Old Testament
2 Kings 4:42
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this story, a man from Baal Shalishah brings a gift of food to Elisha, a prophet known for his connection to God.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
A man came from Baal Shalishah and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits—twenty loaves of barley and full ears of corn in their husks. Elisha said, "Give it to the people to eat."
And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this story, a man from Baal Shalishah brings a gift of food to Elisha, a prophet known for his connection to God. He offers twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of corn, which are the first harvest of the season. Elisha, recognizing the importance of sharing, instructs that the food be given to the people. This act demonstrates generosity and faith, as the food seems insufficient for the crowd. However, Elisha trusts that God will provide. Miraculously, the food is enough to feed everyone, with leftovers remaining. This event highlights the power of faith and the importance of sharing what we have, no matter how small it may seem. It reminds us that God can multiply our efforts and resources when we act with generosity and trust in Him. The story encourages us to look beyond our limitations and to believe in the abundance that can come from simple acts of kindness and sharing with others. It’s a beautiful reminder of how faith can lead to unexpected blessings in our lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 4:42 to your life
Consider how you can share what you have with others, even if it seems small. Look for opportunities to help those in need around you. Remember that your acts of kindness can have a significant impact, and trust that your efforts can lead to greater blessings for everyone involved. Embrace the spirit of generosity in your daily life!
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 4:42 mean?
2 Kings 4:42 tells the story of a man who brings food to the prophet Elisha. Elisha instructs that the food be shared with the people, demonstrating faith and generosity, as the amount seems insufficient but is miraculously enough to feed everyone.
What is the significance of the firstfruits in 2 Kings 4:42?
The firstfruits in 2 Kings 4:42 symbolize the initial harvest and gratitude to God for provision. Offering the firstfruits reflects a recognition of God's blessings and an act of faith in sharing what one has.
What miracle occurs in 2 Kings 4:42?
In 2 Kings 4:42, the miracle is that the twenty loaves of barley and ears of corn, which seem inadequate, are multiplied to feed a large crowd, with leftovers remaining. This illustrates God's ability to provide abundantly.
How does 2 Kings 4:42 relate to generosity?
2 Kings 4:42 highlights the theme of generosity as Elisha encourages sharing the food despite its seeming insufficiency. It teaches that even small acts of kindness can lead to greater blessings when shared with others.
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.
Unlock the full 2 Kings summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 2 Kings — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 25 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 2 Kings summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.