And the oil stayed.":** This final, concise statement is the dramatic and immediate conclusion to the miraculous flow. Immediately upon the declaration that no more vessels were available, the supernatural supply of oil ceased. The verb "stayed" (וַיַּעֲמֹד, _vayya'amod_) underscores that the oil did not diminish or run dry, but simply stopped because its purpose—to fill all available containers—had been fulfilled. This confirms the direct and powerful correlation between human preparation (the vessels) and divine supply.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [2 Kings 4:6](/2_kings/4-6 "2 Kings 4:6 - The Oil Ceases") effectively employs several impactful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is prominently featured with the repeated mention of "vessel" (כְּלִי), emphasizing the centrality of these containers to the miracle's mechanics and its eventual cessation. This repetition underscores the direct relationship between the number of vessels and the amount of oil produced, highlighting the principle that the extent of God's provision was limited only by the widow's capacity to prepare for it. The implied **Hyperbole** or **Divine Abundance** is powerfully present in the notion that the oil would have continued flowing indefinitely had there been more vessels, suggesting a boundless, inexhaustible source of divine blessing. This amplifies the limitless power and generosity of God. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is deeply at play: the oil itself symbolizes divine blessing, provision, sustenance, and perhaps even the anointing of the Holy Spirit, while the empty vessels symbolize human need, faith, and the capacity to receive. The act of filling them represents God's overflowing and compassionate response to desperate circumstances and obedient faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The miracle of the widow's oil in [2 Kings 4:6](/2_kings/4-6 "2 Kings 4:6 - The Oil Ceases") profoundly illustrates God's character as an inexhaustible provider who responds with compassion to desperate faith and obedience. It teaches a vital theological truth: God's supply is not limited by His power or resources, but often by our willingness to prepare and our capacity to receive. The oil ceased not because God ran out of oil, but because the human containers were exhausted. This principle encourages believers to expand their faith, to "make room" for God's blessings, and to bring all their needs and "empty vessels" to Him, trusting in His boundless resources. It is a powerful testament to God's compassionate intervention in the lives of the vulnerable and His desire to meet needs supernaturally, often exceeding human expectation.

* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - My Cup Overflows")
* [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the widow's oil, culminating in the stopping of the oil when no more vessels were available, offers timeless and profoundly practical lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to deeply examine our own "vessels"—our expectations, our faith, our willingness to obey, and our capacity to receive God's blessings. Are we, perhaps inadvertently, limiting God's provision in our lives by our small vision, our lack of diligent preparation, or our hesitation to step out in audacious faith? This inspiring story encourages us to boldly bring our every need to God, to "borrow" as many "empty vessels" as we can, meaning to prepare our hearts, minds, and circumstances to receive His abundant grace and provision. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's resources are infinite, and His desire to bless is boundless; the only limiting factor is often our own readiness and receptivity. We are called to cultivate a faith that anticipates overflow, not just mere sufficiency, and an obedience that actively creates ample space for divine intervention to manifest in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "empty vessels" (specific needs, areas of lack, or opportunities for growth) am I currently bringing before God, expecting His supernatural and abundant provision?**
* **In what tangible ways might I be limiting God's boundless provision in my life by a lack of expansive faith, diligent preparation, or a hesitation to obey His clear instructions?**
* **How does the powerful principle that "the oil stayed" only when there were no more vessels encourage me to intentionally expand my capacity and receptivity to receive from God's infinite storehouse?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the oil stopping precisely when there were no more vessels?**

Answer: The cessation of the oil when the last vessel was filled is profoundly significant because it highlights that the limit of the miracle was not God's power or supply, but the human capacity to receive. The oil did not dwindle or run out; it simply stopped flowing because there were no more containers to fill. This emphasizes God's boundless provision and His desire to bless abundantly. It suggests that had the widow gathered more vessels, the oil would have continued to flow, underscoring the principle that our receptivity and preparation often determine the extent of God's blessing in our lives. This mirrors other biblical accounts of God's overflowing generosity, such as the disciples gathering twelve baskets full of leftover fragments after Jesus fed the multitude in [Matthew 14:20](/matthew/14-20 "Matthew 14:20 - Leftovers from the Feeding of the Five Thousand"), demonstrating that God's provision is always more than sufficient for the need.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the miracle of the oil in [2 Kings 4:6](/2_kings/4-6 "2 Kings 4:6 - The Oil Ceases") is a powerful Old Testament demonstration of God's provision for physical needs, it finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate provider, not just of material sustenance, but of spiritual life, eternal salvation, and the very presence of God. Just as the oil miraculously filled every vessel, Christ's boundless grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are poured out without measure to those who believe, filling every "empty vessel" of human need, spiritual longing, and moral brokenness. The oil, a symbol of anointing and blessing, can be seen as a type of the Holy Spirit, which is given in abundance to believers, as Jesus promised, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the inexhaustible source of true life, offering "life more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")), a supply that never "stays" or runs out for those who come to Him in faith. His perfect sacrifice on the cross provides a boundless reservoir of forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation with God, available to all who, like the widow, bring their emptiness and faith to the divine source. He 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")), and His provision for our deepest spiritual needs is eternal, limitless, and infinitely surpasses any physical 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

Matthew 14:20

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

2 Kings 13:19

And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed [it]: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria [but] thrice.

Luke 6:19

And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all.

Joshua 5:12

And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.

2 Kings 4:43

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].

2 Kings 4:44

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

1 Kings 17:14

For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day [that] the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.