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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 4:38 When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, he said to his attendant, "Put on the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/4-38.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/12_2Ki_04_38.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 4:38 - Elisha Purifies the Poisonous Stew" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. 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While the company of the prophets was meeting with him, he said to his servant, &#8220Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these prophets.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_kings/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Elisha now returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. One day as the group of prophets was seated before him, he said to his servant, “Put a large pot on the fire, and make some stew for the rest of the group.” <a href="/esv/2_kings/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Elisha came again to Gilgal when there was a famine in the land. And as the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, “Set on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” <a href="/bsb/2_kings/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, he said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets.” <a href="/kjv/2_kings/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/4.htm">New King James Version</a> And Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. Now the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting in front of him, he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” <a href="/nasb/2_kings/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, &#8220Put on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” <a href="/lsb/2_kings/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his young man, “Put on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” <a href="/amp/2_kings/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Elisha came back to Gilgal during a famine in the land. The sons of the prophets were sitting before him, and he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and cook stew for the sons of the prophets.” <a href="/csb/2_kings/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. The sons of the prophets were sitting before him. He said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and make stew for the sons of the prophets.” <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. The sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet. He said to his attendant, &#8220Put on the large pot and make stew for the sons of the prophets.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_kings/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Elisha came again to Gilgal. And there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets. <a href="/cev/2_kings/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Later, Elisha went back to Gilgal, where there was almost nothing to eat, because the crops had failed. One day while the prophets who lived there were meeting with Elisha, he said to his servant, "Prepare a big pot of stew for these prophets." <a href="/erv/2_kings/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When Elisha went back to Gilgal, there was a famine in the country. [One day,] while the disciples of the prophets were meeting with him, he told his servant, "Put a large pot on the fire, and cook some stew for the disciples of the prophets." <a href="/gnt/2_kings/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Once, when there was a famine throughout the land, Elisha returned to Gilgal. While he was teaching a group of prophets, he told his servant to put a big pot on the fire and make some stew for them. <a href="/isv/2_kings/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Elisha returned to Gilgal during a time of famine in the land. While the Guild of Prophets were having a meal with him, he instructed his attendant, "Put a large pot on the fire and boil some stew for the Guild of Prophets." <a href="/msb/2_kings/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, he said to his attendant, ?Put on the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets.? <a href="/net/2_kings/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Now Elisha went back to Gilgal, while there was famine in the land. Some of the prophets were visiting him and he told his servant, "Put the big pot on the fire and boil some stew for the prophets." <a href="/nheb/2_kings/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Elisha came again to Gilgal. There was a famine in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, "Set on the great pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets." <a href="/wbt/2_kings/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Elisha came again to Gilgal. And there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said to his servant, Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets. <a href="/web/2_kings/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Elisha came again to Gilgal. There was a famine in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, “Get the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Elisha has turned back to Gilgal, and the famine [is] in the land, and the sons of the prophets are sitting before him, and he says to his young man, “Set on the great pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” <a href="/ylt/2_kings/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Elisha hath turned back to Gilgal, and the famine is in the land, and the sons of the prophets are sitting before him, and he saith to his young man, 'Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets.' <a href="/slt/2_kings/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Elisha turned back to Gilgal. And the famine in the land; and the sons of the prophets sitting before him: and he will say to his boy, Place the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Eliseus returned to Galgal, and there was a famine in the land, and the sons of the prophets dwelt before him. And he said to one of his servants: Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Elisha returned to Gilgal. Now there was a famine in the land, and the sons of the prophets were living in his sight. And he said to one of his servants, “Set out a large cooking pot, and boil a soup for the sons of the prophets.” <a href="/nabre/2_kings/4.htm">New American Bible</a> When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. Once, when the guild prophets were seated before him, he said to his servant, “Put the large pot on, and make some vegetable stew for the guild prophets.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the company of prophets was sitting before him, he said to his servant, “Put the large pot on, and make some stew for the company of prophets.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Elisha returned to Gilgal; and there was a famine in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his disciple, Set on the great pot, and cook pottage for the sons of the prophets. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Elisha returned to Galgala, and famine was in the land, and the sons of the Prophets were dwelling before him. And he said to his disciple: “Cook a great pot and boil stew for the sons of the Prophets.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Elisha came again to Gilgal; and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said unto his servant: 'Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.' <a href="/sep/2_kings/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Elisaie returned to Galgala: and a famine was in the land; and the sons of the prophets sat before him: and Elisaie said to his servant, Set on the great pot, and boil pottage for the sons of the prophets. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/4-38.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=1328" 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">Elisha Purifies the Poisonous Stew</a> 38<a href="/hebrew/477.htm" title="477: we·’ĕ·lî·šā‘ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- God is salvation, a well-known Isr. prophet. Contracted for Eliyshuwa'. Elisha, the famous prophet.">When Elisha</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: šāḇ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">returned</a> <a href="/hebrew/1537.htm" title="1537: hag·gil·gā·lāh (Art:: N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- Circle (of stones), the name of several places in Pal. The same as gilgal; Gilgal, the name of three places in Palestine.">to Gilgal,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7458.htm" title="7458: wə·hā·rā·‘āḇ (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- Famine, hunger. From ra'eb; hunger.">there was a famine</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bā·’ā·reṣ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">in the land.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇə·nê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">As the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: han·nə·ḇî·’îm (Art:: N-mp) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">of the prophets</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šə·ḇîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">were sitting</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">at his feet,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he said</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: lə·na·‘ă·rōw (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">to his attendant,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8239.htm" title="8239: šə·p̄ōṯ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To set (on the fire). A primitive root; to locate, i.e. hang on or establish, reduce.">“Put on</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: hag·gə·ḏō·w·lāh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">the large</a> <a href="/hebrew/5518.htm" title="5518: has·sîr (Art:: N-cs) -- Or ciyrah; or cirah; from a primitive root meaning to boil up; a pot; also a thorn; by implication, a hook.">pot</a> <a href="/hebrew/1310.htm" title="1310: ū·ḇaš·šêl (Conj-w:: V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To boil, seethe, grow ripe. A primitive root; properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen.">and boil</a> <a href="/hebrew/5138.htm" title="5138: nā·zîḏ (N-ms) -- Something sodden or boiled, pottage. From zuwd; something boiled, i.e. Soup.">some stew</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">for the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: han·nə·ḇî·’îm (Art:: N-mp) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">of the prophets.”</a> 39One of them went out to the field to gather herbs, and he found a wild vine from which he gathered as many wild gourds as his garment could hold. Then he came back and cut them up into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were.…<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="/2_kings/2-19.htm">2 Kings 2:19-22</a> Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please note, our lord, that the city’s location is good, as you can see. But the water is bad and the land is unfruitful.” / “Bring me a new bowl,” he replied, “and put some salt in it.” So they brought it to him, / and Elisha went out to the spring, cast the salt into it, and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness.’” ... <a href="/2_kings/6-1.htm">2 Kings 6:1-7</a> Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please take note that the place where we meet with you is too small for us. / Please let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a log so we can build ourselves a place to live there.” “Go,” said Elisha. / Then one of them said, “Please come with your servants.” “I will come,” he replied. ... <a href="/1_kings/17-8.htm">1 Kings 17:8-16</a> Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: / “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.” ... <a href="/exodus/15-23.htm">Exodus 15:23-25</a> And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.) / So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” / And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them, <a href="/exodus/16-4.htm">Exodus 16:4-5</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions. / Then on the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days.” <a href="/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4-9</a> Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat? / We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. / But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!” ... <a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">1 Samuel 9:6-8</a> “Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” / “If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.” <a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21-24</a> Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. / Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. / Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. ... <a href="/matthew/14-15.htm">Matthew 14:15-21</a> When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” / “They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.” / “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. ... <a href="/matthew/15-32.htm">Matthew 15:32-38</a> Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.” / The disciples replied, “Where in this desolate place could we find enough bread to feed such a large crowd?” / “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” ... <a href="/mark/6-35.htm">Mark 6:35-44</a> By now the hour was already late. So the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. / Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” / But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked Him, “Should we go out and spend two hundred denarii to give all of them bread to eat?” ... <a href="/mark/8-1.htm">Mark 8:1-9</a> In those days the crowd once again became very large, and they had nothing to eat. Jesus called the disciples to Him and said, / “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. / If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a great distance.” ... <a href="/luke/9-12.htm">Luke 9:12-17</a> As the day neared its end, the Twelve came to Jesus and said, “Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside for lodging and provisions. For we are in a desolate place here.” / But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.” / (There were about five thousand men.) He told His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” ... <a href="/john/6-5.htm">John 6:5-13</a> When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” / But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do. / Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece.” ... <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42-47</a> They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. / A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. / All the believers were together and had everything in common. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said to his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.Elisha<a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm">2 Kings 2:1</a> And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.<a href="/1_samuel/7-16.htm">1 Samuel 7:16,17</a> And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places… <a href="/acts/10-38.htm">Acts 10:38</a> How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.a dearth<a href="/2_kings/8-1.htm">2 Kings 8:1</a> Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.<a href="/leviticus/26-26.htm">Leviticus 26:26</a> And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.<a href="/deuteronomy/28-22.htm">Deuteronomy 28:22-24,38-40</a> The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish… the sons<a href="/2_kings/2-3.htm">2 Kings 2:3</a> And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.<a href="/1_samuel/19-20.htm">1 Samuel 19:20</a> And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.were sitting<a href="/proverbs/8-34.htm">Proverbs 8:34</a> Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.<a href="/luke/2-46.htm">Luke 2:46</a> And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.<a href="/luke/8-35.htm">Luke 8:35,38</a> Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid… Set on the great pot<a href="/mark/6-37.htm">Mark 6:37</a> He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?<a href="/mark/8-2.htm">Mark 8:2-6</a> I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: … <a href="/luke/9-13.htm">Luke 9:13</a> But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/28-35.htm">Boil</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-15.htm">Company</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-24.htm">Cook</a> <a href="/genesis/41-54.htm">Dearth</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-36.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-2.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-11.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm">Gilgal</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-3.htm">Large</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-26.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-2.htm">Pot</a> <a href="/genesis/25-34.htm">Pottage</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-24.htm">Region</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-19.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-21.htm">Seethe</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-25.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-9.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/judges/6-20.htm">Soup</a> <a href="/genesis/25-34.htm">Stew</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-35.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/6-29.htm">Boil</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm">Company</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-13.htm">Cook</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-28.htm">Dearth</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-41.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-25.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-17.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-41.htm">Food</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-29.htm">Gilgal</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-1.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-8.htm">Large</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-8.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-39.htm">Pot</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-39.htm">Pottage</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-22.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-33.htm">Region</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-3.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-5.htm">Seethe</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-43.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-32.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-40.htm">Soup</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-39.htm">Stew</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-12.htm">Turned</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When Elisha returned to Gilgal Gilgal was a significant location in Israel's history, first mentioned in <a href="/joshua/4-19.htm">Joshua 4:19-20</a> as the place where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River. It served as a base for their initial conquest of Canaan. Elisha's return to Gilgal signifies a return to a place of spiritual heritage and renewal. This location is also associated with prophetic activity, as seen in <a href="/2_kings/2.htm">2 Kings 2:1</a>, where Elijah and Elisha traveled from Gilgal before Elijah's ascension.there was a famine in the land Famines were not uncommon in the ancient Near East and often served as a divine instrument for judgment or testing. In the context of Israel, famines were sometimes a result of the nation's disobedience to God, as outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/28-23.htm">Deuteronomy 28:23-24</a>. This particular famine sets the stage for a demonstration of God's provision through Elisha, reminiscent of the miracles performed by Elijah during a previous famine (1 Kings 17).As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet The "sons of the prophets" refers to a group of prophetic disciples or a school of prophets. These groups were communities dedicated to learning and practicing the prophetic ministry. Sitting at Elisha's feet indicates a position of learning and submission, similar to the relationship between a rabbi and his disciples, as seen in <a href="/luke/10-39.htm">Luke 10:39</a> with Mary sitting at Jesus' feet.he said to his attendant Elisha's attendant, likely Gehazi, played a significant role in assisting the prophet, similar to the role of Joshua to Moses. This relationship highlights the importance of mentorship and service in the prophetic ministry. Gehazi's later actions in <a href="/2_kings/5-20.htm">2 Kings 5:20-27</a> serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and disobedience.Put on the large pot and boil some stew The large pot signifies a communal meal, reflecting the communal nature of the prophetic community. The act of boiling stew is a practical response to the famine, demonstrating Elisha's role not only as a spiritual leader but also as a provider for the physical needs of his followers. This mirrors the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16) and foreshadows Jesus' feeding of the multitudes (<a href="/matthew/14-13.htm">Matthew 14:13-21</a>).for the sons of the prophets This phrase underscores the communal and supportive environment within the prophetic community. The provision of food during a famine is a testament to God's care for His people and His ability to provide in times of need. It also highlights the role of the prophetic community in sustaining spiritual and physical life, akin to the early Christian community in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-47</a>, where believers shared everything in common.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/elisha.htm">Elisha</a> A prophet and successor of Elijah, known for performing miracles and guiding the people of Israel. 2. <a href="/topical/g/gilgal.htm">Gilgal</a> A location in Israel, significant in biblical history as a place of worship and prophetic activity. 3. <a href="/topical/f/famine.htm">Famine</a> A severe shortage of food affecting the land, often seen as a time of testing and reliance on God's provision. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sons_of_the_prophets.htm">Sons of the Prophets</a> A group of prophetic disciples or followers who were under the mentorship of prophets like Elisha. 5. <a href="/topical/e/elisha's_servant.htm">Elisha's Servant</a> An unnamed assistant to Elisha, tasked with preparing food for the group.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_in_times_of_need.htm">God's Provision in Times of Need</a> Just as God provided for the sons of the prophets during the famine, He is faithful to provide for us in our times of need. We are called to trust in His provision and care. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faithful_servants.htm">The Role of Faithful Servants</a> Elisha's servant played a crucial role in preparing the meal. This reminds us that God often uses ordinary people to accomplish His purposes. We should be willing to serve in whatever capacity God calls us. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_fellowship.htm">Community and Fellowship</a> The sons of the prophets gathered together during a time of crisis, emphasizing the importance of community and fellowship among believers. In difficult times, we should seek support and encouragement from our faith community. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_instructions.htm">Obedience to God's Instructions</a> Elisha's directive to prepare the stew was followed without question. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God's instructions, even when the outcome is uncertain. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_nourishment.htm">Spiritual Nourishment</a> Just as physical food was necessary for the sons of the prophets, spiritual nourishment through God's Word is essential for our spiritual well-being. We should prioritize feeding on Scripture regularly.<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>(38-44) Elisha among the sons of the prophets at Gilgal during the famine.(38) And Elisha came again.--Now Elisha had returned, commencing a new narrative. The word "return" refers to the prophet's annual visit. (Comp. <a href="/2_kings/4-25.htm" title="So she went and came to the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite:">2Kings 4:25</a>, and <a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm" title="And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.">2Kings 2:1</a>, Notes.) The story is not put in chronological sequence with the foregoing.And there was a dearth.--And the famine was.The sons of the prophets were sitting before him.--As disciples before a master; probably in a common hall, which served for lecture, work, and dining-room. (Comp. <a href="/2_kings/6-1.htm" title="And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with you is too strait for us.">2Kings 6:1</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/8-1.htm" title="And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in my house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there on me.">Ezekiel 8:1</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/14-1.htm" title="Then came certain of the elders of Israel to me, and sat before me.">Ezekiel 14:1</a>; <a href="/acts/22-3.htm" title="I am truly a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as you all are this day.">Acts 22:3</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 38-41. - 3. The healing of the unwholesome pottage. Verse 38. - And Elisha came again to Gilgal; i.e. revisited Gilgal, where he had been previously with his master (<a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm">2 Kings 2:1</a>), either casually, or perhaps on one of his regular circuits (Keil) to visit the schools of the prophets. And there was a dearth in the land - probably the dearth again mentioned in <a href="/2_kings/8-1.htm">2 Kings 8:1</a> - and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him. Some translate "the sons of the prophets dwelt with him" (Vulgate, Luther, Bishop Hersley); but our version is probably correct. The LXX. give ἀκάθηντο; and <a href="/ezekiel/8-1.htm">Ezekiel 8:1</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/16-1.htm">Ezekiel 16:1</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31</a>; with <a href="/zechariah/3-8.htm">Zechariah 3:8</a>, show that ישׁבים לפני may have the meaning of "sitting in the presence of a person." And he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot - i.e. the one great pot that there would be in the house - and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets. Even in a famine there would be some vegetables produced on which life might be sustained. <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/4-38.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When Elisha וֶאֱלִישָׁ֞ע (we·’ĕ·lî·šā‘) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_477.htm">Strong's 477: </a> Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet returned שָׁ֤ב (šāḇ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to Gilgal, הַגִּלְגָּ֙לָה֙ (hag·gil·gā·lāh) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> Gilgal -- 'circle (of stones)', the name of several places in Palestine there was a famine וְהָרָעָ֣ב (wə·hā·rā·‘āḇ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7458.htm">Strong's 7458: </a> Famine, hunger in the land. בָּאָ֔רֶץ (bā·’ā·reṣ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land As the sons וּבְנֵי֙ (ū·ḇə·nê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of the prophets הַנְּבִיאִ֔ים (han·nə·ḇî·’îm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> A spokesman, speaker, prophet were sitting יֹשְׁבִ֖ים (yō·šə·ḇîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry at his feet, לְפָנָ֑יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face he said וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to his attendant, לְנַעֲר֗וֹ (lə·na·‘ă·rōw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> A boy, lad, youth, retainer “Put on שְׁפֹת֙ (šə·p̄ōṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8239.htm">Strong's 8239: </a> Put -- to set (on the fire) the large הַגְּדוֹלָ֔ה (hag·gə·ḏō·w·lāh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent pot הַסִּ֣יר (has·sîr) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5518.htm">Strong's 5518: </a> A pot, a thorn, a hook and boil וּבַשֵּׁ֥ל (ū·ḇaš·šêl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1310.htm">Strong's 1310: </a> To boil up, cooking, to ripen some stew נָזִ֖יד (nā·zîḏ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5138.htm">Strong's 5138: </a> Something sodden or boiled, pottage for the sons לִבְנֵ֥י (liḇ·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of the prophets.” הַנְּבִיאִֽים׃ (han·nə·ḇî·’îm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> A spokesman, speaker, prophet <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/4-38.htm">2 Kings 4:38 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/4-38.htm">2 Kings 4:38 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/4-38.htm">2 Kings 4:38 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/4-38.htm">2 Kings 4:38 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/4-38.htm">2 Kings 4:38 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/4-38.htm">2 Kings 4:38 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/4-38.htm">2 Kings 4:38 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/4-38.htm">2 Kings 4:38 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/4-38.htm">2 Kings 4:38 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/4-38.htm">2 Kings 4:38 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-38.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 4:38 Elisha came again to Gilgal (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/4-37.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 4:37"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 4:37" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/4-39.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 4:39"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 4:39" /></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>