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2 Kings 4:16

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 4:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And 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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And 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.
2 Kings 4:16 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
17And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season, when the time came round, as Elisha had said unto her.
18And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.
19And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to his servant, Carry him to his mother.
← 2 Kings 4:152 Kings 4:17 →
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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, about this season, etc.] In the next year: according to the time of life; the usual time women go with child: thou shalt embrace a son; in thine arms, that shall be born of thee, which she should have in her lap, and in her bosom: and she said, nay, my lord, do not lie unto thine handmaid; or speak unto her what was not truth; it was so great, and so unaccountable, how it could be in her circumstances, that she could not believe it to be true, though she wished it might; or do not deceive me with vain and false words, or flatter me, jest with me, which would be unbecoming his character as a man of God, and prophet of the Lord; according to the Targum, she wished it might prove…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Do not lie - Compare a similar incredulity in Genesis 17:17; Genesis 18:12; Luke 1:20. The expression, “do not lie,” which is harsh to us, accords with the plain, straightforward simplicity of ancient speech. It would not mean more than “deceive” (compare the marginal reference). 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
“Do not lie - Do not delude me with vain hopes. She could not believe it for joy. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 4:17”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“About this: Gen 17:21, Gen 18:10, Gen 18:14 season: Heb. set time thou shalt: Gen 17:16, Gen 17:17; Luk 1:13, Luk 1:30, Luk 1:31 my lord: Kg2 2:19 do not lie: Kg2 4:28, Kg2 5:10, Kg2 5:11; Gen 18:12-15; Kg1 17:18, Kg1 18:9; Psa 116:11; Luk 1:18-20 4 Kings (2 Kings) 4:17”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Kings 4 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification