2 Kings 4:8-17 | The Way of Scripture

2 Kings 4:8-17

What distinguishes the Shunammite woman’s hospitality from a bargain?

Berean Standard Bible

8 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. 9 Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. 10 Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.” 11 One day Elisha came to visit and went to his upper room to lie down. 12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call the Shunammite woman.” And when he had called her, she stood before him, 13 and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied. 14 So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” “Well, she has no son,” Gehazi replied, “and her husband is old.” 15 “Call her,” said Elisha. So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway. 16 And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” 17 But the woman did conceive, and at that time the next year she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.

What is the context?

A well-to-do woman at Shunem regularly welcomes Elisha to eat. Recognizing him as a holy man of God, she and her husband prepare a room with a bed, table, chair, and lamp for his visits.

Elisha asks how he can help her, including whether she wants him to speak to the king or commander on her behalf. She replies that she lives among her own people. Gehazi then points out that she has no son and her husband is old.

Elisha promises that she will hold a son at that time the next year. She fears being misled, but the promise is fulfilled. Her earlier welcome is not described as a payment she offered in order to obtain a child.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley reads her hospitality as regard for Elisha’s service to God and her reply as contentment with her place among her people. The gift of a son follows without her having demanded political advancement or negotiated a reward.

Where does this fit in God's plan?

Matthew 10:40–42 connects receiving Jesus’ messengers with receiving Him and speaks of a reward for welcoming a prophet as a prophet. The Shunammite’s welcome is a fitting earlier parallel. Jesus’ teaching does not turn this particular gift of a child into a fertility guarantee for everyone who provides hospitality.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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