Old Testament
2 Kings 4:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And he asked, "What then can be done for her?" Gehazi replied, "Indeed, she has no child, and her husband is old."
Compare translations
And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.
What 2 Kings 4:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the prophet Elisha is concerned about a woman who has shown him great kindness. He wants to help her but needs to know what her needs are. Gehazi, Elisha's servant, informs him that the woman has no children and that her husband is too old to have any. This situation highlights the woman's deep longing for a child, which was a significant source of sorrow in her life. In ancient times, having children was often seen as a blessing and a sign of favor. The mention of her husband's age adds to the gravity of her situation, suggesting that her hope for a child may be fading. Elisha's inquiry shows his compassion and willingness to assist those in need. This moment sets the stage for a miraculous intervention, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of others. It reminds us that even in our struggles, there are people who care and are willing to help us find solutions to our problems. Elisha's concern for the woman illustrates the power of empathy and support in our lives.
How to apply 2 Kings 4:14 to your life
Consider the needs of those around you. Just as Elisha sought to help the woman, look for ways to support others in their struggles. A simple act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life. Be attentive to the needs of your community and respond with compassion and action. You never know how your help might change someone's situation for the better.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Kings 4:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Kings 4:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 4:14 mean?
In this verse, Elisha expresses concern for a woman who has shown him kindness. Gehazi informs him that she is childless and her husband is too old to have children, highlighting her deep longing for a child and the gravity of her situation.
What is the significance of the woman's situation in 2 Kings 4:14?
The woman's childlessness is significant as it reflects a common societal expectation in ancient times where having children was seen as a blessing. Her husband's old age further emphasizes the urgency and despair of her situation, suggesting that her hope for a child is dwindling.
What does Gehazi's response reveal in 2 Kings 4:14?
Gehazi's response reveals the woman's deep desire for a child and the limitations imposed by her husband's age. It shows that Elisha's inquiry is met with a poignant reality, setting the stage for the miraculous help that follows.
What themes are present in 2 Kings 4:14?
Key themes in this verse include compassion, the importance of recognizing needs, and the longing for family. It illustrates how empathy can lead to miraculous interventions in people's lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.