What does 2 Kings 4:11 mean?
"And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there." - 2 Kings 4:11
The verse 2 Kings 4:11 from the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there."
This verse comes from the Old Testament book of 2 Kings, which is a historical account of the kings of Israel and Judah. In this particular verse, the prophet Elisha is visiting a woman in the city of Shunem, and she has prepared a room for him to stay in whenever he passes through the city.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its full meaning. The woman mentioned in this verse is a notable figure in the book of 2 Kings, as she and her husband show great hospitality and generosity to Elisha. They recognize him as a holy man of God and take care of him whenever he visits their city. In return for their kindness, Elisha prophesies that the woman will have a son, despite her previous inability to conceive. This prophecy comes true, and the woman gives birth to a son.
In this particular verse, the phrase "And it fell on a day" signifies a specific moment in time when Elisha came to visit the woman. The use of this phrase indicates a sense of ordinary time passing, leading up to a significant event. This verse serves as a transition in the narrative, as it sets the stage for what follows in the story.
The act of Elisha turning into the chamber and lying there may seem simple on the surface, but it holds deeper significance. The woman has specifically prepared a room for Elisha, demonstrating her respect and reverence for him as a prophet. Elisha's decision to rest in the chamber signifies his acceptance of the woman's hospitality and his willingness to be cared for by those who honor him.
This verse also highlights themes of hospitality, generosity, and the recognition of God's servants. The woman and her husband exhibit great hospitality and generosity by providing for Elisha's needs whenever he visits their city. They do not do this out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to honor and care for a holy man of God. In doing so, they are also showing reverence for God and His chosen servants.
Furthermore, this verse symbolizes the importance of rest and rejuvenation in the life of a servant of God. Elisha, like all humans, requires rest and a place to lay his head. By accepting the woman's invitation to stay in the chamber, Elisha demonstrates the need for physical rest and care, even for those who are dedicated to serving God.
The overall message of this verse and the surrounding narrative is one of mutual respect, care, and honor between God's servants and those who recognize and support their ministry. It illustrates the reciprocal relationship between a prophet and those who are receptive to his message and ministry. Additionally, it underscores the significance of hospitality and generosity in the life of a believer.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 4:11 from the King James Version of the Bible carries deep meaning and significance within its context. It serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting themes of hospitality, rest, and the mutual respect between God's servants and those who recognize and support their ministry. This verse encourages believers to show hospitality and generosity while also emphasizing the importance of recognizing and caring for those who serve God faithfully.
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2 Kings 4:11 - "And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there."
"And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there." - 2 Kings 4:11
2 Kings 2:11
2 Kings 2:11
2 Kings 2:11
1 Kings 4:11 - "The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife:"
2 Kings 4:4-5
2 Kings 11:4 - "¶ And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son."
2 Kings 15:11 - "And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 7:11 - "And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within."
2 Kings 2:11 – "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared."
2 Kings 11:21 - "Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign."
2 Kings 24:11 - "And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came against the city, and his servants did besiege it."
2 Kings 19:11 - "Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly: and shalt thou be delivered?"
2 Kings 10:4 - "But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?"
Joshua 11:2 - "And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,"
2 Kings 11:20 - "And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house."
"The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife:" - 1 Kings 4:11
2 Kings 11:11 - "And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple."
2 Kings 2:11-12 (11) ... behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
2 Kings 8:11 - "And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept."
2 Chronicles 16:11 - "¶ And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."
2 Kings 11:13 - "¶ And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the LORD."
2 Kings 11:16 - "And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain."
2 Kings 11:10 - "And to the captains over hundreds did the priest give king David's spears and shields, that were in the temple of the LORD."
2 Kings 22:11 - "And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes."
2 Kings 11:17 - "¶ And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people."
"And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel." - 2 Kings 15:11
2 Kings 11:19 - "And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings."
2 Kings 11:3 - "And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land."