2 Kings 4:14

And he said, What then [is] to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.

And he said {H559}, What then is to be done {H6213} for her? And Gehazi {H1522} answered {H559}, Verily {H61} she hath no child {H1121}, and her husband {H376} is old {H2204}.

He said, "What, then, is to be done for her?" Geichazi answered, "There's one thing - she doesn't have a son; and her husband is old.

So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” “Well, she has no son,” Gehazi replied, “and her husband is old.”

And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no son, and her husband is old.

Commentary

2 Kings 4:14 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of the Shunammite woman, revealing a deep, unspoken desire that the prophet Elisha, through his servant Gehazi, uncovers. It sets the stage for a profound act of divine intervention and a miraculous blessing.

Context

This verse follows a period where the wealthy Shunammite woman has shown exceptional hospitality to the prophet Elisha. She and her husband built a special chamber for him, providing lodging whenever he passed through Shunem. Elisha, grateful for her kindness, wanted to repay her. He first offered to intercede for her with the king or the commander of the army, but she humbly replied that she was content living among her own people (2 Kings 4:13). This response prompts Elisha to ask Gehazi, his servant, what could then be done for her, leading to Gehazi's insightful observation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Discernment and Compassion: Elisha, as God's prophet, is moved by compassion and seeks to address a deeper need beyond material wealth or social standing. God often uses His servants to perceive and meet unspoken longings.
  • The Sorrow of Childlessness: In ancient Israelite society, childlessness was a great sorrow and often seen as a reproach (Luke 1:25). Gehazi's observation highlights this profound, unfulfilled desire in the Shunammite woman's life, especially given her husband's advanced age.
  • Preparation for a Miracle: This verse is the crucial setup for the miraculous birth of a son to the Shunammite couple (2 Kings 4:16). It demonstrates God's power to overcome natural limitations and fulfill desires that seem impossible, echoing similar miraculous births in biblical history, such as Isaac to Sarah (Genesis 18:10) or Samuel to Hannah (1 Samuel 1:27).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Verily she hath no child" uses the Hebrew word אָכֵן ('aken), which conveys certainty or truth. Gehazi isn't guessing; he states a known fact, likely observed from their interactions or common knowledge within the household. This simple but emphatic declaration underscores the reality of her barrenness and the human impossibility of her having a child, setting the stage for a divine possibility.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God is attentive to our deepest, even unspoken, needs. Just as Elisha sought to bless the Shunammite woman for her kindness, God often rewards generosity and faithfulness. It encourages us to trust that God sees our hidden sorrows and has the power to bring about miracles in areas of our lives where human solutions are exhausted. It also highlights the importance of spiritual discernment in serving others, seeking to understand and address their true needs, not just their apparent ones.

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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

  • Luke 1:7 (7 votes)

    And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were [now] well stricken in years.

  • Genesis 15:2 (7 votes)

    ¶ And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house [is] this Eliezer of Damascus?

  • Genesis 15:3 (7 votes)

    And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

  • 1 Samuel 1:8 (7 votes)

    Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? [am] not I better to thee than ten sons?

  • Genesis 18:10 (6 votes)

    And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him.

  • Genesis 18:14 (6 votes)

    Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

  • Judges 13:2 (6 votes)

    And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name [was] Manoah; and his wife [was] barren, and bare not.