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2 Kings 4:13

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 4:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.
2 Kings 4:13 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10Let us make, I pray thee, a little chamber on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a seat, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.
11And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber and lay there.
12And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.
13And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.
14And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no son, and her husband is old.
15And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.
16And he said, At this season, when the time cometh round, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thy handmaid.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he said unto him, etc.], To Gehazi, before he went to call her: say now unto her, behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; in building a chamber, and furnishing it with proper household goods, and providing food for them from time to time: what is to be done for thee? can anything be thought of by thee that will be acceptable, and in my masters power to do for thee, or thy husband? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? that her husband might be promoted to some post in the court, or in the camp; intimating, that if either of these was agreeable, Elisha would speak on his behalf, having interest in both through his services in Edom: and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“what is to be done for thee?--Wishing to testify his gratitude for the hospitable attentions of this family, he announced to her the birth of a son "about this time next year." The interest and importance of such an intelligence can only be estimated by considering that Oriental women, and Jewish in particular, connect ideas of disgrace with barrenness, and cherish a more ardent desire for children than women in any other part of the world (Gen 18:10-15).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Thou hast been careful for us - For the prophet and his servant, who must have been lodged as well as his master. I dwell among mine own people - The woman declines Elisha’s offer. She has no wrong to complain of, no quarrel with any neighbor, in respect of which she might need the help of one in power. She “dwells among her own people” - her friends, and dependents, with whom she lives peaceably. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I dwell - I live among my kindred and friends; nor have I any cause to seek relief from higher powers. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 4:14”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“thou hast: Mat 10:40-42; Luk 9:3-5; Rom 16:2, Rom 16:6; Phi 4:18, Phi 4:19; Th1 5:12, Th1 5:13; Ti2 1:16-18; Heb 6:10 to the king: Kg2 3:15-18, Kg2 8:3-6; Gen 14:24; Sa2 19:32-38 to the captain: Kg2 9:5; Sa2 19:13; Kg1 2:32 I dwell: Ti1 6:6-8; Heb 13:5 among mine: Kg2 8:1; Rut 1:1-4; Psa 37:3 4 Kings (2 Kings) 4:14”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification