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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 4:16 And Elisha declared, "At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms." "No, my lord," she said. "Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/4-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/12_2Ki_04_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 4:16 - The Shunammite Woman" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And Elisha declared, At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms. No, my lord, she said. Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_kings/4-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_kings/4-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_kings/">2 Kings</a> > <a href="/2_kings/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_kings/4-15.htm" title="2 Kings 4:15">◄</a> 2 Kings 4:16 <a href="/2_kings/4-17.htm" title="2 Kings 4:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_kings/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_kings/4.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220About this time next year,&#8221 Elisha said, &#8220you will hold a son in your arms.&#8221 &#8220No, my lord!&#8221 she objected. &#8220Please, man of God, don&#8217t mislead your servant!&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_kings/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Next year at this time you will be holding a son in your arms!” “No, my lord!” she cried. “O man of God, don’t deceive me and get my hopes up like that.” <a href="/esv/2_kings/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he said, “At this season, about this time next year, you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not lie to your servant.” <a href="/bsb/2_kings/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” <a href="/kjv/2_kings/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Then he said, “About this time next year you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord. Man of God, do not lie to your maidservant!” <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then he said, “At this season next year, you are going to embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your servant.” <a href="/nasb/2_kings/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then he said, &#8220At this season next year you will embrace a son.&#8221 And she said, &#8220No, my lord, O man of God, do not lie to your maidservant.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then he said, “At this season next year you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, O man of God, do not lie to your maidservant.” <a href="/lsb/2_kings/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then he said, “At this season next year you will embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, O man of God, do not lie to your servant-woman.” <a href="/amp/2_kings/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Elisha said, “At this season next year, you will embrace a son.” She said, “No, my lord. O man of God, do not lie to your maidservant.” <a href="/csb/2_kings/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Elisha said, “At this time next year you will have a son in your arms.” Then she said, “No, my lord. Man of God, do not lie to your servant.” <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Elisha said, &#8220At this time next year you will have a son in your arms.&#8221 Then she said, &#8220No, my lord. Man of God, do not deceive your servant.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_kings/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/2_kings/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Elisha said to her, "Next year at this time, you'll be holding your own baby son in your arms." "You're a man of God," the woman replied. "Please don't lie to me." <a href="/erv/2_kings/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 thine handmaid. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Elisha said, "At this time next spring, you will hold a baby boy in your arms." She answered, "Don't say that, sir. Don't lie to me. You're a man of God." <a href="/gnt/2_kings/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> and Elisha said to her, "By this time next year you will be holding a son in your arms." "Oh!" she exclaimed. "Please, sir, don't lie to me. You are a man of God!" <a href="/isv/2_kings/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> and he told her, "About this time next year you will be embracing a son." "No, sir! Please, as a godly man, don't mislead your servant!" <a href="/msb/2_kings/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” <a href="/net/2_kings/4.htm">NET Bible</a> He said, "About this time next year you will be holding a son." She said, "No, my master! O prophet, do not lie to your servant!" <a href="/nheb/2_kings/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He said, "At this season, when the time comes around, you will embrace a son." She said, "No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your handmaid." <a href="/wbt/2_kings/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, No, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie to thy handmaid. <a href="/web/2_kings/4.htm">World English Bible</a> He said, “At this season next year, you will embrace a son.” She said, “No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your servant.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he says, “At this season, according to the time of life, you are embracing a son”; and she says, “No, my lord, O man of God, do not lie to your maidservant.” <a href="/ylt/2_kings/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he saith, 'At this season, according to the time of life, thou art embracing a son;' and she saith, 'Nay, my lord, O man of God, do not lie unto thy maid-servant.' <a href="/slt/2_kings/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will say, At this appointment about the time thou living to embrace a son. And she will say, My lord, thou man of God, do not deceive With thy servant.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He said to her: At this time, and this same hour, if life accompany, thou shalt have a son in thy womb. But she answered: Do not, I beseech thee, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie to thy handmaid. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> he said to her, “At this time, and at this same hour, with life as a companion, you will have a son in your womb.” But she responded, “Do not, I ask you, my lord, a man of God, do not be willing to lie to your handmaid.” <a href="/nabre/2_kings/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Elisha promised, “This time next year you will be cradling a baby son.” She said, “My lord, you are a man of God; do not deceive your servant.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He said, “At this season, in due time, you shall embrace a son.” She replied, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not deceive your servant.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he said to her, About this season, you will be with child, and shall embrace a son. And she said, No, my lord, O prophet of God, do not lie to your handmaid. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he said to her: “At this time, as you live, you are embracing a son.” And she said: “No, my Lord, Prophet of God! You shall not lie to your Maidservant!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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.' <a href="/sep/2_kings/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Elisaie said to her, At this time next year, as the season is, thou shalt be alive, and embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, do not lie to thy servant. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/4-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=1082" 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> …15“Call her,” said Elisha. So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway. 16<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">And Elisha declared,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">“At this</a> <a href="/hebrew/4150.htm" title="4150: lam·mō·w·‘êḏ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Appointed time, place, or meeting. ">time</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: kā·‘êṯ (Prep-k, Art:: N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">next year,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yāh (Adj-fs) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively."></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ʾat·tī (Pro-2fs) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2263.htm" title="2263: ḥō·ḇe·qeṯ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fs) -- To clasp, embrace. A primitive root; to clasp.">will hold</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bên (N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">a son in your arms.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">“No,</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">my lord,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">she said.</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">“Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3576.htm" title="3576: tə·ḵaz·zêḇ (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To lie, be a liar. A primitive root; to lie, literally or figuratively.">lie</a> <a href="/hebrew/8198.htm" title="8198: bə·šip̄·ḥā·ṯe·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Maid, maidservant. Feminine from an unused root meaning to spread out; a female slave.">to your maidservant,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">O man</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God.”</a> 17But the woman did conceive, and at that time the next year she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.…<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="/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10-14</a> Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. / And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. / So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” ... <a href="/1_samuel/1-17.htm">1 Samuel 1:17-20</a> “Go in peace,” Eli replied, “and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him.” / “May your maidservant find favor with you,” said Hannah. Then she went on her way, and she began to eat, and her face was no longer downcast. / The next morning they got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then they returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. ... <a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Luke 1:13-20</a> But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. / He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth, / for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. ... <a href="/luke/1-30.htm">Luke 1:30-34</a> So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. / Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. / He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, ... <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17-21</a> As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist. / Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” / Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. ... <a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11</a> By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. <a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1-2</a> Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. / So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. <a href="/judges/13-3.htm">Judges 13:3-5</a> The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “It is true that you are barren and have no children; but you will conceive and give birth to a son. / Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and not to eat anything unclean. / For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall touch his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” <a href="/luke/1-57.htm">Luke 1:57</a> When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son. <a href="/luke/2-6.htm">Luke 2:6-7</a> While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. / And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. <a href="/matthew/1-20.htm">Matthew 1:20-23</a> But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. / She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” / All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ... <a href="/galatians/4-28.htm">Galatians 4:28</a> Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. <a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a> Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel. <a href="/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15-19</a> Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah. / And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.” / Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?” ... <a href="/1_samuel/2-21.htm">1 Samuel 2:21</a> So the LORD attended to Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, you shall embrace a son. And she said, No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your handmaid.About this<a href="/genesis/17-21.htm">Genesis 17:21</a> But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.<a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10,14</a> And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him… season [heb] set time <a href="/genesis/17-16.htm">Genesis 17:16,17</a> And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her… <a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Luke 1:13,30,31</a> But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John… my lord<a href="/2_kings/2-19.htm">2 Kings 2:19</a> And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.do not lie<a href="/2_kings/18-9.htm">2 Kings 18:9</a> And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.<a href="/psalms/116-11.htm">Psalm 116:11</a> I said in my haste, All men are liars.<a href="/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18-20</a> And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/20-42.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-21.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-15.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Embrace</a> <a href="/acts/20-10.htm">Embracing</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-26.htm">False.</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-2.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-2.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-2.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Mislead</a> <a href="/acts/28-19.htm">Objected</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-9.htm">Round</a> <a href="/joshua/24-7.htm">Season</a> <a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Term</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/7-17.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-37.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-17.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/job/24-8.htm">Embrace</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Embracing</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-10.htm">False.</a> <a href="/job/31-13.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-27.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-12.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/job/31-13.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-15.htm">Mislead</a> <a href="/john/12-4.htm">Objected</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-17.htm">Round</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-17.htm">Season</a> <a href="/esther/9-26.htm">Term</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-17.htm">Time</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/2_kings/4.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>And he said This phrase introduces the speaker, the prophet Elisha, who is a central figure in the narrative of 2 Kings. Elisha, as a prophet, serves as God's mouthpiece, delivering divine messages to the people of Israel. The role of a prophet in ancient Israel was crucial, as they were seen as intermediaries between God and His people. Elisha's words carry the weight of divine authority, emphasizing the importance of the message that follows.At this time next year This phrase is a prophetic declaration, indicating a specific time frame for the fulfillment of God's promise. In the Hebrew context, time is often seen as cyclical, with significant events occurring at appointed times. The specificity of "next year" underscores the certainty and imminence of God's intervention. It reflects the biblical theme of God's perfect timing, as seen in other scriptural promises and fulfillments.you will hold a son in your arms The promise of a son is significant in the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel. Sons were seen as a blessing and a means of continuing the family lineage. The Hebrew word for "son" (בֵּן, ben) carries connotations of building and continuation. This promise is particularly poignant for the Shunammite woman, who was previously childless, highlighting God's power to bring life and hope where there was none. The imagery of holding a son in one's arms conveys intimacy, fulfillment, and the tangible realization of God's promise.No, my lord The woman's response begins with a respectful address, "my lord," acknowledging Elisha's authority and position. Her initial reaction of disbelief or hesitation is understandable, given her previous barrenness. This reflects a common human response to divine promises that seem impossible or too good to be true. It also highlights the theme of faith and doubt, which runs throughout the biblical narrative.she objected The word "objected" indicates a strong emotional response, possibly rooted in past disappointments or fear of unfulfilled hopes. This moment captures the tension between human skepticism and divine assurance. It serves as a reminder of the struggle to trust in God's promises, especially when they challenge our understanding or past experiences.Do not lie to your maidservant! The plea not to be deceived reveals the depth of the woman's vulnerability and desire for truth. In the ancient Near Eastern context, truthfulness was a highly valued virtue, especially in prophetic utterances. Her use of "maidservant" signifies humility and submission, acknowledging her position before the prophet and, by extension, before God. This plea underscores the human longing for genuine, trustworthy promises and the fear of misplaced hope.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) About this season.--At this set time.According to the time of life.--Rather, at the reviving time--i.e., next spring; or, when the time revives--i.e., in the following year: a phrase occurring in <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm" title="And he said, I will certainly return to you according to the time of life; and, see, Sarah your wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.">Genesis 18:10</a>; <a href="/genesis/18-15.htm" title="Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, No; but you did laugh.">Genesis 18:15</a>. B鈥漷tcher renders, "when the year has revolved," assuming the ground meaning of the term "life" to be something joined in a circle.Thou shalt embrace.--Thou art about to embrace.Do not lie--i.e., raise no delusive hopes. (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/58-11.htm" title="And the LORD shall guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and make fat your bones: and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.">Isaiah 58:11</a>.) We can imagine the emotion with which this would be said. (Comp. the incredulity of Sarah, <a href="/context/genesis/18-12.htm" title="Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?">Genesis 18:12-13</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - And he - i.e. Elisha - said, About this season, according to the time of life - rather, when the time comes round; literally, revives; i.e. about this time next year - thou shalt embrace a son; i.e. "a son shall be born to thee, whom thou wilt embrace, as mothers are wont to do." And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. Like Sarah, the woman was incredulous; she could not believe the good tidings, and thought the prophet was only raising hopes to disappoint them. Her words, "Do not lie unto thy servant," are less harsh in the original, being merely equivalent to the "Do not deceive me" of ver. 28. <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/4-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And Elisha declared, וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (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 “At this הַזֶּה֙ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that time לַמּוֹעֵ֤ד (lam·mō·w·‘êḏ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4150.htm">Strong's 4150: </a> Appointed time, place, or meeting next year, כָּעֵ֣ת (kā·‘êṯ) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when you אַ֖תְּ (’at) Pronoun - second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you will hold חֹבֶ֣קֶת (ḥō·ḇe·qeṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2263.htm">Strong's 2263: </a> To clasp, embrace a son {in your arms}.” בֵּ֑ן (bên) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son “No, אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not my lord,” אֲדֹנִי֙ (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller she said. וַתֹּ֗אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not lie תְּכַזֵּ֖ב (tə·ḵaz·zêḇ) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3576.htm">Strong's 3576: </a> To lie, be a liar to your maidservant, בְּשִׁפְחָתֶֽךָ׃ (bə·šip̄·ḥā·ṯe·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8198.htm">Strong's 8198: </a> Maid, maidservant O man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person of God.” הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-16.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 4:16 He said At this season when (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 4:17" /></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>