Old Testament
2 Kings 4:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, a woman experiences a miraculous event in her life.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
But the woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son the following year, at exactly the time Elisha had told her.
And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a woman experiences a miraculous event in her life. After expressing her deep desire for a child to the prophet Elisha, she becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son. This happens exactly as Elisha had predicted, showing the power of faith and divine promise. The timing of the birth is significant, as it aligns perfectly with Elisha's words. This moment highlights the importance of hope and belief in the face of challenges. The woman's joy is profound, as she receives a long-awaited blessing. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, what seems impossible can become a reality through faith and trust in a higher plan. The story encourages us to hold onto our dreams, even when they seem out of reach, and to recognize the potential for unexpected blessings in our lives. It illustrates how faith can lead to remarkable outcomes, transforming our circumstances in ways we might not anticipate. This narrative invites us to reflect on our own hopes and the possibilities that lie ahead. Explore related miracles.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 4:17 to your life
Consider the dreams and desires you hold in your heart. Reflect on how faith can help you pursue these aspirations, even when they seem distant. Trust that unexpected blessings can come your way, and remain open to the possibilities life offers. Embrace hope and believe in the power of your dreams to manifest in reality. Remember, timing can be everything in life’s journey, so stay patient and faithful as you wait for your blessings.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 4:17 mean?
2 Kings 4:17 describes a miraculous event where a woman, after expressing her desire for a child to the prophet Elisha, becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son exactly as Elisha had predicted. This highlights the themes of faith and divine promise.
What is the significance of the timing in 2 Kings 4:17?
The timing in 2 Kings 4:17 is significant because the woman's pregnancy and the birth of her son occur precisely as Elisha foretold. This emphasizes the reliability of God's promises and the importance of faith in receiving blessings.
What does the phrase 'according to the time of life' mean in 2 Kings 4:17?
The phrase 'according to the time of life' in 2 Kings 4:17 refers to the natural timing of a pregnancy, indicating that the woman's son was born at the expected time, fulfilling Elisha's prophecy.
How does 2 Kings 4:17 relate to the theme of miracles?
2 Kings 4:17 relates to the theme of miracles by showcasing a woman's unexpected pregnancy and childbirth as a direct result of faith and divine intervention, demonstrating that extraordinary events can occur through belief.
The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
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