Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!” New Living Translation “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.” English Standard Version 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.” Berean Standard Bible 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.” Berean Literal Bible And he said, “This time next year of life, you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, O man of God, do not lie to your maidservant.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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!” New American Standard Bible 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.” NASB 1995 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 maidservant.” NASB 1977 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.” Legacy Standard Bible 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.” Amplified Bible 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.” Berean Annotated Bible 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 {Elohim}. Christian Standard Bible 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.” Holman Christian Standard Bible 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 deceive your servant.” American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version 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." English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation 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." Good News Translation 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!" International Standard Version 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!" NET Bible 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!" New Heart English Bible 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." Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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.” World English Bible 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.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand 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.” Berean Literal Bible And he said, “This time next year of life, you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, O man of God, do not lie to your maidservant.” Young's Literal Translation 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.' Smith's Literal Translation 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. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe 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. Catholic Public Domain Version 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.” New American Bible 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.” New Revised Standard Version 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.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd 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. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated 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!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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.' Brenton Septuagint Translation 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. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Shunammite Woman…15“Call her,” said Elisha. So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway. 16And 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.” 17But the woman did conceive, and at that time the next year she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.… Cross References And Elisha declared, 2 Kings 7:1 Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the LORD says: ‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel.’” Deuteronomy 18:18-19 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. / And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name. 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.’” “At this time next year, Genesis 17:21 But I will establish My covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year.” Genesis 18:10 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. Genesis 18:14 Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.” you will hold a son in your arms.” Luke 1:13 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. Genesis 21:1-2 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. 1 Samuel 1:20 So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.” “No, my lord,” she said. 1 Samuel 1:15-16 “No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have not had any wine or strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD. / Do not take your servant for a wicked woman, for all this time I have been praying out of the depth of my anguish and grief.” Genesis 18:15 But Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.” Luke 1:18 “How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” 1 Kings 17:24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth.” Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? 1 Kings 17:18 “O man of God,” said the woman to Elijah, “what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity and cause the death of my son?” 1 Samuel 1:17-20 “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. … Treasury of Scripture 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 Genesis 17:21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. Genesis 18:10,14 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 Genesis 17:16,17 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… Luke 1:13,30,31 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 2 Kings 2:19 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 2 Kings 18:9 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. Psalm 116:11 I said in my haste, All men are liars. Luke 1:18-20 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years… Jump to Previous Appointed Arms Elisha Embrace Embracing False. Handmaid Hold Lie Maidservant Mislead Objected Round Season Term TimeJump to Next Appointed Arms Elisha Embrace Embracing False. Handmaid Hold Lie Maidservant Mislead Objected Round Season Term Time2 Kings 4 1. Elisha multiplies the widow's oil8. 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 declared Elisha, the successor of Elijah, is a prominent prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His ministry is marked by miracles and acts of compassion, reflecting God's power and presence among His people. Elisha's declaration is authoritative, indicating his role as a spokesperson for God. Prophets often delivered messages that were direct and carried divine authority, as seen in other instances like Nathan's confrontation with David (2 Samuel 12:7). 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.” Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet of God who succeeded Elijah. Known for performing miracles and being a conduit of God's power and messages. 2. Shunammite Woman A wealthy and hospitable woman from Shunem who showed kindness to Elisha by providing him with a place to stay. She is central to this account as the recipient of Elisha's prophecy. 3. Shunem A town in the territory of Issachar, where the Shunammite woman lived. It is significant as the setting for this miraculous event. 4. Prophecy of a Son The event where Elisha prophesies that the Shunammite woman will have a son, despite her initial disbelief. 5. Man of God A term used to refer to prophets like Elisha, emphasizing their role as messengers and representatives of God's will. Teaching Points Faith in God's PromisesDespite her initial disbelief, the Shunammite woman's account encourages believers to trust in God's promises, even when they seem impossible. Hospitality and Blessing The Shunammite woman's hospitality towards Elisha demonstrates how acts of kindness can lead to unexpected blessings from God. God's Timing The prophecy's fulfillment "at this time next year" reminds us that God's timing is perfect and often requires patience and trust. Role of Prophets Elisha's role as a "man of God" underscores the importance of spiritual leaders who convey God's messages and guide His people. Miracles and Faith The miraculous birth of the Shunammite woman's son illustrates the power of faith and God's ability to work beyond human limitations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 4:16?2. How does 2 Kings 4:16 demonstrate God's power to fulfill promises today? 3. What can we learn about faith from the Shunammite woman's response? 4. How does this verse connect with God's promises to Sarah in Genesis 18:10? 5. In what ways can we trust God's timing in our own lives? 6. How can we support others in believing God's promises like Elisha did? 7. How does 2 Kings 4:16 demonstrate God's power over human circumstances and limitations? 8. What does 2 Kings 4:16 reveal about God's promises and their fulfillment? 9. How does the Shunammite woman's response in 2 Kings 4:16 reflect faith or doubt? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 4? 11. How does the resurrection of the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4:18-37) align with or contradict other biblical resurrection accounts? 12. How can 2 Kings 16:3 be reconciled with a supposedly just God if Ahaz is recorded as sacrificing his own son? 13. How could the widow's oil multiply endlessly (2 Kings 4:1-7) without violating natural laws? 14. 2 Samuel 4:8-11 - How can David both punish the men for killing Ishbosheth and still claim God's hand in his rise to power without contradiction? What Does 2 Kings 4:16 Mean And Elisha declaredElisha stands as God’s authorized voice, so his words carry the full weight of divine certainty (cf. 2 Kings 3:16–18 where his prophecy brings water; 1 Kings 17:24 where the widow affirms, “the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth”). When the prophet “declared,” he was not offering a wish but relaying the Lord’s settled intent. The scene follows the woman’s generous hospitality (2 Kings 4:8–10) and Elisha’s earlier inquiry, “What can be done for her?” (v. 14). God replies through His prophet with a gift that eclipses any favor she could have imagined, echoing Ephesians 3:20—a God who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” At this time next year The promise is precise. God often dates His pledges, underscoring both His sovereignty over time and His faithfulness. Genesis 18:10 shows the same time-stamped assurance to Sarah: “at this time next year….” The fulfillment arrives in 2 Kings 4:17 exactly as foretold, reminding us that “In the fullness of time, God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4); heaven’s calendar never slips. Believers can rest knowing every divine appointment is kept. You will hold a son in your arms Here is not merely conception but a living child tangibly embraced. The wording recalls Hannah who later “took the boy in her arms” after Samuel’s birth (1 Samuel 1:17–20). A son also signals legacy and security in Israelite culture (Psalm 127:3–5). For this woman, previously resigned to barrenness, it is sheer grace. The promise highlights: • God’s creative power (Romans 4:17, “God…calls things into being that were not”). • His compassion toward unspoken longings, as “He grants the desire of those who fear Him” (Psalm 145:19). • A preview of greater joys—just as Mary literally held the promised Child (Luke 2:28), so every believer will one day grasp fulfilled hope in Christ. No, my lord Her immediate response mixes courtesy (“my lord”) with startled disbelief. Years of disappointment had trained her heart to silence its yearning. Proverbs 13:12 observes, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Rather than leap into naïve optimism, she shields herself. Yet her respectful address shows she still honors God’s messenger, paralleling Peter’s “Depart from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8)—an instinctive recoil before holy intervention. Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God She fears the cruelty of raised but unrealized hope. “Lie” here conveys the dread of shattered trust, not an accusation of habitual deceit. Her words echo Jacob’s “If I am bereaved, I am bereaved” (Genesis 43:14)—a heart braced for pain. Elisha’s silence at this point (v. 17 simply states the outcome) shows that God’s promises require no defense; fulfillment is the only answer. The episode illustrates that faith often begins amid trembling, yet God is patient, meeting wavering hearts with undeniable reality (Mark 9:24, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”). summary 2 Kings 4:16 captures a moment when God, through Elisha, breaks into an ordinary life with an extraordinary promise. The timed pledge, the gift of a son, and the woman’s cautious reply together teach that: • God speaks with absolute authority and precision. • His timing is exact and His promises unfailing. • He delights to give beyond our guarded expectations. • Even tentative faith is answered with concrete mercy. The verse ultimately points to the character of a God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2) and who turns impossible hopes into living testimonies of His faithfulness. (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 Genesis 18:10; Genesis 18:15. B”ttcher 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. Isaiah 58:11.) We can imagine the emotion with which this would be said. (Comp. the incredulity of Sarah, Genesis 18:12-13.) . . . 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.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And Elisha declared,וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “At this הַזֶּה֙ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that time לַמּוֹעֵ֤ד (lam·mō·w·‘êḏ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting next year, כָּעֵ֣ת (kā·‘êṯ) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6256: Time, now, when you אַ֖תְּ (’at) Pronoun - second person feminine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you will hold חֹבֶ֣קֶת (ḥō·ḇe·qeṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 2263: To clasp, embrace a son {in your arms}.” בֵּ֑ן (bên) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son “No, אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not my lord,” אֲדֹנִי֙ (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller she said. וַתֹּ֗אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not lie תְּכַזֵּ֖ב (tə·ḵaz·zêḇ) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3576: To lie, be a liar to your maidservant, בְּשִׁפְחָתֶֽךָ׃ (bə·šip̄·ḥā·ṯe·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 8198: Maid, maidservant O man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of God.” הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Links 2 Kings 4:16 NIV2 Kings 4:16 NLT 2 Kings 4:16 ESV 2 Kings 4:16 NASB 2 Kings 4:16 KJV 2 Kings 4:16 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 4:16 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 4:16 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 4:16 French Bible 2 Kings 4:16 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 4:16 He said At this season when (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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