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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Kings 4:8 One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/4-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/12_2Ki_04_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 4:8 - The Shunammite Woman" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. 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And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. <a href="/nlt/2_kings/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she urged him to come to her home for a meal. After that, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for something to eat. <a href="/esv/2_kings/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. <a href="/bsb/2_kings/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. <a href="/kjv/2_kings/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food. <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now a day came when Elisha went over to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman, and she urged him to eat food. And so it was, as often as he passed by, that he turned in there to eat food. <a href="/nasb/2_kings/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now there came a day when Elisha passed over to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman, and she persuaded him to eat food. And so it was, as often as he passed by, he turned in there to eat food. <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now there came a day when Elisha passed over to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman, and she persuaded him to eat food. And so it was, as often as he passed by, he turned in there to eat food. <a href="/lsb/2_kings/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now there came a day when Elisha passed over to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman, and she prevailed upon him to eat food. Now it happened, as often as he passed by, that he turned in there to eat food. <a href="/amp/2_kings/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now there came a day when Elisha went over to Shunem, where there was a prominent and influential woman, and she persuaded him to eat a meal. Afterward, whenever he passed by, he stopped there for a meal. <a href="/csb/2_kings/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> One day Elisha went to Shunem. A prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to eat some food. So whenever he passed by, he stopped there to eat. <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> One day Elisha went to Shunem. A prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to eat some food. So whenever he passed by, he stopped there to eat. <a href="/asv/2_kings/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. <a href="/cev/2_kings/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Once, while Elisha was in the town of Shunem, he met a rich woman who invited him to her home for dinner. After that, whenever he was in Shunem, he would have a meal there with her and her husband. <a href="/erv/2_kings/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> One day Elisha was traveling through Shunem, where a rich woman lived. She had invited him to eat [with her]. So whenever he was in the area, he stopped in to eat. <a href="/gnt/2_kings/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> One day Elisha went to Shunem, where a rich woman lived. She invited him to a meal, and from then on every time he went to Shunem he would have his meals at her house. <a href="/isv/2_kings/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Some time later, Elisha went to Shunem, where he met a prominent and wealthy woman who persuaded him to have a meal with her. As a result, whenever he was in the area, he stopped by to eat with her. <a href="/msb/2_kings/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. <a href="/net/2_kings/4.htm">NET Bible</a> One day Elisha traveled to Shunem, where a prominent woman lived. She insisted that he stop for a meal. So whenever he was passing through, he would stop in there for a meal. <a href="/nheb/2_kings/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman; and she persuaded him to eat bread. So it was, that as often as he passed by, he turned in there to eat bread. <a href="/wbt/2_kings/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a distinguished woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. <a href="/web/2_kings/4.htm">World English Bible</a> One day Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman; and she persuaded him to eat bread. So it was, that as often as he passed by, he turned in there to eat bread. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the day comes that Elisha passes over to Shunem, and there [is] a great woman, and she lays hold on him to eat bread, and it comes to pass, at the time of his passing over, he turns aside there to eat bread, <a href="/ylt/2_kings/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the day cometh that Elisha passeth over unto Shunem, and there is a great woman, and she layeth hold on him to eat bread, and it cometh to pass, at the time of his passing over, he turneth aside thither to eat bread, <a href="/slt/2_kings/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be the day, and Elisha will pass through to Shunem, and a great woman there; and she will lay hold on him to eat bread. And it will be as often as he passed by, he will turn aside there to eat bread.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And there was a day when Eliseus passed by Sunam: now there was a great woman there, who detained him to eat bread; and as he passed often that way, he turned into her house to eat bread. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now it happened that, on a certain day, Elisha passed by Shunem. And there was a great woman there, who took him to eat bread. And since he frequently passed by there, he turned aside to her house, so that he might eat bread. <a href="/nabre/2_kings/4.htm">New American Bible</a> One day Elisha came to Shunem, where there was a woman of influence, who pressed him to dine with her. Afterward, whenever he passed by, he would stop there to dine. <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> One day Elisha was passing through Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to have a meal. So whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for a meal.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it came to pass on the morrow, Elisha went and came to Shiloh, where was a wealthy woman; and she constrained him to eat food. So that whenever he passed by, he turned in there to eat food. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And it was the day after, and Elisha came, and he passed by to Shiloh, and a great woman was there and she compelled him that he would eat bread, and whenever he passed, he turned aside there to eat bread.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. <a href="/sep/2_kings/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And a day came, when Elisaie passed over to Soman, and there was a great lady there, and she constrained him to eat bread: and it came to pass as often as he went into the city, that he turned aside to eat there. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/4-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=997" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_kings/4.htm">The Shunammite Woman</a> 8<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">One day</a> <a href="/hebrew/477.htm" title="477: ’ĕ·lî·šā‘ (N-proper-ms) -- God is salvation, a well-known Isr. prophet. Contracted for Eliyshuwa'. Elisha, the famous prophet.">Elisha</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">went</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7766.htm" title="7766: šū·nêm (N-proper-fs) -- A city in Issachar. Probably from the same as Shuwniy; quietly; Shunem, a place in Pal.">Shunem,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh (Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">and a prominent</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·šāh (N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: wə·šām (Conj-w:: Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">who lived there</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: wat·ta·ḥă·zeq- (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">persuaded</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: le·’ĕ·ḵāl- (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">to have a meal.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: lā·ḥem (N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">So whenever</a> <a href="/hebrew/1767.htm" title="1767: mid·dê (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Sufficiency, enough. Of uncertain derivation; enough, used chiefly with preposition in phrases."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘ā·ḇə·rōw (V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">he would pass by,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: yā·sur (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">he would stop</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: le·’ĕ·ḵāl- (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">to eat.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: lā·ḥem (N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain."></a> 9Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_kings/17-9.htm">1 Kings 17:9-24</a> “Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” / So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” ... <a href="/luke/10-38.htm">Luke 10:38-42</a> As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. / She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. / But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” ... <a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1-8</a> Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. / And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. / “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. ... <a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a> Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. <a href="/matthew/10-40.htm">Matthew 10:40-42</a> He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. / Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. / And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.” <a href="/acts/16-14.htm">Acts 16:14-15</a> Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. / And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. <a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">1 Samuel 25:2-8</a> Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. He was a very wealthy man with a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. / His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings. / While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. ... <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a> Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality. <a href="/1_timothy/5-10.htm">1 Timothy 5:10</a> and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work. <a href="/2_samuel/6-10.htm">2 Samuel 6:10-11</a> So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. / Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and all his household. <a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a> For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ... <a href="/acts/9-36.htm">Acts 9:36-39</a> In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. / At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room. / Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to urge him, “Come to us without delay.” ... <a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">1 Kings 19:19-21</a> So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah. <a href="/philemon/1-7.htm">Philemon 1:7</a> I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. <a href="/1_peter/4-9.htm">1 Peter 4:9</a> Show hospitality to one another without complaining.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.it fell on [heb] there was<a href="/2_kings/4-11.htm">2 Kings 4:11,18</a> And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there… <a href="/2_kings/4-12.htm">2 Kings 4:12</a> And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.<a href="/joshua/19-18.htm">Joshua 19:18</a> And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,<a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4</a> And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.a great woman<a href="/2_samuel/19-32.htm">2 Samuel 19:32</a> Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.<a href="/job/1-3.htm">Job 1:3</a> His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.<a href="/job/32-9.htm">Job 32:9</a> Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.<a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Genesis 19:3</a> And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.<a href="/judges/19-20.htm">Judges 19:20</a> And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street.<a href="/proverbs/7-21.htm">Proverbs 7:21</a> With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/22-27.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">Constrained</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-22.htm">Distinguished</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-27.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-3.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-2.htm">Eli'sha</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-19.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-27.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-43.htm">High</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-12.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-2.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Layeth</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-8.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-28.htm">Oft</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-28.htm">Often</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-36.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-14.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-25.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-7.htm">Persuaded</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-19.htm">Position</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-12.htm">Prominent</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Shunem</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-6.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-14.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-20.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-3.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-2.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-17.htm">Urged</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">Wealthy</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-10.htm">Whenever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/4-42.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/esther/1-8.htm">Constrained</a> <a href="/psalms/139-14.htm">Distinguished</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-40.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-11.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-17.htm">Eli'sha</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-11.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-38.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-38.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-10.htm">High</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-16.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-32.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-24.htm">Layeth</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-41.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/12-11.htm">Oft</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-9.htm">Often</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-31.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-9.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-9.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-2.htm">Persuaded</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-26.htm">Position</a> <a href="/esther/9-4.htm">Prominent</a> <a href="/joshua/19-18.htm">Shunem</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-9.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-10.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-16.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-11.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-11.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-16.htm">Urged</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-2.htm">Wealthy</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-10.htm">Whenever</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 4</div>1. <a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">Elisha multiplies the widow's oil</a> 8. <a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">He obtains a son for the good Shunammite</a> 18. <a href="/2_kings/4-18.htm">He restores her son when dead</a> 38. <a href="/2_kings/4-38.htm">At Gilgal he heals the deadly pottage</a> 42. <a href="/2_kings/4-42.htm">He satisfies a hundred men with twenty loaves</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Shunem was a town in the territory of Issachar, located in the Jezreel Valley. This area was fertile and strategically important, often mentioned in the context of various biblical events. Shunem is also known from the story of the Shunammite woman in <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4</a>, where the Philistines camped before the battle of Gilboa. Elisha's journey to Shunem signifies his active ministry and the spread of God's word throughout Israel.and a prominent woman who lived there The woman is described as "prominent," indicating her wealth, influence, or social standing. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, women of prominence often had significant roles in their households and communities. Her prominence may also suggest her ability to provide for Elisha, reflecting the biblical theme of hospitality. This woman is later identified as the Shunammite woman, who plays a significant role in Elisha's ministry, demonstrating faith and hospitality.persuaded him to have a meal Hospitality was a crucial aspect of ancient Near Eastern culture, and sharing a meal was a sign of friendship and respect. The woman's persuasion indicates her eagerness to serve the man of God, reflecting the biblical principle of showing kindness to strangers, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a>. Her hospitality foreshadows the blessings she will receive, illustrating the principle that those who bless God's servants are themselves blessed.So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat Elisha's repeated visits to the woman's home suggest a relationship of mutual respect and trust. This regular hospitality provided Elisha with physical sustenance and a place of rest, enabling him to continue his prophetic ministry. The woman's consistent generosity is reminiscent of the widow of Zarephath's support for Elijah in <a href="/1_kings/17-8.htm">1 Kings 17:8-16</a>, highlighting the theme of God's provision through faithful individuals. This relationship also prefigures the New Testament practice of supporting itinerant ministers, as seen in 3 <a href="/john/1-5.htm">John 1:5-8</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/elisha.htm">Elisha</a> A prophet of God, successor to Elijah, known for performing miracles and being a spiritual leader in Israel. 2. <a href="/topical/s/shunem.htm">Shunem</a> A town in the territory of Issachar, located in the northern part of ancient Israel. It is significant as the home of the Shunammite woman. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_prominent_woman.htm">The Prominent Woman</a> A wealthy and influential woman from Shunem who shows hospitality to Elisha, recognizing him as a man of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_hospitality.htm">The Importance of Hospitality</a> The Shunammite woman's hospitality towards Elisha demonstrates the biblical principle of welcoming and serving others, especially those who serve God. <a href="/topical/r/recognizing_god's_servants.htm">Recognizing God's Servants</a> Her discernment in recognizing Elisha as a man of God encourages believers to be attentive to those who carry God's message and to support them. <a href="/topical/b/blessings_of_generosity.htm">Blessings of Generosity</a> The account foreshadows the blessings that come from generosity and kindness, as the Shunammite woman later receives a miraculous blessing from God through Elisha. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a> The Shunammite woman's actions reflect a faith that is active and practical, showing love and care through tangible means.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 4</a> <a href="/q/how_did_elisha_save_the_shunammite's_son.htm">How did Elisha help the Shunammite woman's son live?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_2_kings_4_miracles.htm">Where is the historical or archaeological evidence that any of these miracles in 2 Kings 4 took place? </a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_prophet's_reward.htm">What is the Prophet's Reward?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_hospitality.htm">What is the Bible's view on hospitality?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) And it fell on a day.--Rather, And it came to pass at that time. Literally, during that day, referring to the period of the miracle just related. Perhaps, too, the contrast of the poor and rich woman is intentional.Passed.--Crossed over--scil., the plain of Jezreel, which he would have to do, whether he went from Samaria, or from Carmel to Shunem, which lay on the slope of Little Hermon, about midway between the two.A great woman--i.e., of high rank, or rich (<a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm" title="And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.">1Samuel 25:2</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/19-33.htm" title="And the king said to Barzillai, Come you over with me, and I will feed you with me in Jerusalem.">2Samuel 19:33</a>). Rabbinic tradition identifies her with Abishag the Shunammite of <a href="/1_kings/1-3.htm" title="So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.">1Kings 1:3</a> (!). In that case she must have been at this time more than 200 years old.So it was.--It came to pass.Passed by.--Crossed over, as above.He turned in.--He would turn aside (frequentative). For the phrase, see <a href="/genesis/19-2.htm" title="And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and you shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, No; but we will abide in the street all night.">Genesis 19:2</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 8-37. - 2. The promise of a child to the Shunammite woman, and the restoration of the child to life. Verse 8. - And it fall on a day, that. The expression seems to be archaic. It occurs only here and in the opening chapters of the Book of Job (Job 1:6, 13; 2:1). The most literal rendering would be, and the day came when. Elisha passed to Shunem. Shunem was a village of Galilee, situated in the territory assigned to Issachar (<a href="/joshua/19-18.htm">Joshua 19:18</a>). It is reasonably identified with the modern Solam, at the south-eastern foot of the Gebel Duhy, or "Little Hermon," a "flourishing village encompassed by gardens" (Porter), and "in the midst of the finest corn-fields in the world" (Grove), on the edge of the Plain of Esdraelon. Elisha, in his progression to different parts of the northern kingdom, happened to come on one occasion to Shunem. Where was a great woman. Houbigant strangely translates, "a tan woman," maintaining that a woman would not be called "great" in the sense of "wealthy" during her husband's lifetime; but no other commentator has accepted his view. The meaning seems to be that she was a woman of substance, one well-to-do, perhaps one that had brought her husband the bulk of his wealth. And she constrained him to eat bread; i.e. she invited him in as he passed her house, and would take no denial. Compare Lot's pressing hospitality, as related in <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Genesis 19:1-3</a>. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. Elisha, it appears, had frequent occasion to pass through Shunem on his way from Carmel to visit the cities of Galilee, or versa. It became his habit, on these journeys, to eat his meals at the house of the rich Shunammite. Hence arose a kindly feeling on both sides and a close intimacy. <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/4-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>One day הַיּ֜וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day Elisha אֱלִישָׁ֣ע (’ĕ·lî·šā‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_477.htm">Strong's 477: </a> Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet went וַיַּעֲבֹ֧ר (way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Shunem, שׁוּנֵ֗ם (šū·nêm) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7766.htm">Strong's 7766: </a> Shunem -- a city in Issachar and a prominent גְדוֹלָ֔ה (ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent woman אִשָּׁ֣ה (’iš·šāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female who lived there וְשָׁם֙ (wə·šām) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither persuaded וַתַּחֲזֶק־ (wat·ta·ḥă·zeq-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer him בּ֖וֹ (bōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> to have a meal. לֶאֱכָל־ (le·’ĕ·ḵāl-) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat So whenever וַֽיְהִי֙ (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be he would pass by, עָבְר֔וֹ (‘ā·ḇə·rōw) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on he would stop יָסֻ֥ר (yā·sur) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> To turn aside there שָׁ֖מָּה (šām·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither to eat. לֶאֱכָל־ (le·’ĕ·ḵāl-) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 4:8 It fell on a day that Elisha (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/4-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 4:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 4:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/4-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 4:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 4:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>