2 Kings 4:10
New International Version
Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.”

New Living Translation
Let’s build a small room for him on the roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then he will have a place to stay whenever he comes by.”

English Standard Version
Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.”

Berean Standard Bible
Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”

Berean Literal Bible
Let us make, please, a small upper room on the wall, and let us put for him there a bed, and a table, and a chair, and a lampstand. And it will be, in his coming to us, he can turn aside there.”

King James Bible
Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

New King James Version
Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there.”

New American Standard Bible
Please, let’s make a little walled upper room, and let’s set up a bed for him there, and a table, a chair, and a lampstand; then it shall be, when he comes to us, that he can turn in there.”

NASB 1995
“Please, let us make a little walled upper chamber and let us set a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; and it shall be, when he comes to us, that he can turn in there.”

NASB 1977
“Please, let us make a little walled upper chamber and let us set a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; and it shall be, when he comes to us, that he can turn in there.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Please, let us make a little walled upper chamber and let us set a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; and it will be, when he comes to us, that he can turn in there.”

Amplified Bible
Please, let us make a small, fully-walled upper room [on the housetop] and put a bed there for him, with a table, a chair, and a lampstand. Then whenever he comes to visit us, he can turn in there.”

Berean Annotated Bible
Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.

Christian Standard Bible
so let’s make a small, walled-in upper room and put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp there for him. Whenever he comes, he can stay there.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
so let’s make a small room upstairs and put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp there for him. Whenever he comes, he can stay there.”

American Standard Version
Let us make, I pray thee, a little chamber on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a seat, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

Contemporary English Version
Why don't we build him a small room on the flat roof of our house? We can put a bed, a table and chair, and an oil lamp in it. Then whenever he comes, he can stay with us."

English Revised Version
Let us make, I pray thee, a little chamber on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Let's make a small room on the roof and put a bed, table, chair, and lamp stand there for him. He can stay there whenever he comes to visit us."

Good News Translation
Let's build a small room on the roof, put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp in it, and he can stay there whenever he visits us."

International Standard Version
Now then, let's build a small upper room and put a bed in it for him there, along with a table, a chair, and a lamp stand. That way, when he comes to visit, he can rest there."

NET Bible
Let's make a small private upper room and furnish it with a bed, table, chair, and lamp. When he visits us, he can stay there."

New Heart English Bible
Please let us make a little room on the wall. Let us set for him there a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp stand. It shall be, when he comes to us, that he shall turn in there."

Webster's Bible Translation
Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”

World English Bible
Please, let’s make a little room on the roof. Let’s set a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp stand for him there. When he comes to us, he can stay there.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
please let us make a little upper chamber of the wall, and we set for him there a bed, and a table, and a high seat, and a lampstand; and it has been, in his coming to us, he turns aside there.”

Berean Literal Bible
Let us make, please, a small upper room on the wall, and let us put for him there a bed, and a table, and a chair, and a lampstand. And it will be, in his coming to us, he can turn aside there.”

Young's Literal Translation
let us make, I pray thee, a little upper chamber of the wall, and we set for him there a bed, and a table, and a high seat, and a candlestick; and it hath been, in his coming in unto us, he doth turn aside thither.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Now we will make a little wall chamber and put for him there a bed and a table, and a throne and a candlestick; and being in his coming to us he will turn aside there.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Let us therefore make him a little chamber, and put a little bed in it for him, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick, that when he cometh to us, he may abide there.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, let us prepare a small upper room for him, and place a bed in it for him, and a table, and a chair, and a lampstand, so that when he comes to us, he may stay there.”

New American Bible
let us arrange a little room on the roof and furnish it for him with a bed, table, chair, and lamp, so that when he comes to us he can stay there.”

New Revised Standard Version
Let us make a small roof chamber with walls, and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that he can stay there whenever he comes to us.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Let us make for him a little upper room, and let us set for him there a bed and a table and a chair and a candlestick, so that when he comes to us, he shall turn in there.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Let us prepare for him a small upper room, and we shall put a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lamp stand, and whenever he comes to us, he will turn aside there.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Let us make, I pray thee, a little chamber on the roof; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick; and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Let us now make for him an upper chamber, a small place; and let us put there for him a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall come to pass that when he comes in to us, he shall turn in thither.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Shunammite Woman
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. 10Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.” 11One day Elisha came to visit and went to his upper room to lie down.…

Cross References
Please let us make a small room upstairs

Luke 22:12
And he will show you a large upper room, already furnished. Make preparations there.”

Mark 14:15
And he will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”

1 Kings 17:19
But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed.
and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him.

Amos 6:4
You lie on beds inlaid with ivory, and lounge upon your couches. You dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall.

Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Acts 20:8
Now there were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered.
Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”

Luke 9:4
Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that area.

Matthew 10:11
Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on.

John 1:39
“Come and see,” He replied. So they went and saw where He was staying, and spent that day with Him. It was about the tenth hour.
Genesis 18:4-5
Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. / And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.”

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Matthew 10:41
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.

1 Kings 17:9-15
“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.” …

Luke 10:38-42
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!” …

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without complaining.


Treasury of Scripture

Let us make a little chamber, I pray you, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he comes to us, that he shall turn in thither.

Let us

Isaiah 32:8
But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.

Matthew 10:41,42
He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward…

Matthew 25:40
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

a little chamber.

2 Kings 3:20
And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.

1 Kings 17:19
And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.

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Able Bed Candlestick Chair Chamber High Let's Little Please Roof Room Seat Small Stand Stool Table Thither Turn Upper Wall Walled Walls Whenever
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Able Bed Candlestick Chair Chamber High Let's Little Please Roof Room Seat Small Stand Stool Table Thither Turn Upper Wall Walled Walls Whenever
2 Kings 4
1. Elisha multiplies the widow's oil
8. He obtains a son for the good Shunammite
18. He restores her son when dead
38. At Gilgal he heals the deadly pottage
42. He satisfies a hundred men with twenty loaves












Please let us make a small room upstairs
The Shunammite woman, residing in the town of Shunem, demonstrates hospitality and reverence for the prophet Elisha by suggesting the construction of a small room. This reflects the cultural importance of hospitality in ancient Israel, where providing for travelers and guests was a significant duty. The "upstairs" indicates a separate, private space, likely on the roof, which was common in ancient Near Eastern architecture. This act of kindness is reminiscent of the hospitality shown to prophets and men of God throughout the Bible, such as the widow of Zarephath's care for Elijah (1 Kings 17:9-24).

and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him.
The provision of basic furnishings—bed, table, chair, and lamp—demonstrates thoughtful care for Elisha's needs, ensuring his comfort and ability to study or write. Each item has symbolic significance: the bed for rest, the table for sustenance or study, the chair for sitting, and the lamp for light, representing spiritual illumination. This mirrors the provision of God for His servants, ensuring they have what is necessary to fulfill their mission. The lamp, in particular, can be seen as a symbol of God's Word, as in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.
The Shunammite woman's initiative ensures that Elisha has a place of refuge and rest whenever he visits. This reflects the ongoing relationship between the prophet and the family, highlighting the mutual respect and support between God's servants and His people. It also foreshadows the blessings that come from supporting God's work, as seen later in the chapter when Elisha intercedes for the woman, resulting in the miraculous birth of her son (2 Kings 4:16-17). This act of hospitality can be seen as a type of Christ's invitation to abide with Him, as He prepares a place for believers (John 14:2-3).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elisha
A prophet of God who succeeded Elijah. Known for performing miracles and being a conduit of God's power and message.

2. Shunammite Woman
A wealthy and hospitable woman from Shunem who recognized Elisha as a holy man of God and offered him hospitality.

3. Shunem
A town in the territory of Issachar, where the Shunammite woman lived. It became a place of refuge and rest for Elisha.

4. The Upper Room
A specially prepared room for Elisha, symbolizing hospitality and reverence for God's servants.

5. Hospitality Event
The act of the Shunammite woman and her husband preparing a room for Elisha, demonstrating their respect and support for his ministry.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Hospitality
The Shunammite woman's actions teach us the value of hospitality, especially towards those who serve God. It is a practical expression of love and support for God's work.

Recognizing God's Servants
The Shunammite woman discerned Elisha's role as a man of God. We should be attentive and supportive of those who are dedicated to God's service.

Preparation and Provision
The preparation of the room with essential items (bed, table, chair, lamp) signifies thoughtful provision. We should consider how we can thoughtfully support and provide for others in ministry.

Blessings of Generosity
The Shunammite woman's generosity led to blessings in her life. Generosity often opens the door to God's blessings in unexpected ways.

Creating Space for God
Just as the Shunammite woman created a physical space for Elisha, we should create space in our lives for God and His work, prioritizing spiritual growth and service.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 4:10?

2. How can we create a "small room" for God in our lives today?

3. What does the Shunammite woman's hospitality teach about serving God's servants?

4. How does 2 Kings 4:10 connect to Hebrews 13:2 on hospitality?

5. In what ways can we prioritize God's presence in our daily routines?

6. What practical steps can we take to support ministry workers in our community?

7. What is the significance of the Shunammite woman's hospitality in 2 Kings 4:10?

8. How does 2 Kings 4:10 reflect the theme of divine provision?

9. Why is the prophet Elisha's visit important in 2 Kings 4:10?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 4?

11. What is the Prophet's Reward?

12. In 2 Kings 1:4, what historical proof exists, if any, to validate Elijah's prophecy regarding Ahaziah's death and the timing of his fall?

13. In Mark 4:21-22, if Jesus teaches everything will be brought to light, why does He later tell the disciples to keep certain things secret?

14. How did Elisha help the Shunammite woman's son live?
What Does 2 Kings 4:10 Mean
Please let us make a small room upstairs

The Shunammite woman takes the initiative, showing that genuine faith looks for ways to serve (James 2:17). An “upper room” offered privacy and honor—similar to Elijah’s use of an upper chamber in 1 Kings 17:19. God often meets His people in such set-apart spaces (Acts 1:13).


and put in it a bed

A bed speaks of rest. By furnishing one, the family acknowledges the prophet’s human need for refreshment after ministry journeys (Mark 6:31). It also reflects God’s heart to give His servants rest (Psalm 127:2).


a table

A table anticipates daily provision—food, fellowship, even study of God’s word (Luke 24:30). As in Psalm 23:5, the Lord prepares a table for His own; the Shunammite becomes His instrument to do so for Elisha.


a chair

A chair provides a place to sit, pray, and teach, pointing to the respect due a messenger of God (Luke 10:39). It subtly acknowledges Elisha’s authority without exalting him beyond a servant role (2 Kings 5:8).


and a lamp

Light enables reading and meditation on the law day and night (Psalm 119:105). A lamp also symbolizes witness (Matthew 5:15). The family’s thoughtfulness ensures Elisha can commune with God after sunset.


Then when he comes to us, he can stay there

Hospitality becomes a standing invitation, not a one-time gesture (Hebrews 13:2). By making room for God’s prophet, they make room for God Himself, and blessing follows (2 Kings 4:16-17; Matthew 10:41).


summary

Every detail of 2 Kings 4:10 highlights practical, loving hospitality toward God’s servant. A modest private space, simple furnishings for rest, study, and light, and an open invitation combine to model how believers value and support those who minister the word. In caring for Elisha, the Shunammite family ministers to the Lord, displaying faith that acts and a heart God delights to reward.

(10) A little chamber . . . on the wall.--Rather, a little upper chamber ('aliy?h) with walls--i.e., a chamber on the roof of the house, walled on each side as a protection against the weather. (Comp. 1Kings 17:19.) Here the prophet would be secure from all interruption or intrusion on his privacy, and so would be likely to honour the house longer with his presence.

A bed.--The four things mentioned are the only essentials in Oriental furnishing.

A stool.--A chair of state. The same word means throne.

Candlestick.--Lamp-stand.

Verse 10. - Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall. Thenius understands "a walled chamber," which he supposes to have been "built upon the flat roof of the house;" but it is more probable that a small addition to the existing upper chamber of the house is meant - a tiny room resting partly upon the wall of the house, partly projecting beyond it, balcony fashion. Such sleeping-chambers are common in Oriental dwellings. And let us set for him there a bed, aria a table, and a stool, and a candlestick; raffler, a bed, and a table, and a chair, and a lamp - the necessary furniture of an apartment which was to be used, not only; as a sleeping-chamber, but also for retirement, for study, and perhaps for literary composition. And it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. In the intervals between his active ministrations, a prophet would naturally desire quiet retirement, security from interruption. He would need to reflect, to meditate, to pray, perhaps to write. The Shunammite's proposal shows, not only kindness, but thoughtfulness and appreciation.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Please
נָּ֤א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

let us make
נַֽעֲשֶׂה־ (na·‘ă·śeh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

a small
קְטַנָּ֔ה (qə·ṭan·nāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant

room upstairs
עֲלִיַּת־ (‘ă·lî·yaṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5944: Something lofty, a stair-way, a second-story room, the sky

and put
וְנָשִׂ֨ים (wə·nā·śîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

in it
שָׁ֛ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

a bed,
מִטָּ֥ה (miṭ·ṭāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4296: A bed, for, sleeping, eating, a sofa, litter, bier

a table,
וְשֻׁלְחָ֖ן (wə·šul·ḥān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7979: A table, a meal

a chair,
וְכִסֵּ֣א (wə·ḵis·sê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3678: Seat of honor, throne

and a lamp
וּמְנוֹרָ֑ה (ū·mə·nō·w·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4501: A chandelier

for him.
ל֥וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

Then when he comes
בְּבֹא֥וֹ (bə·ḇō·’ōw)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to us,
אֵלֵ֖ינוּ (’ê·lê·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

he can stay
יָס֥וּר (yā·sūr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

there.”
שָֽׁמָּה׃ (šām·māh)
Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither


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OT History: 2 Kings 4:10 Let us make Please a little chamber (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 4:9
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