2 Kings 4:13
New International Version
Elisha said to him, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” She replied, “I have a home among my own people.”

New Living Translation
Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tell her, ‘We appreciate the kind concern you have shown us. What can we do for you? Can we put in a good word for you to the king or to the commander of the army?’” “No,” she replied, “my family takes good care of me.”

English Standard Version
And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.”

Berean Standard Bible
and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied.

Berean Literal Bible
And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Behold, you have trembled concerning us with all this trouble. What am I to do for you? Am I indeed to speak for you to the king or to the commander of the army?’” And she answered, “In the midst of my people I am dwelling.”

King James Bible
And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

New King James Version
And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’ ” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.”

New American Standard Bible
And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Behold, you have taken trouble for us with all this care; what can I do for you? Would you like me to speak for you to the king or to the commander of the army?’” But she answered, “I live among my own people.”

NASB 1995
He said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Behold, you have been careful for us with all this care; what can I do for you? Would you be spoken for to the king or to the captain of the army?’” And she answered, “I live among my own people.”

NASB 1977
And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Behold, you have been careful for us with all this care; what can I do for you? Would you be spoken for to the king or to the captain of the army?’” And she answered, “I live among my own people.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Behold, you have been careful for us with all this care; what can I do for you? Would you be spoken for to the king or to the commander of the army?’” And she answered, “I live among my own people.”

Amplified Bible
Now he said to Gehazi, “Say to her now, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us; what can I do for you? Would you like to be mentioned to the king or to the captain of the army?’” She answered, “I live among my own people [in peace and security and need no special favors].”

Berean Annotated Bible
and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army? “I have a home among my own people, she replied.

Christian Standard Bible
Then he said to Gehazi, “Say to her, ‘Look, you’ve gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army? ’ ” She answered, “I am living among my own people.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then he said to Gehazi, “Say to her, ‘Look, you’ve gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?” She answered, “I am living among my own people.”

American Standard Version
And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

English Revised Version
And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Elisha said to Gehazi, "Ask her what we can do for her, since she has gone to a lot of trouble for us. Maybe she would like us to speak to the king or the commander of the army for her." She answered, "I'm already living among my own people."

Good News Translation
he said to Gehazi, "Ask her what I can do for her in return for all the trouble she has had in providing for our needs. Maybe she would like me to go to the king or the army commander and put in a good word for her." "I have all I need here among my own people," she answered.

International Standard Version
Elisha told him, "Ask her, 'Look how you've gone to all this trouble to care for us! What can I do for you? Do you wish to be mentioned to the king or to the head of the army?'" She replied, "I'm at home living among my own people."

NET Bible
Elisha said to Gehazi, "Tell her, 'Look, you have treated us with such great respect. What can I do for you? Can I put in a good word for you with the king or the commander of the army?'" She replied, "I'm quite secure."

New Heart English Bible
He said to him, "Say now to her, 'Look, you have cared for us with all this care. What is to be done for you? Would you like to be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the army?'" She answered, "I dwell among my own people."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said to him, Say now to her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldst thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among my own people.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied.

World English Bible
He said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Behold, you have cared for us with all this care. What is to be done for you? Would you like to be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the army?’” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he says to him, “Now say to her, Behold, you have troubled yourself concerning us with all this trouble; what can [I] do for you? Is it to speak for you to the king, or to the head of the host?” And she says, “I am dwelling in the midst of my people.”

Berean Literal Bible
And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Behold, you have trembled concerning us with all this trouble. What am I to do for you? Am I indeed to speak for you to the king or to the commander of the army?’” And she answered, “In the midst of my people I am dwelling.”

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith to him, 'Say, I pray thee, unto her, Lo, thou hast troubled thyself concerning us with all this trouble; what -- to do for thee? is it to speak for thee unto the king, or unto the head of the host?' and she saith, 'In the midst of my people I am dwelling.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say to him, Say now to her, Behold, thou didst hasten for us all this concern; what to be done for thee? is it to speak for thee to the king, or to the chief of the army? And she will say, In the midst of my people I dwell.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He said to his servant: Say to her Behold thou hast diligently served us in all things, what wilt thou have me to de for thee? hast thou any business, and wilt thou that I speak to the king, or to the general of the army? And she answered: I dwell in the midst of my own people.

Catholic Public Domain Version
he said to his servant: “Say to her: Behold, you have ministered to us attentively in all things. What do you want, that I might do for you? Do you have any business, or do you want me to speak to the king, or to the leader of the military?” And she responded, “I live in the midst of my own people.”

New American Bible
he told Gehazi, “Say to her, ‘You have troubled yourself greatly for us; what can we do for you? Can we say a good word for you to the king or to the commander of the army?’ ” She replied, “I am living among my own people.”

New Revised Standard Version
He said to him, “Say to her, Since you have taken all this trouble for us, what may be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?” She answered, “I live among my own people.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he said to her, Behold, you have shown us all this respect; what is to be done for you? Is there anything to be spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army? And she answered, I dwell among my own people quite well.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he said to her: “Behold, you have shown all this reverence toward us. What is proper to do for you? Is there something to say for you to the King, or to the Captain of the army?” And she said: “I dwell beautifully among my people.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said unto him: 'Say now unto her: Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host?' And she answered: 'I dwell among mine own people.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he said to him, Say now to her, Behold, thou hast taken all this trouble for us; what should I do for thee? Hast thou any request to make to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she said, I dwell in the midst of my people.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Shunammite Woman
12And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call the Shunammite woman.” And when he had called her, she stood before him, 13and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied. 14So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” “Well, she has no son,” Gehazi replied, “and her husband is old.”…

Cross References
Elisha said to Gehazi,

2 Kings 5:20-27
Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” / So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?” / “Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘Look, two young men from the sons of the prophets have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’” …

2 Kings 8:4-6
Now the king had been speaking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, “Please relate to me all the great things Elisha has done.” / And Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had brought the dead back to life. Just then the woman whose son Elisha had revived came to appeal to the king for her house and her land. So Gehazi said, “My lord the king, this is the woman, and this is the son Elisha restored to life.” / When the king asked the woman, she confirmed it. So the king appointed for her an officer, saying, “Restore all that was hers, along with all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the country until now.”

2 Kings 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
“Now tell her,

2 Kings 5:10-14
Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.” / But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy. / Are not the Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not have washed in them and been cleansed?” So he turned and went away in a rage. …

Genesis 18:10-14
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?” …

1 Kings 17:13-14
“Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son, / for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’”
‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us.

Genesis 18:3-5
“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. / 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.”

Genesis 24:18-19
“Drink, my lord,” she replied, and she quickly lowered her jar to her hands and gave him a drink. / After she had given him a drink, she said, “I will also draw water for your camels, until they have had enough to drink.”

1 Samuel 25:18-19
Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys / and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.
What can we do for you?

2 Kings 2:9
After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” “Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

1 Kings 3:5
One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”

Esther 7:2-3
and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” / Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request.
Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’”

Esther 4:8
Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people.

1 Kings 1:15-21
So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him. / And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?” / “My lord,” she replied, “you yourself swore to your maidservant by the LORD your God: ‘Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne.’ …

2 Samuel 14:4-7
When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” / “What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead. / And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him. …
“I have a home among my own people,” she replied.

2 Kings 8:1-6
Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, you and your household; go and live as a foreigner wherever you can. For the LORD has decreed that a seven-year famine will come to the land.” / So the woman had proceeded to do as the man of God had instructed. And she and her household lived as foreigners for seven years in the land of the Philistines. / At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land. …


Treasury of Scripture

And he said to him, Say now to her, Behold, you have been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for you? would you be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among my own people.

thou hast

Matthew 10:40-42
He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me…

Luke 9:3-5
And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece…

Romans 16:2,6
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also…

to the king

2 Kings 3:15-18
But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him…

2 Kings 8:3-6
And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land…

Genesis 14:24
Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

to the captain

2 Kings 9:5
And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain.

2 Samuel 19:13
And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

1 Kings 3:23
Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.

I dwell

1 Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain…

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

among mine

2 Kings 8:1
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.

Ruth 1:1-4
Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons…

Psalm 37:3
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

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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












and Elisha said to Gehazi
Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, often worked through his servant Gehazi. This reflects the common practice of prophets having attendants or disciples. Gehazi's role is significant as he acts as an intermediary, highlighting the hierarchical structure in prophetic ministry. This mirrors the relationship between Moses and Joshua or Paul and Timothy, where mentorship and delegation are key.

Now tell her
Elisha instructs Gehazi to communicate with the Shunammite woman, showing respect and gratitude for her hospitality. This reflects the cultural norms of the time, where direct communication between men and women, especially of different social standings, was often mediated. It also underscores the importance of gratitude and acknowledgment in relationships, a theme echoed in the New Testament with Jesus' interactions with those who served Him.

‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us.
The Shunammite woman had provided a room and sustenance for Elisha, demonstrating the biblical principle of hospitality. This act of kindness is reminiscent of the hospitality shown to angels in Genesis 18 by Abraham and Sarah. It highlights the virtue of serving God's messengers, which is rewarded by God, as seen in Hebrews 13:2.

What can we do for you?
Elisha's question reflects the biblical principle of reciprocity and blessing those who bless God's servants. This is akin to the promise given to Abraham in Genesis 12:3, where those who bless God's people are blessed in return. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of giving and receiving, as seen in Luke 6:38.

Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’
Elisha offers to use his influence to benefit the woman, indicating his respected position in Israel. This reflects the interconnectedness of spiritual and political spheres in ancient Israel, where prophets often advised kings, as seen with Nathan and David. It also shows the prophet's role as an intercessor, a type of Christ who intercedes on behalf of humanity.

“I have a home among my own people,” she replied.
The Shunammite woman's response indicates contentment and a sense of belonging within her community. This reflects the biblical value of contentment and the importance of community, as seen in Philippians 4:11-12. Her reply also suggests a deep trust in God's provision, paralleling the faith of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elisha
A prophet of God, successor to Elijah, known for performing miracles and serving as a spiritual leader in Israel.

2. Gehazi
Elisha's servant, who acts as an intermediary between Elisha and others.

3. The Shunammite Woman
A wealthy and hospitable woman from Shunem who provides for Elisha and his servant.

4. Shunem
A town in the territory of Issachar, where the Shunammite woman resides.

5. The King and the Commander of the Army
Representing the political and military authority in Israel, whom Elisha offers to speak to on behalf of the Shunammite woman.
Teaching Points
The Value of Hospitality
The Shunammite woman's hospitality towards Elisha demonstrates the importance of serving others and being generous with our resources.

Contentment in God's Provision
Her response, "I have a home among my own people," reflects a heart of contentment and satisfaction with what God has provided, teaching us to appreciate our current blessings.

God's Recognition of Our Service
Elisha's offer to speak on her behalf shows that God notices and values our acts of service, even when we do not seek recognition or reward.

Intercession and Advocacy
Elisha's willingness to intercede for the Shunammite woman illustrates the role of spiritual leaders as advocates for others, pointing to Christ as our ultimate intercessor.

Trust in God's Timing
The Shunammite woman's account encourages us to trust in God's timing and plan, as her later blessing of a son demonstrates God's perfect provision.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 4:13?

2. How does 2 Kings 4:13 demonstrate the importance of hospitality in Christian life?

3. What can we learn about gratitude from Elisha's offer in 2 Kings 4:13?

4. How does Elisha's question in 2 Kings 4:13 reflect God's care for us?

5. In what ways can we serve others as Elisha served in 2 Kings 4:13?

6. How does 2 Kings 4:13 connect with Jesus' teachings on serving others?

7. What does 2 Kings 4:13 reveal about God's provision for His faithful servants?

8. How does the Shunammite woman's response in 2 Kings 4:13 demonstrate contentment?

9. What cultural significance does the offer in 2 Kings 4:13 hold in ancient Israel?

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

11. Where is the historical or archaeological evidence that any of these miracles in 2 Kings 4 took place?

12. How does the resurrection of the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4:18-37) align with or contradict other biblical resurrection accounts?

13. How could only twenty loaves feed a hundred men (2 Kings 4:42-44) if the story is not embellished?

14. How could the widow's oil multiply endlessly (2 Kings 4:1-7) without violating natural laws?
What Does 2 Kings 4:13 Mean
Elisha said to Gehazi

Elisha, the prophet of God, delegates the conversation to his servant, modeling orderly spiritual authority (2 Kings 4:12; cf. Exodus 18:24–25). This detail reminds us that God often channels His work through trusted servants (Acts 6:3–4). It also underlines that Elisha’s heart is pastoral, not aloof—he notices the woman’s faithfulness and wants to respond (1 Peter 5:2–3).


Now tell her, “Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us

The Shunammite has provided a furnished upper room and daily hospitality (2 Kings 4:8–11). Scripture affirms that God sees every cup of cold water given in His name (Matthew 10:41–42; Hebrews 6:10). Her “trouble” is viewed by heaven as a fragrant offering, echoing the widow of Zarephath’s care for Elijah (1 Kings 17:9–16).


What can we do for you?

• Elisha’s question reflects the principle of reciprocal blessing (Luke 10:7; Galatians 6:7).

• It shows that godly leaders do not take advantage of generosity (Romans 13:8).

• The phrase anticipates God’s larger intent—to give her what she never dared ask (Ephesians 3:20).


Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?

Elisha offers political and military advocacy—rare access in an unstable era (2 Kings 6:8–12). Such influence could secure land, protection, or tax relief (2 Samuel 14:4–11). The prophet’s offer mirrors biblical examples of intercession before earthly authorities (Esther 4:13–16; Jeremiah 38:14–20), yet it also tests whether her hope rests in human power or in God (Psalm 20:7).


“I have a home among my own people,” she replied

Her humble refusal reveals:

• Contentment—she lacks nothing essential (Philippians 4:11–12; 1 Timothy 6:6).

• Security—she enjoys community standing that worldly titles cannot improve (Proverbs 3:33).

• Trust—by not leveraging Elisha’s offer, she demonstrates reliance on God’s care rather than on political connections (Psalm 16:5–6; Hebrews 13:5).

Unspoken, however, is the ache of barrenness (2 Kings 4:14). God sees beneath her words and gives the deepest desire of her heart, showcasing His initiative in blessing (Genesis 18:10–14).


summary

2 Kings 4:13 captures a tender exchange in which Elisha seeks to honor a faithful woman’s hospitality. His offer of royal advocacy underscores that God remembers and rewards even hidden service. The Shunammite’s contented answer highlights the beauty of quiet trust and the freedom that comes from not grasping at earthly status. In the verses that follow, the Lord grants her a son, proving that when we rest satisfied in Him, He delights to exceed our expectations.

(13) And he said unto him--i.e., Elisha, as he lay on the bed (2Kings 4:11), had charged Gehazi to say this when he called their hostess. It is hardly likely that Elisha communicated with her through his servant in order to save his own dignity. He may have thought she would express her wishes more freely to Gehazi than to himself.

Thou hast been careful . . . with all this care.--Literally, trembled all this trembling. Comp. Luke 10:41 (?????????).

Wouldest thou be spoken for to the king?--Literally, is it to speak for thee to the king? that is, dost thou stand in need of an advocate at court? Is there any boon thou desirest from the king? This shows what influence Elisha enjoyed at the time: but it does not prove that Jehu, whom he anointed, was already on the throne, for Jehoram respected and probably feared the prophet.

The captain of the host.--The commander-in- chief, who was the most powerful person next the king.

I dwell among mine own people.--Literally, In the midst of my people I am dwelling--scil., far from the court and courtly interests. I have nothing to seek from such exalted personages; I am a mere commoner living quietly in the country.

Verse 13. - And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful - literally, anxious - for us with all this care - or, anxiety; i.e. thou hast taken all this trouble in lodging both me and my servant, and in attending on us - what is to be done for thee? or, What is there that thou wouldest have done for thee? Is there anything that we can do for thee in return? Wouldest thou be spoken for to the king? Elisha assumes that he has credit at court, and offers to use it in the Shunammite's favor, if she has any request to prefer. We see something of his influence in 2 Kings 6:9-12, 21-23; 2 Kings 8:4-6. Or to the captain of the host? i.e. the person whose authority and influence was next to that of the king. And she answered, I dwell among mine own people; i.e. "The court is nothing to me. I want nothing from it. I have no wrong to complain of, no quarrel with any of my neighbors, so as to need the help of one m power. I dwell peaceably among them. They are 'my own people' - friends or dependents." The reply is that of one perfectly content with her position. Perhaps she aims at impressing on Elisha that she has had no selfish motive in what she has done for him, but has merely wished to honor God in his prophet.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and [Elisha] said
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to Gehazi,
ל֗וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

“Now
נָ֣א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

tell
אֱמָר־ (’ĕ·mār-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

her,
אֵלֶיהָ֮ (’ê·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

‘Look,
הִנֵּ֣ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

you have gone to all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

this
הַזֹּאת֒ (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

trouble
חָרַ֣דְתְּ ׀ (ḥā·raḏt)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 2729: To shudder with terror, to fear, to hasten

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

What
מֶ֚ה (meh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

can we do for you?
לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

Can we speak
לְדַבֶּר־ (lə·ḏab·ber-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

on your behalf to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the king
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

or
א֖וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

the commander
שַׂ֣ר (śar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of the army?’”
הַצָּבָ֑א (haṣ·ṣā·ḇā)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

“I
אָנֹכִ֥י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

have a home
יֹשָֽׁבֶת׃ (yō·šā·ḇeṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

among
בְּת֥וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

my own people,”
עַמִּ֖י (‘am·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

she replied.
וַתֹּ֕אמֶר (wat·tō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT History: 2 Kings 4:13 He said to him Say now (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 4:12
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