What does 2 Kings 4:16 mean?
"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." - 2 Kings 4:16
2 Kings 4:16 (KJV) reads, "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."
This verse is found in the Old Testament and is part of the story of Elisha, who was a prophet in the ancient kingdom of Israel. The prophet Elisha was known for his miracles and acts of God's power, and this verse is a part of one of the miracles that Elisha performed.
In this verse, Elisha had told a woman, who had been kind to him, that she would bear a son within the following year. The woman responded in disbelief, likely because she had been unable to conceive and bear children, and she was advanced in years. Her response "Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid" expresses her disbelief and disbelief in Elisha's declaration.
The theme of this verse is one of faith and divine intervention. The woman's initial disbelief and doubt are natural, but Elisha's prophecy comes to pass as the woman eventually conceives and gives birth to a son. This story serves as a testament to the power of God and the ability of faith to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. The woman in this story had been kind and hospitable to Elisha, and as a result of her good deeds, Elisha wanted to bless her. This demonstrates the biblical principle of reaping what you sow, as the woman's hospitality was rewarded with the blessing of a child.
The symbolism in this verse can be interpreted in a few different ways. On a basic level, it symbolizes the fulfillment of a promise. Elisha's prophecy comes to fruition, and the woman is blessed with a son. This represents the idea that God is faithful to His promises and that He is able to bring about the seemingly impossible.
Additionally, the birth of the son in this story can be seen as a symbol of new life and hope. The woman had likely given up on the idea of ever having a child, but through God's power, she is able to conceive and bring forth new life. This can be seen as a metaphor for God's ability to bring new life and hope into seemingly hopeless situations.
Overall, 2 Kings 4:16 is a powerful testament to the faithfulness of God and the importance of trusting in His promises. It serves as a reminder that God is able to do the impossible and that He can bring new life and hope into even the most difficult circumstances. The story of Elisha and the woman who bore a son is a timeless lesson in faith, hope, and the power of God's intervention in the lives of His people.
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2 Kings 4:16 - "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."
"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." - 2 Kings 4:16
2 Kings 16:4 - "And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."
1 Kings 4:16 - "Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth:"
2 Kings 16:16 - "Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded."
2 Kings 4:4-5
"And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree." - 2 Kings 16:4
"Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth:" - 1 Kings 4:16
2 Kings 3:16-19
2 Kings 16:19 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 14:16 - "And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 6:16 - "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
2 Kings 12:16 - "The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'."
2 Chronicles 28:16 - "¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him."
2 Kings 3:16 - "And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches."
1 Kings 16:4 - "Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat."
2 Kings 16:1 - "In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign."
2 Kings 16:8 - "And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria."
"Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded." - 2 Kings 16:16
2 Kings 16:12 - "And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon."
2 Kings 10:4 - "But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?"
2 Kings 16:18 - "And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria."
2 Chronicles 16:11 - "¶ And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."
2 Kings 11:16 - "And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain."
2 Kings 9:16 - "So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram."
2 Kings 16:3 - "But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel."
1 Kings 2:16 - "And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on."
2 Kings 4:11 - "And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there."
2 Kings 10:16 - "And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot."