2 Kings 4:8

¶ And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where [was] a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And [so] it was, [that] as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

And it fell on a day {H3117}, that Elisha {H477} passed {H5674} to Shunem {H7766}, where was a great {H1419} woman {H802}; and she constrained {H2388} him to eat {H398} bread {H3899}. And so it was, that as oft {H1767} as he passed by {H5674}, he turned {H5493} in thither to eat {H398} bread {H3899}.

One day Elisha visited Shunem, and a well-to-do woman living there pressed him to stay and eat a meal. After this, whenever he came through, he stopped there for a meal.

One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat.

And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

Commentary

This verse introduces one of the most remarkable figures in the Old Testament, the Shunammite woman, and sets the stage for a series of miraculous events involving the prophet Elisha.

Context

This passage opens a significant narrative within the ministry of the prophet Elisha, the successor to Elijah. Elisha was known for his extensive travels throughout Israel, delivering God's messages and performing miracles. Shunem was a town located in the fertile Jezreel Valley, south of Mount Tabor, a common route for travelers. The verse highlights Elisha's regular journeys through this area, which brought him into contact with a prominent woman in Shunem.

Key Themes

  • Hospitality and Generosity: The immediate and consistent offering of food and shelter to a passing stranger, demonstrating a core biblical virtue.
  • Discernment and Recognition: Though not explicit in this verse, the woman's actions imply a spiritual insight into Elisha's identity as a man of God, which becomes clear in the following verse.
  • Divine Favor and Blessing: This act of kindness lays the groundwork for divine blessings, illustrating how generosity towards God's servants can lead to miraculous provision and restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a great woman" (Hebrew: ishshah gedolah) suggests more than just wealth or social standing. While she likely possessed considerable means, the term often implies a person of influence, respect, and perhaps even spiritual stature within her community. Her "greatness" is immediately demonstrated through her proactive and persistent hospitality towards Elisha, compelling him to accept her invitation.

Commentary and Significance

Verse 8 paints a picture of spontaneous and persistent hospitality. Elisha, on his regular travels, encountered this woman who not only invited him for a meal but "constrained him" – implying a strong, earnest insistence on her part. This wasn't a one-time gesture; it became a regular practice. "As oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread." This consistent welcome indicates her genuine heart and commitment to caring for the prophet. This initial act of hospitality is crucial because it establishes the relationship between Elisha and the Shunammite woman, leading to the remarkable events that unfold later in the chapter, including the miraculous birth of her son and his subsequent resurrection. Her actions exemplify the principle found in Matthew 10:41, "He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward."

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of hospitality. It encourages believers to be observant and responsive to the needs of others, especially those dedicated to God's work. The Shunammite woman's example teaches us that acts of kindness, even simple ones like offering a meal, can open doors for God to work in extraordinary ways. It also highlights the importance of discerning and supporting God's servants, understanding that such acts of service are ultimately acts of service to God Himself. We are called to practice hospitality without grumbling, as seen in Romans 12:13.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 19:18

    And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,

  • Genesis 19:3

    And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

  • Job 32:9

    Great men are not [always] wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

  • Luke 24:29

    But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

  • 2 Kings 4:11

    And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.

  • 2 Kings 4:12

    And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.

  • Job 1:3

    His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
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